UT Music Student Thrives Through Donor-Supported Opportunities
UT Music Student Thrives Through Donor-Supported Opportunities
By Abby Ann Ramsey Peters (’24)
A typical day on campus for Rebecca Deal looked a little bit different than what you’d expect for an average college student.
A flute player and instrumental music performance major, she was usually at the Natalie L. Haslam College of Music by 8 a.m., instrument in hand. Her classes, in addition to typical lectures, frequently consisted of rehearsals with various ensembles. She was on campus until 6 or 7 p.m. most nights, squeezing in an additional three to four hours of practice either during the day or when she got home. The work didn’t end there—Deal’s weekends were frequently packed with rehearsals and performances.
She just wrapped up her third year as an undergraduate at the University of Tennessee, Knoxville, but Deal’s day-to-day routine operated more like that of a professional flutist—real-world experience she’s grateful to gain before she goes on to use her talent to transform the lives of listeners and fellow musicians alike.
“My time at UT has more than adequately prepared me to be successful, and I will always look back and remember what a blessing it was to be able to attend such an exciting and inspiring university,” says Deal.
The Murfreesboro, Tennessee, native has held the principal flute position in both the UT Wind Ensemble and Symphony Orchestra since her sophomore year. A 2025 UT Concerto Competition winner, she has participated in local concerto competitions and scholarship competitions outside of the university. She also participated in community service through the Clay and Debbie Jones Center for Leadership and Service’s IGNITE program, and last summer, she studied abroad in Bologna, Italy.
Collaboration is deeply embedded within the Natalie L. Haslam College of Music. In ensembles like the UT Wind Ensemble, students work not only with their primary studio professors but also with faculty from across the college, gaining exposure to different musical perspectives, teaching styles, and approaches to performance.
“We genuinely care about our students and work together to support their growth and success,” says Assistant Professor of Flute Maria Fernanda Castillo. “When students such as Rebecca are pursuing ambitious goals, they benefit not only from the guidance of their primary teacher but also from the encouragement and expertise of faculty across the college.”
That sense of collaboration is key to students’ individual success and to the overall success of an ensemble or group of performers.
“If you sound great individually, but everyone else doesn’t, then you don’t sound great collectively. In an ensemble, you’re only as good as the worst person,” says Deal. “You have to work together and be willing to help one another, let go of pride, and humble yourself.
“When I was touring UT, I saw the level of collaboration in the music building, and the general idea of empowering students was immediately clear. It was a very unique atmosphere compared to other universities.”
“Whether it comes in the form of teaching, performing, or even just observing, music holds the power to transform lives.”
Rebecca Deal (Class of 2027)
When looking at colleges, Deal often thought about staying close to home to save money. College tuition can be a barrier for students to the education they need to chase the careers they want. Additional fees for music majors can make financial obstacles even greater.
An instrument can cost thousands—even tens of thousands—of dollars. That doesn’t include constant expenses like buying new music, repairing instruments, audition and application fees for programs and opportunities that propel music students to the next level. When Deal has recitals, she also pays a collaborative pianist to support her, and while travel opportunities abound, the funds for those can be hard to come by.
When an average day on campus for Deal includes hours upon hours of class and rehearsals, working outside of school isn’t feasible. On top of academic scholarships, Deal received the John J. Meacham Flute Scholarship and support from the Gerald W. Barnes Award.
“Without donor support, I just wouldn’t feel comfortable pursuing this as a career,” says Deal. “The opportunities I have been able to partake in would not have been possible otherwise, and I am forever grateful.”
The support of her family also fuels her to keep performing, keep auditioning, and keep playing so that she can share the beauty of music with the world. The support system in the Natalie L. Haslam College of Music, and specifically Castillo, has made this dream more possible.
Without donor support, I just wouldn’t feel comfortable pursuing this as a career. The opportunities I have been able to partake in would not have been possible otherwise, and I am forever grateful.”
Rebecca Deal (Class of 2027)
“I don’t think I would have gotten anywhere without Dr. Castillo,” says Deal. “This last year especially, I’ve grown so much because she’s pushed me in the right direction. She’s been very supportive and pushes me enough to encourage me, but without tearing me down.”
In such a competitive field, Deal wants to be the kind of musician who encourages her fellow musicians, like Castillo.
“In classical music, it’s easy to compare yourself to world-class musicians,” says Deal. “With my support system, I’ve come to have more confidence in myself and appreciate my playing. I feel like it would just be right to pay that forward.”
After graduating, Deal plans to pursue a master’s degree in instrumental music performance. She’s not sure yet if she’ll dedicate her career to auditioning and performing or if she’ll use her talents in other ways—like teaching—but she knows that the work she’s put in will make an impact.
“This past semester, I was just sitting in my car one day listening to this piece I was going to play, and it was so overwhelming how beautiful it was,” says Deal. “The thought that I could participate in something like that is incredibly rewarding. Even for people who aren’t as familiar with music, just being able to engage with something like that can be mind altering.
“Whether it comes in the form of teaching, performing, or even just observing, music holds the power to transform lives.”
