Introduce yourself!
My name is Anika Veda and I am a CMPI intern and an alum of the program, taking part from 2019-2022. I just graduated from Rice University with a Bachelor of Music in Flute Performance and will be starting at Yale School of Music in the fall for my Masters degree!
What impact did your time on CMPI have on your musical journey?
I joined CMPI unsure of where my future would take me. I was a freshman in high school when I first heard of CMPI and remember former Program Director Adrienne Thompson visiting my youth orchestra rehearsal to speak about the program. At the time, I thought it would be a great path to explore, considering I didn’t even realize being a professional musician was a career possibility. After multiple rounds of auditions, I was ecstatic to have been accepted into the program. As I went through multiple years in the program, I learned more about what went into a music degree and what being a professional musician entails. CMPI gave me the support needed to go all in and pursue my dreams.
What was your favorite memory as a part of CMPI?
My favorite memory from CMPI was taking part in the 2022 Pathways Orchestra. It was during my senior year of high school, and I remember it being the first time I had had the chance to play in an ensemble made up of people from underrepresented backgrounds. It was also a once in a lifetime experience to play alongside members of the Chicago Symphony, who I have looked up to my whole life, as well as being conducted by Maestro Riccardo Muti. It was a great experience to connect with many other musicians, who I am sure I will continue to run into in the future.
Reflect on your experience as an alum as well as an intern.
In the years since graduating from the program, I have been grateful for the numerous opportunities CMPI provided. I went into college with a lot of performance experience from having to perform in CMPI recitals and juries. I also felt well equipped for the journey ahead, now completely understanding the type of effort and skills needed to succeed as a musician. As an intern, it’s been valuable to see how much goes into running the program. Being able to sit in team meetings, interact with fellows, and learn about the inner workings of the program has been a great experience. Everyone is fully invested in the future of each student in the program, and it’s a reminder that it really does take a village! I am so happy to have been a part of this endeavor and would like to continue being involved in Pathways programs well into the future.
What are you most excited for in the future?
I am excited to start my Masters degree at Yale in the fall! I am looking forward to furthering my musical ability, and taking part in the chamber music and large ensemble opportunities Yale offers. I can’t wait to see where this next journey takes me!
What non-musical hobbies do you have?
I really enjoy hiking, road biking, weightlifting, reading, and crocheting!
Images
Anika Headshot