When was your first encounter with music?
My first encounter with music was probably at the age of 2-3, when I got a tiny Fisher price toy piano. My mom says she remembers me trying to figure out how to play melodies I had heard through trial-and-error. I didn’t start any formal training in music until I picked up a clarinet in 5th grade, but I never stopped trying to “figure things out.”
When/How did you start composing?
I didn’t start composing until college, when a mentor suggested I take a group composition class. The class started with small projects, like writing a short solo for your instrument (which in my case was clarinet) or creating a melody inspired by a subject that somebody else chose for you. Through these projects something sort of “clicked” for me- composing felt very natural and exciting, and I knew I had to keep doing it.
When did you decide to make music your career?
I’m not sure if I ever definitively decided to have a career in music. Music just always felt right to me, so I followed that feeling. It’s taken me on quite the adventure so far!
What is your favorite memory of a performance?
I don’t know if I can decide on just one! My favorite performances are the ones I put on with my friends- sharing experiences with musicians I respect and care about is one of the main reasons I write music. I think my new favorite may be the recital I put on this year with my friend and fellow composer Andrew Rodriguez. We worked really hard to put it together, and it was a lot of fun.
What do you like to do outside of music?
I love spending time outside when I can! I also have a lot of fun cooking, although I’m not very good at it yet. But if anybody has recipes they’d like to share, let me know!
Explore more on Cassie’s website and SoundCloud page!