This summer had record temperatures of 103, completely sweltering. That didn’t stop our amazing music students from bettering themselves and honing in on their craft! Vienna Notarianni, majoring in popular & commercial music, spent her summer going on tour. She kicked off with her first gig in Brooklyn, NY.
“After my first show, I met up with an old friend, watching as the Knicks won for the first time in 53 years, which was crazy,” Vienna said. The experience was an amazing way to start off her adventure.
Mac NL is another student who spent the entire summer bustling with prideful ambition. He spent the majority of his time in the studio perfecting his craft. He also extended his reachthis summer by partnering with different brands on social media, promoting their products with various photoshoots and Instagram reels with Loyola alumni, Kai da Lua.
“New Orleans means everything to me and connecting with the community here is all I could’ve asked for,” Mac said.
Both students have had a passion for music since they were young. Vienna has been working since she was 15, constantly playing music and improving her vocals. Mac has been in the rap game since he was 14, marketing himself at such a young age all on his own. Vienna recalls playing piano on her front porch and getting scouted by the owner of a winery down the street. Her music impressed him, and thus she landed the first gig that would set the stage for the rest of her life.
They each commented on Loyola and how it helped frame their success for the summer as well. Both musicians shouted out to Professor Reid Martin for his booking & management classes, as it allowed them to navigate how to get gigs and put their names out into the world.
“Reid Martin is a great mentor, always available to help and makes time for his students when he could be doing something much more important,” Mac said.
Using the knowledge she gained at Loyola and experience she acquired over the years, Vienna was able to accomplish something she’d been wanting to for so long.
“As a queer artist, I’ve been dreaming about playing “Hagerstown Pride” in my hometown, and finally able to do that was such a beautiful thing to give to my community,” Vienna said.
The music industry is a competitive environment to break into. Loyola offers a strong foundation, and that structure is needed to achieve dreams. Professor Ed Wise, also known as Pop, is an incredibly welcoming teacher, someone who truly looks out for his students, and gives sage advice to the students that need to hear it.
“Every gig you play is like an audition for the next gig you’re gonna play, you gotta be aself-starter, and Loyola provides the framework to do that,” Pop said.
