Harmonizing a Career
By William Franco Espinosa
“There were a lot of parts in my undergrad where I felt I was not good enough,” said William Grace about his time working for his bachelor’s degree at the Herb Alpert School of Music in the University of California, Los Angeles. “But you kind of have to look at yourself and decide ‘Are you going to quit or are you going to keep working.’’
Church attendees listen to the orchestral performance in an Easter Sunday service in the United Armenian Congregational Church April 9, 2023, Los Angeles, Calif.
Grace's latest educational achievement is a master’s degree in music from the University of Southern California. He is currently pursuing a music education credential at California State University, Northridge to broaden his professional opportunities in his field considering how highly competitive the music industry can be.
William Grace’s french horn rests on a table in a bookroom in the United Armenian Congregational Church April 9, 2023, Los Angeles, Calif. Grace is hopeful that the music education credential he is pursuing opens opportunities to “help other students through some things I have struggled with before.”
He is also hopeful that the credentials he is pursuing opens opportunities to “help other students through some things I have struggled with before.”
William Grace’s notes display on his iPad Pro while performing in an Easter Sunday service in the United Armenian Congregational Church April 9, 2023, Los Angeles, Calif. “As I got older, I definitely see the value in [going to college], the connections that you make in higher education are the ones that will really propel you forward into your career.
William Grace readies himself for his gig at the United Armenian Congregational Church April 9, 2023, Los Angeles, Calif. When discouraged, Grace reminded himself to trust in one's own ability to continue moving forward, “I needed to resolve to be a better player, if my best wasn't good enough then I would have to make my best better. Believing in yourself that you can make your own dream come true if you work hard enough.”
William Grace is a professional French horn player with a master’s in music. He is currently pursuing his education further at California State University, Northridge, where he is studying to obtain music education credentials.
Just like many college students, Grace found himself climbing mountains to reach his educational goals and despite reaching peaks, he looks ahead to climb some more.
William Grace buttons his coat before his performance in an Easter Sunday service in the United Armenian Congregational Church April 9, 2023, Los Angeles, Calif. With the music industry being highly competitive, this encouraged Grace to pursue his masters. “Being in that competitive environment drives you to be better, but college also allows you to make those connections, networks that allow you to find jobs in the future as well.”
William Grace plays his french horn in a rehearsal for an Easter Sunday service in the United Armenian Congregational Church April 8, 2023, Los Angeles, Calif. Passionate about obtaining his music education credentials, discouragement and uncertainty about his ability was common during his years at the University of California, Los Angeles. “There was a lot of parts in my undergrad where I felt I was not good enough compared to the other players in the studio and you kind of have to look at yourself and decide ‘are you going to quit or are you going to keep working,’:said Grace.
For those about to graduate, Grace recommends to “keep in touch with friends and connections, and make as many friends as possible.”
Church attendees look over to the orchestra in an Easter Sunday service in the United Armenian Congregational Church April 9, 2023, Los Angeles, Calif.
“I think being in this academic environment promotes self growth and it can change your perspective. I know some people who have gone in through music and left with some sort of pre-med degree, and I’ve seen it the other way around as well,” said Grace.
