Gavin Diehl

Music Composition and Production (BMus) '21

What would you say was the most surprising thing you learned at Columbia?

I learned that people are a lot more willing to collaborate than you might think. You can feel like you might get lost in a sea of talent that Columbia has. So, it was surprising how many people would actually take the time to listen to your ideas and tell you what they think.

What experiences or courses at Columbia do you feel have been most beneficial?

Before the pandemic, I was able to plan a weekly student open mic with the help of student government and the Music Department staff. It was a great experience to organize something of my own and give students a chance to showcase their talents.

What are your plans for after graduation?

I am keeping my scope wide. I hope to write music for television, movies, commercials, theatre, artists, festivals, and everything in-between. I also want to return for a second bachelor’s to continue my journey of becoming a certified interpreter.

Do you have any advice for current students?

Experience as many new things as you can. Columbia is a place where you are encouraged to fight for your education while being an innovator [for] a whole new generation of artists. Don’t take that for granted.

If you were going to sum up your experience at Columbia in one sentence, what would you say?

My time at Columbia marks the time in my life that I grew up faster than I ever have before and bloomed into a person my pre-college self wouldn’t recognize.