Name: Aaron Lott
Major at ISU: Music Performace
Graduation Year: 2012
Hometown: Ames, Iowa
Current Residence: Ames, Iowa
What were you involved in during your time at ISU?
ISU Singers, ISU Symphony Orchestra, ISU Symphonic Band, Shy of a Dozen, Opera Studio, various student ensembles and performances, etc.
What do you currently do for a living?
I own, run and teach at Lott Music Studio in Downtown Ames, and I accompany voice students at ISU and Drake University.
Can you share a particularly interesting or inspiring story that has occurred in your career?
After finishing my degree at ISU, I moved to London and studied a Master of Performance in Piano Accompaniment. My first year there, I felt insecure and behind others in my program. So I applied myself and work really hard, including playing for various classes like language diction, conducting, etc. By my second year, I was used as an example on how to work hard and apply yourself towards your goals for the incoming class. That encouraged me to continue pursuing other festivals and courses in Europe. Those experiences have carried me back to my hometown and to opening a music studio of my own.
Are there other ways that you participate in your community and/or how do you engage as a Citizen Artist?
I’m involved with MTCI (Music Teachers of Central Iowa) and I’m on the board for Town and Gown. I also take many opportunities to collaborate and perform with other local artists and schools.
How did your time at ISU prepare you for your career?
ISU helped set a good foundation for my education that I have been able to pull from during my career. In particular, working in various ensembles, music history and theory classes and being able to explore performing and learning various instruments.
What was your favorite experience in music or theatre at ISU?
My favorite experience was the choir that I went on tour with to South Korea; where we were able to experience a different culture and perform with professional choirs there.
What was your favorite class while you were at ISU? Why?
I have fond memories of many classes, but I would have to say that overall the class that I had the best experience in was the Opera Studio. It was fun to explore different operas of different genres and languages and put them together for a final performance.
How was your involvement in music and theatre beneficial in different parts of your life?
I come from a musical family; so music has always been an important part of my life. Music has been a great source for finding my community and likeminded people.
Any words of wisdom for current or prospective students?
I would encourage any prospective student to find a career they love and enjoy. For example, I believe that music should be enjoyed and shared; and even if you pursue it as a career, you should not loose that joy that draws you to it.
Is there anything that you would like to share?
Life changes in unexpected ways; when I was studying my masters degree I was highly focused on performing, and overtime I discovered my love for teaching, which is something I didn’t think I would like in my early 20s.