Alumni Highlights: Megan Eagen-Jones


Name: Megan Eagen-Jones
Major at ISU: Physics and Music Composition
Graduation Year: 2007
Hometown: Rochester, MN
Current Residence: Urbana, IL

 

 

 

 

 

What were you involved in during your time at ISU:
A lot of stuff: Music ensembles, the honors program, the Royal Scottish Country Dance Society, and running club.

What do you currently do for a living:
I am currently the Musicologist and administrator at UIUC School of Music.

Can you share a particularly interesting or inspiring story that occurred in your career?
I can briefly share that undergraduate mentorship from doctors, Jonathan Sturm and Jeffrey Prater changed my life. Jonathan Sturm offered me an opportunity to TA for him as an undergraduate, which ultimately led to my applying to musicology graduate programs. Programs. Dr. Prater was my primary composition instructor and spent countless one-on-one hours mentoring my work.

Are there other ways that you participate in your community and/or how you engage as a Citizen Artist?
Not since the pandemic, although I used to participate in a local Irish traditional music session. Hoping to resume that soon, and to offer community classes in Irish music.

How did your time at ISU prepare you for your career?
It was directly related since I am now working in a field, but I was introduced to this area as an undergraduate.

What was your favorite class while you were at ISU? Why?
My music history classes.

How was your involvement in music and theatre beneficial in different parts of your life?
It's a career that's also a lifestyle. It's very rewarding to be involved in music and, more broadly, to have a career that involves interacting with others in an artistic way.

Any words of wisdom for current or prospective students?
You'll be busy no matter what, so try everything!

Is there anything that you would like to share?
My experience as a study abroad student was also life-changing. Maybe the most impactful thing I did in those years of my life.