Renato Volpi

Major: Music Business

Hometown: Curitiba, Brazil

Past life: I was in law school for almost four years back in Brazil. I kinda liked it, but I didn’t love it. I realized that if I didn’t work with something I was really passionate about, I would be miserable forever. That’s the reason I applied to Columbia.

Childhood ambition: I had three options in my mind: professional tennis player, professional soccer player, or rock star! I wasn’t any good at sports, so I guess I have better chances with the third option... ha ha ha.

Dream job: To work with music. Right now I am trying to make it as an artist but if that doesn’t happen, I would be very happy to work on a record label.

Something I learned the hard way: Luck only helps people who work hard. If you’re lazy, there’s no way things will come your way.

Favorite class / teacher: New Millennium Studies with Warren Johnson. He was one of the coolest teachers I’ve ever had.

Insider secret about Columbia: The best place to hang out on campus is the Multicultural Affairs Lounge.

My friends at “normal” colleges are jealous of: Me living in Chicago

Music that puts me in the mood to get creative: Alkaline Trio, the Red Hot Chili Peppers, Strike Anywhere, The Living End, and Thrice

Most necessary tool for creating: My guitar

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