Trevor Dean Stewart

Music Composition BMus '23

“Following your true passions and interests is accepted here at Columbia,” says recent Music Composition graduate Trevor Dean Stewart. “Even if it is something new that you’ve never tried, Columbia will make it possible to reach your goals.”

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

Following your true passions and interests is accepted here at Columbia. Even if it is something new that you’ve never tried, Columbia will make it possible to reach your goals. I entered college thinking I had to take the most practical route in music, but I was surprised to find that you can still lead a good life following your passions and creating your own path.

What individuals or programs at Columbia were helpful to you in reaching your goal of graduating?  

Halfway through my time at Columbia, , decided to switch my focus to learning jazz. My jazz composition teacher, Scott Hall, and jazz guitar teacher, Bill Boris, have helped me achieve my goals, given me opportunities, and believed in me even though I had no previous experience in jazz. The composition faculty, including Ilya Levinson and Sebastian Huydts, have also given me so many professional skills and helped me become a well-rounded composer. I have been fortunate enough to have my arrangements played at the Auditorium Theatre at last year’s commencement ceremonies and at the Jazz Showcase this semester thanks to my teacher and mentor, Scott Hall.

What are your plans for after graduation? 

I plan to pursue a Master of Music degree in Jazz Studies (Jazz Composition concentration) at DePaul University and start composing, arranging, and performing professionally in Chicago.

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

I have found the freedom to explore at Columbia.