A little about me:
I played the last chord on my guitar and let it ring. There was a moment of the lingering notes and the silence of the crowd. After a few quiet moments, the audience began to applaud and rise to its feet. That feeling never gets old and I let out a deep breath as the satisfaction set in. This had been open mic night at my songwriting summer camp and it was the debut of my latest original song, and it reinforced my conviction that this is what I’m meant to do with my life.
I grew up listening to artists ranging from the Beatles, The Velvet Underground, Sonic Youth and Patti Smith, and they greatly informed my musical development. Vocally, I’ve been inspired by Etta James, Patti Smith, Nico and Linda Ronstadt, among others. More recently, the artists that have influenced my sonic sensibilities have included Vampire Weekend, Phoebe Bridgers, Alex G and Radiohead.
I have always been confident performing cover songs, even in front of large crowds, from the time I sang Adele at my 3rd grade talent show; however, when I started to write my own music, I really began to discover myself as a musician. I was inspired to start writing songs because I could create whatever picture I wanted using sound and lyrics. As I have continued to compose music, I have found that it is a healthy outlet for self-reflection — almost a form a therapy for me.
My goal as a music student is to continue developing my musical skills. In particular, I am hoping to dig deeper into what it means to be a creative artist and how to reflect that in my work. I also want to continue developing my skills as a live performer, including my guitar and bass proficiency (although I think my main instrument will always be my voice). As long as I keep learning and developing, my songs will keep getting better.
I am a good collaborator with other musicians, as evidenced by my experiences as student leader in choir, orchestra and the school’s a cappella group. I have also co-written songs with others, including at Interlochen Arts Camp. Through these experiences I’ve learned how to create a good environment for collaboration and good ensemble work. Because creating music can be such a vulnerable endeavor, it is important to foster support for yourself and others.
I am driven to achieve in my academic and musical career, and I believe I would be an asset for, and a valued contributor to, the school I attend.
Music studies:
Columbia High School Maplewood, NJ
(Expected Graduation June 2022)
● Choir - four years
○ Canens Vocem Honors Treble Choir (three years): section leader
● Masterworks Chamber Orchestra (String Bass) - four years
○ Class leader/student conductor (senior year)
Tim Welch Vocal Studio Maplewood, NJ
● Private voice lessons (four years)
○ Emily Zapata (Director of Training, Certified Vocalogist), instructor
Interlochen Arts Camp Interlochen, MI
● Summer 2021 Singer-Songwriter Major
○ Featured instructors: Shane Adams, Andrew Dost, Ally Lubera
Music Activities:
● Noteworthy -- Columbia High School treble a cappella group (four years)
○ Leadership team member (two years)
● CHS All-School Musical (four years); Ensemble cast member and featured vocals
○ Mary Poppins (2019)
○ Matilda (2020 and 2021 post-COVID revival)
○ Hindsight (2021 - filmed musical revue during COVID)
○ Newsies (upcoming in 2022)
● Independent songwriting and music production
○ Soundcloud under the name Olivia Jain (see link at bottom)
● Background vocals on recording sessions
○ The Melancholy Kings (“Anne Marie”, “Eighth Avenue”, “Come Back Baby”); Magic Door Recording, Montclair, NJ
Instruments:
● Voice (primary instrument); eight years formal training
● String bass; seven years
● Electric bass; eight years
● Guitar; five years
● Ukulele: four years
Other Leadership Activities
● Girl Scout Ambassador
○ 4th grade - present
○ Silver Award 2019
(Created a support group for siblings of people with special needs)
● Private Academic Tutor 2020-21
○ High school level English, History