Chloe Kranz
Degree: BM, performance, cello concentration
College: Boyer College of Music and Dance
Hometown: Harvard, Massachusetts

Why I chose Temple: When I was looking into college I wasn t fully committed to pursuing music because there is the question of whether it s the most solid career path. I also applied to be a chemistry major because I enjoy that. But I ended up pursuing cello because I would have regretted it if I didn't at least try and take that chance. So, I chose Temple because it has so many different programs and I had the option to do other things if I wanted to venture off this path. I came to Temple thinking, I m not 100% sure if I m going to keep this major, but the longer I ve been here the more I ve been really enjoying it and I m happy I made this decision. I ve enjoyed playing the cello and getting better at it. I m glad I took that risk. I think it s paying off.

Transformative Temple moment: Playing Beethoven s Symphony No. 9 at the Kimmel Center with The Temple University Symphony Orchestra was a really moving experience. It felt like this big moment. But mostly I ve transformed through slow growth. When I came here, I was alright at cello, but after four years of weekly private lessons with Professor Jeffrey Solow my technique has reached another level. I feel like I am playing with so much less tension now and that has allowed me to tackle harder pieces and perform at a new level. The biggest thing that s led me to grow as a cellist is a willingness to learn. From day one I was like, I am here to get better. Anything teachers have to say to me, I ll consider it and be open to it. I think that openness to learn and grow has served me well.

What s next: I m going to the Royal Academy of Music in London to pursue a master of arts in cello. After that, I think I ll try to get into an orchestra.