The Online Reflector

From the days when he was a child, up to his time composing music at the University of Indianapolis, music has always played a major role in the life of Jake Emch. He is a junior at UIndy and is currently studying piano performance and composition.

Emch said that he has always had a passion for music.

“I loved music ever since I was a kid. I use to hit Lincoln logs up against my bed, and my parents were like we need to get this kid into some drum set lessons or something,” Emch said.

Emch explained how involved he became with music at an early stage in his life, but also said that it took a lot of practice to improve from a rough start.

“My first classical piece I ever played on piano was a Bronze piece for piano and it really inspired me when I was younger and first started piano,” Emch said. “I spent a year and a half practicing that piece, and that was a very moving experience because I never thought that I could do that type of thing. I just found that all it really took was some practice.”

From that point on, Emch began to improve his skills on various instruments and picked up a new skill in composing music along the way.

“I’ve been writing music since middle school,” Emch said. “I wrote a piece for my percussion instructor Paul Berns, and he said I should get it published.”

Emch then became involved in every aspect of both performance and composition.

“I like it [composing] because I can just put what I like on paper and if no one else likes it that’s okay as long as I do.” Emch said.

During his time at UIndy, Emch has been in involved with other activities off campus as well, such as teaching music lessons and performing at weddings. He credited much of his success to the faculty and staff at UIndy.

“ They [UIndy faculty and staff] have influenced me greatly. Dr. Berns is my composition instructor and he is a great mentor who helped me get my pieces out there,” Emch said.

Adjunct Professor of Music Paul Berns spoke highly of Emch and believes that his passion for what he does is what leads to his success.

“Jake is a most gifted, versatile musician,” said Berns. “His enthusiasm and energy that he brings to percussion ensemble is contagious.”

Berns also praised the excellence of Emch’s performances.

“He [Emch] performs on all percussion instruments brilliantly and also on the piano,” Berns said. “His performance of John Cage’s ‘Amores’ for prepared piano and percussion was world class.”

Emch said that music composition was extremely important to him, but to be successful, he would have to become talented in other areas as well.

Emch said that young aspiring musicians can also achieve success if they practice.

“Practice pays off. And you should always play something that inspires you to get better.”