The Business of Music
Matt Hunt ’19
How do you make the most of your life? For guitarist/pianist/vocalist/composer and Eagle Scout Matt Hunt ’19 (music, international business & management), the answer lies in music, and in learning from mistakes. He talks about his experiences learning to write soundtracks for movies, the excitement of running sound for a challenging theatre production and the value of listening closely to those who disagree with him. He also offers two funny takes on famous quotes, including a riff on a ubiquitous acronym.
Majors:
International business & management and music.
Clubs and organizations:
WDCV (DJ), Composed (music mentor), Mermaid Players (tech crew), Music Society and College Choir.
Awards:
Eagle Scout, ALD honor society.
Favorite book:
1984 by George Orwell.
Favorite movie:
The Dark Knight.
On choosing a major:
I’ve always enjoyed playing the piano and creating my own music. From the movies I’ve watched and the video games I’ve played, I’ve realized that there are real life opportunities for music composition out there. Since last semester, I have been focused on entering the music side of the film industry. I feel that a double major in music and international business & management will expose me to the practical and specialized skills for a potential career in music composition and film management. Since last semester, I have been applying the compositional techniques and tools I’ve learned in class to my craft. It’s really amazing to hear the improvement in how my new music sounds!
Favorite place on campus:
Weiss.
Favorite Dining Hall food:
Chicken parmigiana with spaghetti.
Favorite learning experience:
Having the opportunity to work on the spring production of Big Love has been one of the most rewarding experiences of my life. As a soundboard operator, I worked with two other musically passionate students to form a sound team. Big Love was a very technically demanding production. All of us needed to remain focused and willing to commit to a busy rehearsal schedule. Communication was vital to our behind-the-scenes performance. By the end of the play’s run, all of the crew, tech and cast were like family. To put so much into a project and then share it with others—that’s what I live for.
As a kid, I wanted to be …
… someone who worked for Lego. I would spend so much time creating my own sets that I figured, hey, why not do this for a living? I think I still have some of my old Lego sets collecting dust in my house somewhere…
Most important thing I’ve learned so far:
To surround myself with people who are comfortable critiquing me. My experience with this comes from serving my troop in Boy Scouts. As a senior patrol leader, I was responsible for coordinating meetings between scouts and adult leaders while establishing a troop culture that would balance fun and advancement. While covering these tasks, I sometimes had assistant patrol leaders who would disagree with my decisions. Talking with them, I listened to their concerns and adapted. Together, we developed a very democratic troop culture, as well as strategies for resolving troopwide conflicts and issues. Overall, it is important to always fully listen to someone who disagrees with you. I’ve learned that a successful team needs people who are willing to listen and communicate.
Hobbies:
I play guitar and piano, and I recently took up singing. I used to shy away at the very thought of singing. Then I gave it a shot by paying for my own vocal lessons over the summer. I was surprised by what I could do! On campus, I’m in a band (we’re working on a name). When I’m not busy creating music or practicing, I like to read news online, play video games and write.
If I could have dinner with anyone, living or dead, it would be…
… Elon Musk.
Proudest accomplishment so far:
Earning the rank of Eagle Scout. Having been a part of scouts since I was a tiger, it has been a journey to grow as an individual while meeting so many inspiring people.
In a perfect world …
… all conflict would be resolved with words, not violence.
Favorite original quotes:
“Life is like riding a hoverboard down a Drayer hallway. To keep your balance, you must keep moving. To keep the laughs, you must share it on Snapchat.”
“Live as if you were to die tomorrow. Learn as if you were to live forever. In other words, YOLO is trash.”
Learn more
- Department of International Business & Management
- Department of Music.
- "Rock Stars and Readers"
- More Student Snapshots
- Latest News
Published August 22, 2016