Travis Theaderman ’17

Music

Biography

Life changes in unexpected ways. It ebbs and flows constantly, but the only constant is the voice of God. Since my time at Taylor, I have held an internship and been a part of OneWay Ministry's gap year program. I wrote music for their prayer videos for other countries around the world. I was involved with their largest project, "Love Muslims", a deep and intrinsic initiative to change the world's perspective of Muslims and to bring them to light on how persecuted they really are. Since then, I have continued to work on my own music composition skills at home on the side while I work full time at Vineyard Cincinnati Church in the Facilities Department. I have seen my life grow and unfold since my time there and I have also gotten involved with helping to lead worship for their Vineyard Students worship via keyboard/drums. Life isn't always what you expect or hear when you graduate from Taylor. If you feel unsure or confused why everyone else seems to have their path predetermined and yours isn't, take a step back, breathe, and ask God to show you what's next. That's how I found my next steps, and so can you.

What were some of your most valuable experiences at Taylor?

Some of my most valuable experiences were my lessons with Dr. Harshenin for piano. He is a wonderful instructor and was always building me up, especially through constructive criticism. He never belittled me, and he made me feel like I could play anything to the best of my ability. Playing a senior recital was one of my favorite memories without a doubt. The anxiety of it was a tad stressful, but I absolutely loved performing the pieces for my recital. It's a chance to show and prove what you've learned over time and it shows your true style as an artist.

How did your classes or interactions with professors at Taylor impact your growth?

The professors at Taylor are different than most. They stand out amongst the rest. They make the time for you to meet with you and talk with you. Not just about school-related topics, but about life topics as well if you're undergoing some hardship. That's what makes them different than other professors at other institutions. Make and take the time for them, and they'll do the same for you.

How can Taylor graduates use their unique Taylor education and its liberal arts foundational core as an asset in your discipline?

Take what knowledge you learn and always brush back up on it. Go back through your old theory notes. Revisit your ear training. Chart out old hymns again. It will all help to maintain your skills and abilities as a musician and will prove to help keep you sharp in whatever endeavor you undertake. Even if your full time job isn't doing music related tasks, the fact that you are a musician will never fade. Don't let those skills and knowledge go to waste.

What advice or encouragement could you provide for Taylor students in your vocational discipline?

Pray. Listen. Go as the Spirit leads. As stated before, life ebbs and flows and will land you in places you never expected you'd be in, but there's always a plan behind it all. A much grander scheme that's beyond our comprehension. Everything we say and do affects eternity. Be the one who builds for the Kingdom in whatever you achieve.