Hannah Byers to Study Music Technology at New York University

Hannah Byers has gone through high school her way. The Huntington senior is an exceptionally talented and creative young woman. The teenager is headed to New York University to study music technology.

“NYU has everything I could ever want in a college and more,” Ms. Byers said. “Between the supportive environment, technologically advanced studios, diverse atmosphere and accomplished teachers, this university will provide me with the strongest foundation for my future career.”

That career centers on music technology, a combination of music production, software engineering and music performance. It suits the Huntington senior well.

“The new James L. Dolan Music Recording Studio at NYU is one of the most advanced educational studios in the country,” Ms. Byers said. “Being able to utilize this state-of-the-art equipment will provide me with the best opportunity to learn new software and expand my recording abilities. NYU is located in the heart of the music industry; New York City, thereby making it an ideal location. I could not name a more perfect school for me.”

Ms. Byers’ interests include producing sound either at live venues and studios or for films. “Another job that I’ve learned about more recently is being a sound engineer for Apple, which is a career several NYU students with this degree have pursued,” she said.

Being true to herself and pursuing her own passions rather than merely trying to “fit in with the crowd” has been the key to Ms. Byers success. She was named a Distinguished Senior after compiling an academic grade average in excess of 90 during every semester of high school.

“Orchestra is what illuminated my time here in this district,” Ms. Byers said. “I vividly remember being assigned my first rental violin on stage at Southdown Elementary School and I will forever remember playing my last note on stage at our last spring concert. This year I was even able to conduct a piece on stage, which was a surreal experience.”

The teenager has been a member of numerous orchestral ensembles including honors orchestra at Finley and string, symphony and chamber orchestra at the high school. In addition to the school orchestra, being able to perform vocally at the annual K-Factor talent show has been something Ms. Byers has always eagerly anticipated.

“Because my music career takes place outside of the school environment, it is nice to be able to showcase my other musical abilities within the school walls,” Ms. Byers said.

Ms. Byers found time to serve on the high school’s stage crew, volunteer with Huntington’s Key Club chapter and advocate for The Noisy Brain Project.

“Huntington taught me that I am stronger than I ever thought I could be,” Ms. Byers said. “Outside of school, I have been songwriting, recording and producing my own music independently for several years now. The idea of releasing a song into the world was proposed to me by my middle school orchestra teacher, Mr. [Matthew] Gelfer. By the time I arrived to the high school and was ready to release my debut single, I was surrounded by support. My current mentor and teacher, Mr. [James] DiMeglio, continues to prove to me that I am capable of more than I give myself credit for. He has pushed me to partake in auditions, competitions and performances that I would have never attempted on my own. It is the staff in this district that made this experience the most memorable.”

Ms. Byers is excited by the prospect of studying at New York University in Manhattan and she is prepared for the transition from high school to college. “Although saying goodbye is never easy, I can confidently say that I am ready to begin the next chapter of my life,” she said.