Daniel Albertson is a junior music education major with emphasis in percussion. He is passionate about music and he’s been playing since he was 4 years old. Albertson’s parents made him take violin lessons for a while. He switched to percussion when he was in fourth grade.

“I thought that music could be something I can see myself doing in the rest of my life,” said Albertson. “I think the real path has come during college and I think I really found my place in music.”

Albertson has 10 to 12 recitals throughout this semester. He has a junior recital Feb. 17 and he will also present in the Washburn Symphony Orchestra and at the Washburn Wind Ensemble Winter Concert at 7:30 p.m. Feb. 27 at White Concert Hall.

“I am in a bunch of ensembles right now. That aspect provides me a ton of playing experience and finding various styles,” said Albertson.

Albertson has taken many music classes at Washburn, and one of his favorite classes is music history.

“It gives me a more in-depth look to how music has progressed throughout time, how far we’ve come as humans and how each famous composer has their own styles and their creative outlook on music,” said Albertson.

Albertson also takes part in some extracurriculars at Washburn as well, including Kappa Sigma fraternity and National Association for Music Education (NAfME). 

“Being in the Fraternity that isn’t music related, it’s good for me in the sense that I can have contact with people who aren’t in my major and I have more connection across campus,” said Albertson. “When I go there I don’t have to really think about music. I can take a brain break to think about other things.”

NAfME, among the world’s largest arts education organizations, is the only association that addresses all aspects of music education. It provides resources, hosts professional development events and offers a variety of opportunities for students and teachers.

“For NAfME, there’s more of a connection for me as a future educator,” said Albertson. “I can get feedback from all of them on how they do things, what works and what doesn’t work.”

James Henry is one of Albertson’s friends who has known him since before his freshman year at Washburn.

“Daniel is one of the greatest friends I could ask for,” said Henry. “He is incredibly loyal and caring, and if you ever need him, he will be there.”

Albertson plans to graduate in May 2021. He wants to be a music teacher in high school or middle school. The experience he has at Washburn prepares him for the future.

“To be an educator, in music especially, you have to be dedicated 100 percent of the time,” said Albertson. “Washburn is a very special place. It has helped develop me not as a music student, but also as a person, that it really shapes me into who I want to be.”