AFA News

AFA Alum Arisa Furuta attended the Summer Music Festival from 2011 to 2016 as a cellist and returned as an intern in 2017. She is currently a first-year veterinary student at Louisiana State University’s School of Veterinary Medicine.

What was your introduction to music?

I had a wonderful music teacher in elementary school that incorporated music into our learning of traditional subjects. Although I didn’t appreciate it at the time, her teaching was probably a huge contributing factor as to why I gravitated towards playing the cello in middle school as opposed to other extra-curricular activities.

What would be your advice to a young musician thinking about a career in another field?

Always try to keep music in your life! Whether it be through playing, composing, learning new instruments, or even just attending concerts. It serves as such a nice distraction when you need a break from your career and makes you a more unique individual. The fine arts are relevant in any field and can teach us lots of things, even if it is only a hobby.

What are some things you learned as an AFA student that you’ve carried into your career?

Competition can be good, but when I was able to put competition aside at AFA and focused on what was interesting to me, I made some of the greatest friends, memories, and learning experiences I still cherish today. Although I am still competitive and strive to be the best I can be, I also try to make sure I am not comparing myself to others too much and to recognize I can still have great experiences without being number 1.

What would be your advice to a young musician thinking about pursuing a career in another field?

Competition can be good, but when I was able to put that aside at AFA and focused on what was interesting to me, I made some of the greatest friends, memories, and learning experiences I still cherish today.

Last piece you played?

Ave Maria Cello Quartet by Wilhelm Fitzenhagen.