D. Cox Music Technology Scholarship

Growing up, my love for music and technology was shaped early on through hands-on experience. From a young age, I interned at my church, where I was constantly surrounded by soundboards, microphones, live performances, and passionate musicians. That environment was my first classroom. I didn’t just watch—I asked questions, helped set up, listened, and learned. Over time, I developed a deep, working knowledge of both live sound and musicality, learning how to run cables one day and play chords the next. That church experience gave me a strong foundation in gospel music, which became my gateway into understanding music theory in a deeply intuitive way. I later expanded my training into classical and jazz, which gave me a broader technical vocabulary. But gospel—raw, emotional, and rooted in community—still shapes how I hear and feel music today. It taught me that music is more than structure; it's storytelling, connection, and soul. The moment I realized I wanted to pursue music technology seriously came during high school. I started experimenting with DAWs, downloading free trials of Logic Pro and Ableton, and spending hours layering sounds, building beats, and recreating gospel harmonies with a modern twist. I loved the idea that I could blend all of my musical influences—gospel, jazz, classical—into something new, using technology as the glue. But I didn’t have the equipment or resources to go all in. So I worked. During high school, I held down three jobs just to save up for my own audio equipment—an interface, monitors, headphones, and a decent laptop. Every dollar went into building a home setup where I could learn and create. Without formal instruction, I taught myself everything I could: how to record, mix, master, troubleshoot gear, and produce with intention. It wasn’t easy balancing work, school, and music, but that grind built discipline and drive. It also taught me to appreciate every step of the process because I had to earn every piece of gear and knowledge I gained. Now, I’m a college student studying audio engineering and production—finally getting formal training to match the passion and foundation I built over the years. Being in this program is not just an academic step forward; it's a realization of years of dreaming, working, and preparing. I’m finally in a space where I can refine my technical skills, collaborate with others, and dive deeper into the science of sound while continuing to honor the soulful roots that brought me here. Of course, the journey hasn’t been without challenges—financial stress, imposter syndrome, and the pressure to prove myself in spaces where not many people share my background. But I’ve faced every obstacle the same way I approached my first soundboard at church: with curiosity, persistence, and faith. And every step of the way, I’ve reminded myself why I started—to create music that moves people, bridges tradition and innovation, and brings both spirit and science together. Music technology isn’t just my career path—it’s a reflection of who I am: a builder, a listener, a storyteller, and a student of sound.