
Hobbies and interests
Music Production
Music Composition
Music Theory
Orchestra
Model UN
Community Service And Volunteering
Spending Time With Friends and Family
Julia Almirall
635
Bold Points1x
Finalist
Julia Almirall
635
Bold Points1x
FinalistBio
My name is Julia Almirall, and I am a senior at Westminster Christian School, passionate about the arts, social impact, and my Hispanic heritage. As a Spanish speaker, my culture influences my love for music, cooking, and spending time with my cousins. Over the past eight years, I’ve dedicated myself to mastering the violin, and I plan to pursue music production, though I’m still exploring the best path for my education. I’m a self-taught music producer, developing skills in production, mixing, and EQing through my own research.
In addition to music, I have a passion for theatre production, especially lighting and digital production, which I believe enhances the storytelling experience. I founded Sweet Melodies, a candygram initiative to showcase musical talent while raising funds for charity. As president of Heartstrings, I lead an ensemble that performs at cancer healthcare facilities to provide healing through music. I am also the only female leader in my school’s Esports club, where I promote diversity and foster teamwork. As the president of Model UN, I work to promote global understanding and cooperation.
These experiences have shaped me into a creative and driven individual. Scholarships will help me continue my education and pursue my goal of blending creativity, technology, and the arts to make a positive impact.
Education
Westminster Christian School
High SchoolWestminster Christian School
High SchoolMiscellaneous
Desired degree level:
Master's degree program
Majors of interest:
- Music
Career
Dream career field:
Music
Dream career goals:
To be a music producer and/or write film scores and work with artists in studios
Research
Music
Head Researcher, Writer, Analyst, Founder2023 – Present
Arts
WCS, Christ Journey, Independent Songwriting
Music2021 – Present
Future Interests
Advocacy
Volunteering
Michael Fred Smith Grzech Memorial Scholarship
Music has always been more than just entertainment to me; it’s a profound source of emotional healing and a powerful tool for connection. My journey, fusing the classical discipline of the violin with the creativity of electronic music production, has revealed the transformative power of sound. Through this unique blend, I aim to create music that transcends boundaries, offering solace, inspiration, and a sense of belonging.
One of the most defining experiences in my musical journey has been my work with Heartstrings, an ensemble that performs in healthcare settings such as cancer facilities. I vividly remember performing for a young patient undergoing chemotherapy, whose spirits were lifted immensely by the music. Watching her smile as she listened to the violin, and the way her eyes lit up when she joined in with gentle hand movements, profoundly impacted me. These moments, filled with joy, peace, and renewed hope, solidified my belief in music's therapeutic potential. Research consistently supports this, demonstrating that music therapy can reduce anxiety, manage pain, and improve mood in individuals facing health challenges. I witnessed firsthand how music can provide a lifeline, offering comfort and connection when words fail. This experience fuels my desire to create music that directly supports emotional well-being, offering solace and fostering inner strength.
Beyond its therapeutic value, I believe my music can bridge divides and foster empathy. By seamlessly blending the raw emotion of classical violin with the driving rhythms of electronic music, I create a soundscape that is both intimate and exhilarating. This unique fusion aims to bridge the gap between tradition and innovation, inviting listeners from diverse backgrounds to connect through a shared human experience. I believe this blend can transcend cultural and stylistic boundaries, fostering a sense of global interconnectedness.
Furthermore, I aim to incorporate elements of world music into my compositions, drawing inspiration from melodies and rhythms from different cultures. This approach will not only create a richer and more diverse musical experience but also encourage listeners to explore and appreciate the beautiful tapestry of global musical traditions. I believe that by showcasing the universality of music, my compositions can foster a deeper understanding and appreciation for different cultures, ultimately promoting empathy and understanding on a global scale.
I’m also passionate about democratizing music creation. My self-taught journey in music production has made me realize that technology today makes music more accessible than ever before. With platforms and tools readily available, the process is no longer limited to those with formal education or expensive equipment. I’ve recently started a small online community where I share tutorials and tips on music production, and it has been incredibly rewarding to see others, particularly those with limited access to traditional music education, embrace their own musical voices. I envision a world where music-making is more inclusive and accessible, empowering individuals to express themselves and connect with others. It’s not about having the most technical expertise; it’s about using music to share personal stories, emotions, and experiences.
Through my journey in music production, I’ve learned that the most powerful pieces often come from a place of raw emotion. Whether creating electronic beats or orchestrating a violin solo, my music seeks to connect on an emotional level, bringing listeners into a space where they can experience the highs and lows of the human condition. It’s not about perfection; it’s about authenticity and emotional truth. I want my music to create a space where listeners can find refuge, inspiration, and strength, just as I have found in music throughout my life.
Ultimately, I believe my music can contribute to a more compassionate and interconnected world. By creating music that heals, inspires, and unites, I hope to foster a deeper understanding of the human condition, promote emotional well-being, and empower individuals to find their own voices and contribute to the vibrant tapestry of human creativity. Music has the ability to bring people together, to provide healing, and to remind us of the power of shared experience. It can be a catalyst for empathy and understanding, and through my work, I aim to harness that power to make a positive impact in the world. Whether it’s through a piece that helps someone heal or a song that brings joy, I believe my music has the power to change lives—and I am determined to be part of that change.
Neil Margeson Sound Scholarship
Music has always been more than just a hobby for me—it’s the language through which I explore, create, and connect with the world. My passion for music began with the violin at the age of nine, a choice that was both challenging and exhilarating. Over the years, my relationship with music has evolved into something deeply personal and transformative, shaping my educational journey and guiding my aspirations for the future.
As I immersed myself in classical violin, I was captivated by its complexity and the emotional power it wields. Pieces like Lalo’s Symphonie Espagnole and Schindler's List are some of my favorites, not just because of their technical demands but because they require an intense connection between the performer and the music. Learning these works taught me discipline and patience, but more importantly, they helped me channel my emotions into something tangible. Music became my outlet and my voice, allowing me to express myself in ways words never could.
Beyond personal fulfillment, music has been instrumental in my academic life. My studies in music composition and production have deepened my understanding of sound—how it can evoke emotions, tell stories, and inspire change. As part of my AP Research project, I explored how music resonates with teenagers on an emotional level, discovering the unique ways it impacts mental health and identity. This experience not only broadened my perspective on the power of music but also solidified my desire to pursue a career in music technology and production.
Through ensembles and performances, I’ve experienced firsthand how music brings people together. Whether playing at weddings, banquets, or holiday shows, I’ve seen how melodies can comfort, uplift, and inspire communities. These moments have fueled my desire to use music as a bridge between people, creating spaces where they can find solace and connection.
In addition to performing, I’ve recently begun exploring the world of music production. With Logic Pro as my tool, I’ve been learning to mix, EQ, and track under the guidance of a mentor. This new dimension of music-making has opened up endless possibilities for creativity. Combining classical elements with electronic music has become a focus of mine, as it allows me to merge the technical precision of my violin training with my creativity and explore the endless possibilities of innovation within music production.
Looking ahead, I see music as both my passion and my purpose. My goal is to study music production and media scoring, a field that will allow me to compose and produce pieces that resonate emotionally with audiences while exploring the connections between sound and storytelling. I dream of crafting scores for films and games, soundtracks, and albums where music not only enhances the narrative but becomes the integral, most celebrated part of the experience.
Music has been a constant thread throughout my life, shaping my character, fueling my curiosity, and inspiring my ambitions. From the violin to production software, from performances to research, it has guided my journey and opened doors I never imagined possible. As I prepare for the next chapter of my life, I’m excited to continue learning, creating, and sharing my love for music with the world.
Elevate Women in Technology Scholarship
The technology that inspires me the most is music production software, particularly DAWs (Digital Audio Workstations) like Logic Pro. As someone passionate about both music and technology, I’ve spent a significant amount of time self-teaching myself how to create and produce music through this platform. The ability to blend classical and electronic elements, manipulate sounds, and experiment with different genres is not only fulfilling creatively but also empowering. Music production software has allowed me to explore new forms of expression that were once restricted to those with access to expensive equipment and formal education.
What excites me about this technology is its ability to break down barriers in the music industry. For many aspiring musicians, the high cost of recording studios and instruments can be a major obstacle. With a DAW, anyone with a computer can start creating music, regardless of their background. This democratization of music production opens doors for diverse voices and perspectives to be heard, contributing to a more inclusive cultural landscape. As someone who loves research and learning about music from different angles, I see DAWs as a tool not just for creation. but for understanding and analyzing music in ways that weren’t possible before. The ability to dissect and manipulate sounds allows me to explore how music can evoke emotions and create experiences, deepening my appreciation for the art form.
Moreover, I see music production technology as a means for social change and therapeutic use. Music has long been known for its healing properties, and with the right tools, it can be used to aid in mental and emotional well-being. Through music production, people can express emotions, cope with stress, or find comfort. This technology has the power to support therapeutic practices, such as in hospitals or counseling settings, by allowing individuals to create their own soundscapes or therapeutic music. By honing my skills in music production, I hope to contribute to this growing field and use music as a tool for emotional support and healing.
In short, music production software represents the potential of technology to make the world a better place by enabling creativity, promoting inclusivity, and providing tools for emotional and social healing.