Music: A Doorway to Greater Things

Conner Mason will graduate in May with a degree in music.

Music has been part of Conner Mason’s life ever since he can remember. As a young boy growing up in Roseburg, Oregon, Mason always had an appreciation for the fact that music gave him a sense of peace and comfort.

On Sabbath afternoons after church service, Mason loved going in his grandparent’s backyard and playing music with his friends. They would spend countless hours playing hymns and worshiping God through music.

Mason knew at a young age that he wanted to pursue a career that involved music. When Mason and his family moved to Gentry, Arkansas so he could attend Ozark Adventist Academy, Mason joined the school’s band. He played the piano, guitar, saxophone, and French horn.

“Band was my favorite class when I was in high school because I got to do what I loved the most,” said Mason. “I could be myself when I played music with some of my favorite instruments.”

When Mason received an award for his musical talents from his academy band teacher, it gave Mason even more assurance that music was indeed what he wanted to pursue a career in.

Now a senior music major at Southwestern Adventist University, Mason arrived on campus in the fall of 2012. Ever since he was young, Mason always dreamed of attending SWAU and participating in its music program.

Almost four years, countless songs, and hundreds of practices later, Mason’s musical experience at Southwestern has been everything he imagined and more.

As part of the University symphony orchestra, Mason has had the privilege to perform in several magnificent venues, such as the Morton H. Meyerson Symphony Center in Dallas, Texas.

“Being able to perform in places I never imagined is one of the cool things of being in music,” said Mason. “SWAU has provided me with memories I will never forget.”

Music has also allowed Mason to overcome some personal struggles that he has had throughout his life. Music allows Mason to see how much God loves him and is always by his side.

As a senior planning on graduating in May, Mason has some goals in mind that he hopes to accomplish. He wants to be a high school music teacher and eventually become a college music professor. Mason also wants to be a long-term missionary and spread God’s word through music to countries such as Egypt and South Africa.

“Being a missionary has always been a dream of mine,” said Mason. “I want to be able to reach others and expand the gospel through music and teach others how beautiful music really is.”

Mason’s passion for music is something that will be with him forever. He will continue to use his musical talents for God’s glory and teach others how music can have an impact in the lives of other people

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