Jared Storz ‘20 is a graduate student studying Cello Performance who feels like God is calling him to minister through musical performance and teaching.
“I think that everyday, the joy I experience as I practice and perform is a daily confirmation that I am embarking on the path God has for me. Playing the cello gives me a peace that could only come from experiencing the calling God has on my life.”
He completed his undergraduate degree from Azusa Pacific in 2018. Over the last five years here at Azusa Pacific, he has been shaped in tremendous ways.
“Through my mentors on campus, I have grown into someone who truly wishes to honor God in every aspect of my being, whether that is in musical performance, or in daily life. Studying music at APU has given me a faith perspective that helps me worship no matter the genre of music I am performing.”
One of his favorite memories was traveling to Zhengzhou, China with a small group of instrumentalists and their esteemed conductor in the summer of 2017. He describes the opportunity of performing in a multicultural and multilingual environment as a truly unique and enjoyable experience.
Following completion of his master's degree, Storz hopes to pursue a doctoral degree in cello performance, in addition to continuing to teach private lessons and perform around Los Angeles.
If he could give any advice to incoming students, he “would tell [himself] to practice more and enjoy every moment! When you come in as a freshman, there are so many things competing for your attention; however if God is truly calling you to be a musician, you must develop a focus and determination unlike anything else. It takes immense time and effort that WILL pay off in the end. Also, get to know the people around you and volunteer yourself towards making new and unique music!”
