Passion for Music Leads to Summer at NYU’s Tisch School for Malvern Prep Student

When a school can help a student discover and develop his passion, that is a success story we should all celebrate. This July, Malvern Prep sophomore Joseph Markferding will spend four weeks at the Clive Davis Institute of Recorded Music at New York University’s Tisch School of the Arts learning about how the commercial music industry really works and gaining direct instruction on the latest software and hardware used in the top recording studios worldwide.

While Markferding has always had a love of music, he credits Malvern music teacher Jonathan Springer with encouraging him to explore music recording and create his own pieces. Springer taught Markferding in eighth and ninth grades and helped him navigate Malvern’s state-of-the-art recording studio equipment and software.

“Joe is a great example for others to follow,” says Springer. “Joe’s interest is always creating quality music whether it is on his guitar or in the music studio with our music production software. The Tisch program is a wonderful opportunity for Joe to pursue his passion and creativity in understanding and creating music at a higher level.”

His growth in music production earned him a spot in the prestigious Tisch School – out of more than 600 applicants, only 60 are admitted each summer, and only 12 into the Recorded Music program.

“I did not think I would get accepted,” Markferding humbly says, “but I am a huge fan of making music, and this program looked fantastic, so I thought I should at least try to get in.”

His application requirements included a written essay, references and samples of his original recorded music. Markferding has spent many hours working on Apple Logic music production software in Malvern’s studio to create his pieces. Listen to his Aquatic Ambience Remix: Donkey Kong Country.

Markferding first heard about the program from Malvern school counselor Ann Wuetig, who Markferding says often sends information about programs she thinks might interest her advisees.

The Institute of Recorded Music, part of Tisch’s Summer High School, is a rigorous college-level training program. Markferding will learn from faculty who are working professionals in the music industry. Upon successful completion of the summer program, he can earn six college credits, all fully accredited New York University courses.