Graduating Seniors Share How Music Transformed Their Lives

Safin Pallapati

Safin discovered that "music is a form of relaxation and enjoyment," and credits the Academy with teaching perseverance since age six. He is attending the University of Florida for Computer Engineering.

Maximillian Fair

Maximillian describes an unconventional path — quitting piano at 12, then returning at 16. He progressed from beginner songs to classical composers and plans to pursue business management at Florida State University, with aspirations in the music industry.

Ananda Ravinder

Ananda began piano at five and emphasizes how the discipline developed through music enhanced her academic performance. She is heading to the University of South Florida to study AI & Business Analytics.

Khanh Pham

Khanh started at age ten and humorously recalls "skipping the development and going straight to the end, cutting a 40-second song in half" during a recital. He will study Computer Science at the University of Florida.

Netra Vijay

Netra also began at five and gained valuable experience assisting beginner classes. She is pursuing Biomedical Engineering at the University of Florida.

Daniel Cheng

Daniel started piano at five and describes music as "a powerful outlet" for creative expression. He is studying Computer Science at the University of Florida.

Congratulations to the Class of 2025 — we cannot wait to see where your music takes you.