Journeying from Broadway's "Grease" Musical to Pursuing Ethnomusicology Studies
Allie Schulz, a first-year transfer student at UCLA, is making waves in the world of Ethnomusicology at The UCLA Herb Alpert School of Music.
Before her academic journey at UCLA, Schulz found success on Broadway, where she played the lead character Sandy in "Grease" and later the role of Rizzo on the national tour. After her stint on Broadway, she decided to pursue a different path, one that would combine her love for music with a deeper understanding of its cultural and social contexts.
Schulz's journey to UCLA was not a straightforward one. She knew she wanted to transfer to the prestigious university, but she also understood that she still had prerequisites to fulfill. She enrolled at Los Angeles City College (LACC) as a Music major, using the city as a springboard to launch her academic career.
During her time at LACC, Schulz met with a counselor who helped her navigate the complexities of transferring to UCLA. Her hard work and dedication paid off when she was accepted into the Ethnomusicology program at The UCLA Herb Alpert School of Music.
Schulz believes that her education in history and political history has greatly influenced her ability to make music, making her a better songwriter, storyteller, and actress. She feels that her degree from the School of Music at UCLA in Ethnomusicology is a formal acknowledgement of her expertise in this field of study.
In addition to her academic pursuits, Schulz is also actively involved in the music scene in Los Angeles, writing music, playing shows, and releasing records under the artist name LAE. She wants other students to know that they don't have to have the whole plan figured out when deciding to finish their degree.
Schulz's future plans include pursuing a master's degree in education, in addition to continuing to perform. She was also awarded a fellowship to teach at the UCLA Robert F. Kennedy Community Schools in Koreatown.
Schulz's unique journey from Broadway to UCLA's Ethnomusicology program is a testament to her resilience, determination, and passion for music and education. Her story serves as an inspiration for those who are considering a similar path, demonstrating that it's never too late to pursue your dreams and continue learning.
During her time at Los Angeles City College (LACC), Allie Schulz’s path to UCLA was honed by her focus on education and self-development, paving the way for her personal growth and broader learning in the field of Ethnomusicology. Now, with a degree from The UCLA Herb Alpert School of Music and a master’s degree in education on her horizon, Schulz continues to embrace her passion for music and education, serving as an inspiration for those who also seek to expand their knowledge and pursue their dreams.
