Towson University Shines Light On A Talented Student

From Towson University:

February 8, 2020

Opera singer Jemeyah Bagby considered spending her college years at a music conservatory
but wanted to pursue a major in philosophy as well as vocal performance.

Towson University allowed her to do both.

For Bagby, the two disciplines make a harmonious duet.

“Philosophy is thinking critically,” says the Baltimore County native. “I’m always
thinking intellectually about music.”

Two majors can be a lot to balance, admits Bagby, who often carries an 18- or 19-credit
load per term, but, she says, it’s possible because “my professors are very understanding.
Both of my departments feel like family.”

With a series of TU mentors too long to list, Bagby feels supported enough to find
time for campus engagement too. She is co-president of the TU Philosophy Forum, in which students meet weekly to share critical thinking on various topics in a
discussion format. She also is a founding member of the TU chapter (Nu Delta) of Sigma Alpha Iota international music fraternity. Plus, Bagby has been a tutor
in musicianship and music theory since sophomore year.

In a fitting capstone for her joint studies, Bagby hopes to do a cross-disciplinary
senior thesis-recital or “lecture-recital,” combining her philosophy thesis and senior
vocal recital. Last summer she attended the Feminist Summer Reading Program at Cornell. The program was an ideal environment to get a jump-start on this work because its
theme was “Philosophy and Bodies,” which relates to her research interests.

After graduation, Bagby looks to become a master’s candidate in vocal performance and music studies with an eye toward a career in music performance and composition. But she’ll never
stop being a critical thinker and is exploring ways to continue independent scholarship
in philosophy too.

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This story is one of several related to President Kim Schatzel’s priorities for Towson University: TU Matters to Maryland and Diverse and Inclusive Campus.

This press release was produced by Towson University. The views expressed here are the author’s own.