Hope St Germain

I intend to get my Bachelor's degree in Music Business at Belmont University in Nashville, Tennessee. I am very passionate about music, and while I love the industry, I do believe that it needs to be changed. The music industry is infested with inequality between gender and race. Male musicians are paid more than female musicians. There's also a lack of diversity in the industry, as many minority groups are not represented. There's also a lot harassment in the industry. Many artists are constantly told to flirt with top executives to get their songs played on the radio. I truly believe the industry has lost touch of what is truly important: making music. With a degree in music business, I will implement policies that enforce equality. I will make sure the industry returns its focus to music. I will make a safe place for musicians to come and create their art because that's what the industry should be about: creating art.

One of my biggest passions in life is singing. Music has gotten me through so much and never fails to put a smile on my face. Over 4 years ago, I started taking voice lessons at the Louisiana Academy of Performing Arts. I learned how to properly sing using the correct technique, as well as fun vocal warmups. Most importantly, it was a way for me to escape every week for an hour and do what I love. I had amazing coaches who were there for me through every doubt or rough patch. I started incorporating piano lessons into my vocal lessons, and it was so much fun. I love being able to sit at a piano, play a few chords, and just sing. It truly does lift my spirits. I even started a YouTube Channel where I post covers of myself singing certain songs. I honestly started it just for fun because I enjoy singing so much, but it truly became an outlet for me. It was a way for me to express myself without having to speak. I could just sing, and that made me really happy. I also love volunteering. Being able to give back to others fills my heart with so much joy. I give back to my local church community in whatever ways I can. I participate in Junior Core Team, which is a leadership team that puts on monthly youth group for middle school students. I have been able to give many talks to these kids through this leadership team, and it makes my heart so happy. I love being able to spread any bit of wisdom or knowledge I have with others. Recently, I gave a talk to high school students at our local youth group. The talk focused on how much God loves us and that no matter how imperfect you feel, God loves you. I wanted every person in the room to know that they are loved, worthy, and enough. It brings me so much joy to give back to a community that gave so much to me.