Meet Hilary Dow Ward, Project 440’s new Managing Director! Our interview highlights how she got involved with Project 440 and all of the work she does.
Q: How did you get involved with Project 440, and what drew you to this organization?
My first interaction with Project 440 was through the College Fair for Musicians in 2019. I heard about the conference in the summer of 2019 through Najib Wong and PMAY. He suggested that it would be a great way to advertise the University programs I work with. I signed up and came as an exhibitor. While there I had a great conversation with Joseph Conyers and several board members and became very interested in the possibility of working with the organization. The rest, as they say, is history.
Q: What is your personal connection with music?
I have spent a lot of time in higher education both as a student and as an educator, and at the bottom of my pile of degrees is the degree that I consider to have been the most difficult and most rewarding to earn, a degree in music performance. I attended a state school of music and had the tremendous opportunity to study both voice and piano performance. The choice to study music in college was a no brainer. When asked what I would be when I grew up, my young self anticipated that I would study piano performance and teach at the college level. It's amazing, I did it! Though, I can't ever credit my love of music without giving tremendous nod to my exposure to music through my K-12 music teachers. I wouldn't be who I am without having had excellent teachers and pedagogy during my formative years, and especially high school. I have a lot of love and tremendous respect for high quality K-12 classroom music educators. I'm also proud to say I've been one!
Q: What motivates you in your personal work and research?
I am highly motivated by the opportunity to make a difference in the life of another young person, another musician, other human beings. I love to problem solve, to troubleshoot, and to explore the best possible way to make things happen, whatever it be. When considering research topics, I'm always curious about devising research questions that best solve the problems and needs of others. I always ask,"how will this impact others for years to come?" and, "how can I best use my available resources to serve others?"
Q: What are some of your interests/hobbies that you do in your free time?
In another life I think I want to be an architect or an interior designer. I didn't have the foresight to get a degree in architecture, I was too busy practicing the piano. But I did also have a career in design. I went down that path working with a furniture designer that sells to the trade one summer in between masters degree programs. I loved it. It was also a great place to creatively problem solve. I would be remiss if I didn't also mention that I have a child. So, now, free time is usually completely consumed by him, which is perfectly okay with me! He's amazing!
Q: If you could give any advice to your high school self with regards to college applications and career choices, what would it be?
This is funny because I started looking at music school programs over 20 years ago. Times sure have changed. And, as it turned out, I went to the school for undergrad that was perfect for me. I loved every minute of it, mostly. It was the right size of school and university, had the right kind of offerings for what I wanted to study and was within close proximity to my family, which was important for me. What I will say to students in 2020 is this... Do not bite off more than you can chew, even if you are growing as a person and think you can manage it. Don't over schedule yourself, I've seen this happen with so many of my college students! Your schedule in your first semesters are crucial to your success over the span of 4 or 5 years in undergrad. Don't go to a school you can't afford. It doesn't matter what brand name it is, the expense in this day and age may cripple you forever. Don't go to a school just because your high school friends are going there. You will make more friends, sometimes not knowing anyone will be the greatest part of your undergraduate experience.
