Minnesota Varsity: Where are They Now? - Marisa Lin

Where Are They Now? spotlights Minnesota Varsity Featured and Showcase Artists from 2011 to 2014.

Pianist Marisa Lin of Rochester, Minn., was a Minnesota Varsity 2014 Featured Artist. She recently updated Classical MPR's Christine Sweet with her latest news.

Marisa Lin, 2014 Featured Artist
Piano
Age: 18
Hometown: Rochester, Minn.
Attends: Stanford University, Stanford, Calif.

Autumn in California is not nearly as dramatic as in Minnesota. Instead of the typical metamorphosis of color that engulfs the Midwest in the fall, it feels more like an endless summer, with the sun glaring down upon the dry landscape, rendering the afternoon colors as glaring and radiant to the eye. But that is okay with me. My life has certainly changed since I participated in Minnesota Varsity, and not only in terms of the weather. As an incoming freshman attending Stanford University, I've had to leave my beloved Kawai upright for this wonderful educational institution. It's a big change, but it's worth it. I've met fellow musicians like me, hoping to continue their musical studies while pursuing other academic endeavors. Although I am not majoring in piano performance, I plan to continue nurturing my love for music in the myriad opportunities available on campus, whether it is going to concerts, seizing performance opportunities, or just enjoying the pleasant weather.

Participating in Minnesota Varsity was a great experience that gave me greater confidence in my performing abilities. I didn't think it was such a big deal at first, but it's amazing how many people I knew were interested in hearing me on the radio. I especially loved how encouraging and supportive the MPR staff was, through the bad takes and the good ones.

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