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Although Ashlee Snyder ’05 (Gilberstville, Pa.) came to Lafayette primarily to study science, she has found personal satisfaction through the study of music.
“I always knew I wanted to get a music degree. I love music. It has been my outlet my whole life and I always wanted to learn as much about it as I can,” she says.
In fact, the opportunity to earn both a B.S. degree and B.A. with a music major was an important reason why Snyder chose Lafayette.
“I narrowed down colleges based on the following common features: small, liberal arts, within three hours of home, can get a degree in music and science, and an amazing medical school acceptance rate. Lafayette had all of the above,” she says. “Furthermore, at Lafayette, unlike a lot of larger institutions, I can successfully accomplish both majors within four years and still get to know the professors in each major equally.”
Snyder takes piano lessons, sings with the Soulfege mixed a cappella group, and serves as president of the Arts Society. She also has participated in Concert Choir and the Madrigal Singers.
“I love everyone in the music faculty,” she says. “I have had all of the music professors and enjoy different aspects of each of their personalities.”
Ultimately, she plans on attending medical school.
“I think double majoring in music will make me stand out a little from all of the mostly purely science majors that apply,” she says.
Once there, Snyder intends to specialize in vocal disorders and rehabilitation.
“I have always been interested in pursuing a career in the entertainment industry, working with singers and speakers,” she says. “I would diagnose common vocal disorders, perform surgery, and then instruct them in the proper ways to sing again. By getting a degree in music before becoming a doctor, I would be able to understand the singers on a more personal level.”
Until then, Snyder plans on a rigorous undergraduate course of study. In addition to taking an independent study in chemistry, her plans include completing an honors thesis in music on the healing power of music for the mind and body, particularly in regard to a specific culture and its uses of music over time.
“It is important for the world to study music because I strongly believe that it has healing powers,” says Snyder.
During the winter break, she spent three days shadowing a trauma surgeon at Thomas Jefferson University Hospital in Philadelphia through the alumni externship program.
Snyder is a member of Lafayette Intercultural Networking Council and a peer tutor in biology, chemistry, physics, and music. She has participated in the Marquis Players and Residence Hall Council and served as an admissions student representative and orientation leader. She is an usher, proctor, and box office associate at the Williams Center for the Arts.