The College of Fine Arts congratulates our John V. Roach Honors College 2020 Senior Scholars! Selected by faculty consensus in their respective schools and departments, these exceptional seniors represent academic excellence and outstanding achievement.
While Senior Scholars are typically honored at the Convocation of Academic Excellence in April each year, we are proud to recognize this year’s students virtually. Learn more about 2020 Fine Arts Senior Scholar, John Cope, and his future plans below.
John Cope, School of Music
Senior Scholar John Cope (center)
Degree: BM in Composition with a minor in general business
Hometown: North Richland Hills, Texas
Why TCU?
The first time I visited TCU, I knew immediately that I wanted to pursue my education and dreams here. The campus was beautiful, the faculty was kind, and the students were caring and compassionate. TCU was the perfect place for me to go to school, and after four years, I am still very happy with my decision. TCU is my home.
Why did you choose to pursue music?
I chose to study music because of my heart. I always felt a passion for music and I knew that I would regret not pursuing it. I love to perform, compose, arrange and teach music.
What internships or performance opportunities did you participate in?
I have taught percussion at many high schools and middle schools in the DFW area. This past fall, I was the percussion technician at Mansfield Summit High School where I taught music throughout the semester.
Tell us about some of your accomplishments over the last four years.
Some of my proudest accomplishments are being inducted to the Phi Kappa Lambda music honor society, being the president of the TCU Percussion Club for the past two years, and being selected as a finalist for the 2018 PARMA call for musical scores.
What will you miss most about TCU?
I will miss my friends and the faculty I have grown close to. The relationships I have built are very important to me and I hope to continue them even though I am leaving TCU.
What’s next?
This fall, I will be attending the University of Nebraska in Lincoln for a master’s in music composition. I have also accepted a teaching assistantship and fellowship from the school of music.