Indiana University Jacobs School of Music: Dennis Rendleman

Dennis Rendleman is majoring in in flute performance, music education, and musical theater at Indiana University's Jacob School of Music.

How did you discover your passion for music?

I started playing the flute in fourth grade, and I vividly remember how my arms weren’t long enough to hold it comfortably. My brother had played flute, so I thought I’d give it a try. Well, it’s almost 11 years later, and my love for music has only expanded. A big factor in this musical growth is attending the Indiana University Jacobs School of Music. I get to wake up and fill each day doing the thing I love most.

What’s your favorite part about directing and teaching?

Ironically, the hardest part about performing is the end of a performance because typically the music ends, there is applause, and the people leave. There have been numerous times when I’ve reached the beautiful climax of a piece and just wanted to live in that moment forever. I felt this especially when playing flute/piccolo for “Tristan and Isolde” last year. While all pieces must come to end, something special occurs at Jacobs that leaves you enlightened and excited to explore more music.

What’s the hardest part for you about creating?

It is easy to take music at face value as a collective product of several musicians reading sheet music. However, the real art is what occurs off the page. It is this aural creativity that is able to transport the listener anywhere the composer desires. It is OK that all pieces have an end because that just means the beginning of another adventure. The life of a musician can be an amazing journey, but it is what you make of it. Currently, I am making the best of my time at Indiana University by triple majoring in flute performance, music education, and musical theater.

What made you pick the Jacobs School?

At the Jacobs School, the music is almost endless because there is always someone practicing or a concert to hear (especially with more than 1,000 performances a year!). With countless world-renowned artists and alumni, Jacobs has a very strong legacy, and that was something I wanted to be a part of.

Where do you see yourself in 10 years?

In 10 years, I see myself on Broadway, in a professional symphony orchestra, or playing in a film orchestra.