Alumni Highlight: Gabriel Lowman

Gabriel Lowman graduated from the ISU music program with a Bachelor of Arts in Music, Spring 2021. He is the pianist for the ISU Chamber Choir, a role that carries significant responsibility.

“The piano has such an important role accompanying the choir,” Lowman says. “There are 30 people counting on that.”

Gabe says it’s very rewarding working with friends and students. “I’m much more motivated to do a good job in a group setting,” he says. “It forces you to be nowhere but in the present moment.”

Gabe rehearses with the Chamber Choir in the fall of 2022

In addition to his choir commitments, Lowman is diligently carving out time for solo practice to prepare for his upcoming pursuit—a master's degree in music.

This summer Gabe participated in the Borromeo Music Festival, a one-of-a-kind learning and music making experience in the small town of Altdorf near Lake Lucerne, Borromeo in Switzerland. His participation in the  piano festival allowed him to immerse himself in two weeks of masterclasses, lessons, and coaching. This experience was transformative, exposing him to a diverse group of musicians, including college students, both undergraduate and master's level, as well as some exceptionally talented high schoolers.

Gabe in Switzerland

The piano festival left a profound impact on Lowman, reshaping his musical aspirations. It kindled a deep love for chamber and small group music. Lowman is now exploring dual auditions for both classical and jazz programs, a bold step that some institutions discourage, but one that reflects his commitment to his evolving musical interests.

As he continues to grow as a musician, Lowman reflects on his experience in the music program at ISU. Gabe studied piano with Professor Kori Bond, and jazz and commercial music with Professor Jonathan Armstrong.

Gabe's album, Impossibility Reduced to Bricks, was the first official album released from City Creek Records, ISU's recording label, in 2021, something which Professor Armstrong says Gabe should be incredibly proud of.

“Professors Armstrong and Bond were very open to letting me study and follow what I wanted to learn and focus on,” Gabe says. “I don’t think I would have been able to get a music degree without that freedom, to learn what I was interested in and also fall on my face a lot learning how to balance. A lot of programs will not allow you to take that risk. Kori and John are very wise teachers. They know that failing while learning to balance everything is a way to learn.”

Gabe performing at an ISU Jazz concert

Lowman believes that today's freshman and sophomore students are more advanced than he was at their age, suggesting a promising future for the music department at ISU.

“Very good things are happening because the freshman and sophomores now are worlds ahead of where I was when I was a freshman.”