Music grad Nathan Olusemire finds purpose and continued learning through music

“Music was part of my life long before I learned to play it… long before I had access” shares Nathan Olusemire. The Nigerian-born horn player and his twin brother, Stephen, were frequently exposed to music in the church they attended as young boys. They sang in the children’s choir and later followed in the footsteps of the church youth by learning to play instruments.

Many years and thousands of miles later, Olusemire will soon graduate from the School of Music, then continue his studies while working toward a goal of founding an organization with his brother that will provide music education to Nigerian children.

First sounds

Olusemire first learned to play the piano by ear, often improvising. But he was eager to learn more. When a friend brought a French horn and baritone to church, he asked to try the French horn. “It felt serendipitous,” Olusemire says of his first encounter with the instrument.

He quickly arranged to study horn at the international headquarters of his church and cites that decision as the true beginning of his journey. To supplement his learning, Olusemire began studying YouTube videos of horn musicians to learn style and technique.

He and his brother practiced their instruments every day and, after garnering international attention through short videos they posted on Facebook, they began taking virtual lessons from professors all over the world. A horn professor at the University of Wisconsin at Madison took note of his promising talent and arranged a fundraiser to purchase a new French horn for him.

“Music was a tool that kept us busy,” says Olusemire. “We didn’t have time to focus on any bad things or get into trouble, which was common [in Nigeria]. We just went to school and played our music.”

New chapters

Olusemire later traveled to the United States to attend college, first at the University of Memphis. When his horn professor left the school, he began searching for a new opportunity to dig deep and surround himself with players who would challenge him and help him to grow. Through his research, Olusemire discovered a video of a UNCSA faculty performance with Maria Serkin (horn) and David Dash (trumpet). “I was intrigued by professor Serkin and her playing,” he recalls. “I searched her name on YouTube and began following her horn warm up video.”

Serkin responded to Olusemire’s request for information about the horn studio and offered for him to attend some free trial classes, which made a lasting impression. He applied to transfer to UNCSA and another serendipitous moment happened: “My brother and I were talking online… he was still home in Lagos,” says Olusemire. “We discovered that we had separately found UNCSA. We had never discussed it before! He auditioned for the bassoon program and I transferred into the horn studio.”

Studying at UNCSA has been a meaningful fit for Olusemire. “Every week when I walk into class I’m eager to begin my lessons because I feel a genuine connection,” he explains. “My professor truly desires to make sure I become the best horn player and best musician and best person I can be. It’s priceless. I have grown a lot at UNCSA.”

He has made the most of every opportunity given to him — from attending the Southeastern Horn Workshop to playing alongside Grammy Award-winning musical quintet Imani Winds and auditioning for and joining the African United Youth Orchestra at Carnegie Hall, where he performed as principal horn. UNCSA Symphony Orchestra performances have been meaningful to him as well. He recently traveled to Washington, D.C., to perform with the orchestra at Washington National Cathedral. And he has taken on many internships to strengthen his learning and expand his horizons at places like the Moravian Music Foundation, Rockbridge Music Festival and the Hart Square Foundation.

A bigger vision

Most importantly, Olusemire and his brother continue to perform together, as they always have. “We have a vision to give back,” he explains. “We want to share our musical talent with the world because music is a tool for change.” Their musical duo — the Midas Duo — regularly performs and is currently working on preparing to present new commissioned pieces for horn and bassoon. They’d like to incorporate African percussion into their repertoire in the future, tying back to their roots. But their future sights are also set on something bigger that will outlast them as performing musicians:

They plan to establish an organization in Nigeria for children to learn to play classical music. “I learned to play music largely alone… at least until people I’d never met took an interest in me and helped me,” Olusemire reflects. “I want to be able to do the same. The best thing I can do is to pay it forward.” Coming to the United States from Nigeria was challenging for the brothers and felt unattainable at times. Their organization will bring music home and feature educational opportunities with musicians from all over the world.

I want to play music to the highest standard possible. Music is a powerful thing.

Nathan Olusemire

Olusemire completed a minor in Arts Entrepreneurship to support the future planning and execution of the program. After graduation, he will finish the one-year Professional Artist Certificate program at UNCSA while he waits for his brother to complete his undergraduate studies.

He also intends to pursue additional degrees in the future while continuing to perfect his musicianship. “I’m so grateful to be in the United States and so thankful for UNCSA,” concludes Olusemire. “I want to play music to the highest standard possible. Music is a powerful thing.”

By Hannah Callaway

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