Hi! My name is Dmitrii Tabala and I am a Music Major with emphasis in Violin Performance and Music Technology. I was born in Saint Petersburg, Russia. I came to the US 6 years ago to Idyllwild Arts Academy for high school. After graduating I got admitted to CLU for class of 23′. The main reason I went to CLU is because of the great faculty. The music staff of CLU is truly spectacular and they are the main reason I am attending CLU. Their professionalism and experience in the music industry gives me opportunities to learn more and more. Also the size of the school allows for more personalized learning experience and I really appreciate that as well.
The community and the positive atmosphere. CalLu is the place where I am able to truly improve and work without as much stress as in any other place. CalLu is the place where I can reach out to any professor or student and get a positive response, where I can collaborate with students from different areas and truly learn by doing, where I can be myself.
The main difference is the people. In the US it is much easier to connect with people, to reach out for help and make connections. People are much more positive (I think this is a more California thing though) and life just feels more optimistic. Seems like I do the same things in both countries: talk to people, work, study, buy groceries, etc. However in Russia each of these aspects incorporates certain stress (getting yelled at the store, getting, ruining your shoes, being scammed by the employer), and in the US even though I do the same things it feels much more smooth and easy going.
By: Dmitrii Tabala