Grace Fuechtmann

High school: Riverside Brookfield Twp High School

Hometown: Riverside, Ill.

Major: Music education (vocal)

Minors: Music performance: vocal; French

Activities: Augustana Choir, Chamber Singers, S.M.I.L.E., Academic Chorus, Ascension Ringers, Augustana College Music Education, American Choral Directors' Association–Augustana Chapter

Internship: Student teaching

Post-grad plans: Teaching elementary music in the Chicago suburbs

Why Augustana?

I was drawn to Augustana by the faculty and small class sizes. I wanted to work directly with professors in order to benefit from their knowledge and experiences. Furthermore, as a student of multiple disciplines, I loved how students were encouraged to participate in many extracurricular activities and pursue as many courses of study as possible.

Are you where you thought you'd be when you first came to campus?

I am right where I hoped I would be. I have loved my journey through the music ed program, and I feel confident in my ability to lead a music program. 

However, never in my wildest dreams did I expect to fall in love with elementary music. Before my final semester at Augie, I never saw myself as anything but a choir director, but through a transformational student-teaching experience, I have found a love for teaching music to young children, and I am so excited to do it professionally.

Who helped you get to where you are now?

My success has been thanks to the music and music education faculty, especially Dr. Hurty, Dr. Zemek, Dr. Hopkins, Dr. Rayapati and Dr. Sherrill, all of whom have shaped me as a musician and an educator. 

The music faculty at Augustana leads by example, showing students what it means to strive for excellence, both in one's own life and as a leader of a music program. In moments of low self-confidence, they have been there to provide words of encouragement, and they have pushed me to be the best person I can be.

I have also found some of my best friends in the music department, who have provided academic and emotional support throughout my journey through the music education program. Their silliness and constant willingness to provide a helping hand have been a pillar of my college experience, without which I would not have made it this far.

Peak experience?

The peak experience of my college career was my study abroad trip to Dijon, France, during the summer of 2025. This trip provided me with a lifetime of incredible memories. 

I formed friendships that will last a lifetime and immersed myself in another culture, which provided me a greater appreciation for my own culture, as well as for the diversity of the world as a whole. I will take what I learned there, and the curiosity I gained, into my future classroom.

What surprised you?

I am surprised by how much I love teaching elementary music. The students, especially the young ones, are so full of excitement and so ready to follow you on a musical journey. 

I thought this kind of work would be draining, and it is definitely tiring, but there is nothing more energizing than watching children experience musical joy through a lesson that you designed.

What will you miss the most?

I will miss my friends the most. College is unique in that you live within walking distance of all your friends, and on a small campus like this, I run into someone I know every time I walk across the Quad or into Bergendoff. 

People love to talk about the "Augie Nice," and the stereotype is absolutely true: people here have a certain friendliness to them. I will miss the positive energy I feel walking around campus and seeing my friends every day.

Advice for the Class of 2030?

Join Bell Choir!