For Darby Cappillino, a family heritage in Christian music was a great foundation for a career as a musician–but a degree in music leadership from Trevecca has helped her to feel truly ready to chase that dream.
With her mother a member of the award-winning Christian music group Point of Grace, Cappillino was immersed in the industry from an early age growing up in Nashville. Her father plays guitar for the band as well, and touring with her parents was one of the reasons she developed a passion for music and performing.
“I have wanted to be on stage since I was walking,” she said. “I remember being three years old, begging my mom to give me a microphone. And when she finally did, she couldn't get me off the stage.”
When the time came to choose a college, a strong music program was a necessity, and Trevecca simply felt like the right fit. “I decided to come to Trevecca because it felt like home. The faculty is just so nurturing,” she said. “Plus, it’s in Music City, and music is what I’m doing.”
While earning her degree in music leadership, Cappillino found mentorship and a close-knit community in Trevecca’s School of Music.
“I think the best part of being a Trevecca music leadership major is being close with all of the teachers in my major,” she said. “They're not only teachers but mentors, and it's been really fun and sweet to have a nice relationship with all of them.”
Among her favorite memories are the countless hours spent with the Trevecca choir. “I've always loved to sing and be a part of an ensemble, and so the last four years I've been a part of it and I'm honestly really sad to leave it,” she said.
Cappillino says Trevecca equipped her with more than musical training in preparation for her next steps. “I’ve been given great spiritual tools and practical tools to go out in the workforce, so I feel ready to get this thing going,” she said. “I'm buckling up for the journey.”
Cappillino still occasionally performs with her mother and the rest of Point of Grace, sharing special moments on stage and in worship settings. And looking ahead, the two have even bigger dreams. “The dream that my mom and I have is to do an album together. Just like The Judds—that's what my mom always says,” Cappillino said.
Cappillino points to her mother as both a musical and spiritual influence. “I look up to my mom, not only musically because I think she's incredible, but also for her advice about how to be a light of Jesus in a secular music industry,” she said. “She's given me a lot of helpful tips, and she's just the greatest role model.”
For students considering Trevecca, Cappillino’s advice is simple: “Get plugged in and be a part of everything you want to be a part of. And enjoy the four years because it goes by super fast,” she said. “It's like you blink and then you're graduating. So enjoy every second of it.”
