John Flannery, Augustana sophomore and gifted pianist sits next to me at the brew. Their bags have been thrown on the floor and chairs, prepared to go to their next event after just coming from their sophomore music jury.

They began to explain their love for piano and music composition. Their voice carries a passionate tone as their hands gesture like the movements of playing piano.

Constantly busy with a double major in music performance and composition, Flannery is also involved in events all over the Quad Cities.

In recent weeks, Flannery has played in the St. Ambrose jazz concert, three children’s symphony productions, an orchestra concert in the Southeast Iowa Symphony Orchestra and in a sophomore jury. On top of all their performances, they have been composing their own music for a student-directed play.

Music is an essential part of Flannery’s life and has been since they were ten years old.

“It’s just that it is part of my life. It does have a positive impact and it’s something that’s so important to me, but I’m so used to having it be a part of my life whether it just be practicing or listening to music,” Flannery said.

Their passion for piano appears in their extensive involvement in performances as well as in their daily life.

When they began playing piano, Flannery’s talent was clear to those around them. Junior Gwen Flannery, their sister who plays oboe in the Augustana Symphonic Band, remembers them playing since a young age.

“I think it was sort of a hidden thing. So because we always had the piano in our house, we’d play around as kids,” she said. “But I think my mom could tell [they] had something more when [they] wanted to continue playing and trying to read music. I feel like she knew from that initial moment of interest.”

In most American schools, children can decide which, if any, instrument they want to play to learn the fundamentals of music in fifth grade. In Flannery’s case, piano became the perfect fit.

Not only does Flannery play music all the time, they also consume their time by listening to music throughout their day.

“It does help keep me going, like a ‘cleanse the soul’ type of thing. I just find that listening to music constantly and listening to new things, exploring everywhere helps,” they said. “I listen to music wherever I am, wherever I’m going, whenever I have a free moment. If I involve my life in [music] so much, it just feels natural just to fully embrace it and not hold back, right?”

A confident energy radiates from Flannery as they describe performing in front of people on a regular basis. They explain how stage fright has never been a problem for them, even at ten years old when they began to play for others.

“I’ve always loved watching [them] perform because [they] get into it. [They] really love what [they’re] doing. And you can tell that just from sitting and watching,” their sister said.

Technical thoughts of performance run through Flannery’s head moments before playing, yet they continue to show confidence in their talent as they put together notes and rhythms on the instrument.

“When I’m in the moment, that nervousness goes away. There’s always nerves there because you’re performing in front of people or judges, you know. You want to keep sure that you’re attentive. It’s always a good sign that you’re caring about it, because if you didn’t care there would be nothing,” Flannery said.

Flannery also composes their own music for various opportunities on campus. According to their sister, their composing also began at a young age.

Composing music is no small task. It requires knowledge of basic musicality and creativity to create pieces that work in terms of rhythm, note compatibility and stylistic qualities.

“[They] became interested in transcribing what [they] were hearing in TV shows and other things. From that point on, I think it sort of spurred [their] interest of ‘Oh, I can do something else.’ You know, ‘what can I put to paper?’ and I think it’s sort of grown from there,” their sister said.

As a sophomore, Flannery has the opportunity to continue playing piano in multiple ensembles and crafting their skills for the next two years. They are not sure what their future career will look like at the moment, but they plan to keep piano as a part of it.

Flannery has composed their very own music for a student-directed play Friday, Dec. 3 and will be performing with the Augustana Symphonic band on Saturday, Nov. 13 at 7:00 pm in Centennial Hall. Their sound design work can be heard at performances of Macbeth Nov. 11-14, their solo sophomore recital will take place in Ascension Chapel Dec. 4 at 7:30 pm.