BYU–Hawaii student Adrian Pramoso said his musician journey is advocacy-driven, progressive and exemplary
Adrian Pramoso, a sophomore from the Philippines studying vocal performance and supply chain management, said he recently won first place in three categories—musical theater, classical and contemporary—at the 2026 National Association of Teachers of Singing international student auditions. He said the competition allowed him to receive feedback from professionals, which he described as an important part of improving as a student.
Dedication and direction
Pramoso said the achievement strengthened his motivation to continue pursuing music after he had considered "quitting music and focusing only on business." He said he prayed for clarity in choosing his path and found that pursuing something he enjoys makes the learning process more meaningful.
Pramoso said his interest in music began in the Philippines, where singing is part of everyday culture. He said he did not expect to pursue music seriously because the industry is highly competitive and opportunities can be limited. "Everyone in the Philippines is solo material."
Concerns about financial stability led him to pursue a double major, combining music with supply chain management, Pramoso said. Luckily, he said his vocal performance professors helped him understand possible career paths in music and how to build connections and professional skills.
Mentorship and growth
Pramoso said mentorship has played a major role in his development. He said faculty members are approachable and willing to share their experiences, which has helped him refine his skills and improve how he prepares and performs. Students can benefit from building relationships by talking with professors and showing a willingness to learn can open opportunities for guidance and growth, he said.
Pramoso said success in music often comes from trying different experiences and discovering strengths over time. He said his own journey began when he joined a choral competition, which led him to pursue music more seriously.
Pramoso said a strong performance requires both technical skill and emotional connection. He said singers should understand the message of a song and connect it to their own experiences to communicate meaning to the audience.
Pramoso said he applies this approach by thinking from the audience’s perspective. He said using personal experiences, such as being away from his home country, helps him express emotion more clearly during performances.
Purpose beyond performance
Pramoso said he plans to return to the Philippines and support youth facing challenges such as poverty and drug addiction. He said he hopes to create programs that use music as a way to provide positive outlets and opportunities for young people.
Pramoso said he describes his journey as advocacy-driven and progressive. He said having a clear purpose helps him continue working toward his goals while learning from mentors and experiences.
Pramoso said students should not focus on the fear of failure when pursuing their goals. He said missed opportunities often come from not trying, and he encouraged students to take action, learn from mistakes and continue improving.