The Shelby and Ferne Collinsworth School of Music at California Baptist University has made it its mission to inspire students to the highest standards of musical craft and prepare them for success in musical professions.
“Music is a universal language — no matter where you are, no matter the place, music will always be there,” said Lilliane Vargas, sophomore studio production major. “It’s a way for people to communicate with each other.”
Vargas fulfills the School of Music’s mission by creating music that represents her in the truest sense. Vargas describes the studio production major as the study of the music industry and focusing on the recording side of the industry. She explains that it emphasizes teaching “the behind-the-scenes that you don’t see behind the artist” in studio production.
Initially, she planned to enter CBU as a nursing student, but after realizing that her lifelong adoration of music had the potential to be more than just a hobby, she made the switch and started learning about the School of Music.
Her music journey began when she first learned how to play the piano. She now plays various instruments, including violin, guitar, cello and ukelele.
“Music has just been something that I identify myself with, and it feels part of who I am,” Vargas said.
Vargas said her main inspiration stems from her faith because it is something that she believes is a blessing in her life. Her faith has helped her overcome thoughts of not being the best she can be.
Vargas said she is grateful for her ability to create music, which inspires her to push forward and grow in the craft. She classifies her music as Spanish Rock, drawing inspiration from Selena Quintanilla, Olivia Rodrigo and Paramore.
However, she prefers to stay away from typical genre labels and strives to create genuine and “real” music, as she says. Vargas describes music as a vulnerable piece of you that should highlight what your work means to you and tell your story.
Vargas’s creative process varies according to where she is in life. She knows what kind of piece she would like to create and can experiment on her own or even jam out casually with friends.
“Creative process of music is a lot of experimentation,” Vargas said.
She explains that she draws inspiration from preexisting works and their structure and makes them her own. Whether she is in a large group or one-on-one with another artist, spontaneity creates something beautiful that will blossom.
The primary demographic that she is trying to reach is young adults. She believes that young adults are at the most vulnerable stage in their life, and she would love to make an impact on them.
Her mission is to influence people to be true to who they are.
“Stay true to who you are and don’t let anyone try to change you into a version that you aren’t,” Vargas said.
She said she strives to create music that makes people want to dance. Vargas wants her music to make people feel good, and although she enjoys love ballads, she would love to create a sound that excites her audiences and makes them feel confident and happy.
Learn more about Vargas and her sound on her Instagram, @LillyOfficialMusic.
