Alison Beskin

Flute, 2005 - 2009

Flutist Alison Beskin is in her second year of law school at the University of Virginia and is currently interning with the Securities and Exchange Commission in New York City. She performs legal research and works with attorneys to protect investors. She will be joining the New York law firm of Cravath, Swaine & Moore as a Summer Associate in May.
 
While Alison may not be playing her flute as much now that she’s on Wall Street, she previously studied music at Princeton University and later the Royal Academy of Music, and recognizes the important and ongoing role music—and AYWS—plays in her life.

“AYWS prepared me for college and graduate school by teaching me how to work hard, both in general and in an ensemble setting,” she explains.

“AYWS also prepared me for my legal career for very similar reasons. The legal profession requires meticulous attention to detail, which is something I learned from the methodical way in which Dr. Stewart approaches music during rehearsals.”
 
She vividly remembers arriving to her first AYWS rehearsal as a freshman in high school and looking around the room, immediately realizing how fortunate she was to have the opportunity to play with such amazing musicians. Now, she enjoys coming back and playing in the AYWS alumni concert in Atlanta Symphony Hall.
 
“I remember being a high schooler when other alumni used to come back to play with us, and returning to the stage with AYWS as an alumna brings back years of great memories!” she says.
 
A dedicated supporter of the AYWS, Alison wants younger musicians to have the same opportunities she had with ensemble when she was in high school.
 
“I was fortunate to attend a high school with a great arts program,” she explains. “However, some students may not have access to strong arts programs in their own schools. AYWS gives students the ability to play in an amazing ensemble under the direction of a world-class conductor. It’s also great because it gives students the chance to meet other musicians, who will likely become professional colleagues.”
 
Speaking of networking and meeting other musicians, Alison says AYWS students should feel free to reach out to her if they want to discuss careers in music or music in general. She’s always happy to offer advice and to talk about music!