From Freshman to Finale: the Evolution of a CCS Composer
Donavan Walker ‘25 (CCS Music Composition) uses music, voice acting, and special effects to share his college experience
Donavan Walker ‘25 (CCS Music Composition) discovered the College of Creative Studies (CCS) while searching for schools during the pandemic lockdown, and was immediately drawn to its sense of freedom and unique learning model. For an emerging composer, CCS’s experiential approach—set against the awe-inspiring backdrop of mountains and sea—felt like the perfect place to grow and develop his artistic voice. Now, as he prepares for his senior recital, taking place Saturday, February 22, 2025, Donavan is bringing that journey to life through music, voice acting, and special effects—crafting a performance that depicts his evolution from freshman year to today. Before taking the stage for this final CCS milestone, he sat down with the College to share a glimpse into his experience.
CCS: What is your major, and why are you passionate about it?
Donavan Walker (DW): I am a music composition major, and I’m passionate about the storytelling aspect of music. This ability to speak on different topics, whether super complex or small and seemingly insignificant, is important to me. Through my music, I can express myself in ways that I may not always feel comfortable doing with my voice.
“Through my music, I can express myself in ways that I may not always feel comfortable doing with my voice.”
—Donavan Walker ‘25 (CCS Music Composition)
CCS: Can you share some insights into the research or projects you've been involved in during your time at CCS?
DW: During my four years at CCS, I received the Summer Undergraduate Research Fellowship (SURF) & Traveling Undergraduate Research Fund (TURF) grants, the Undergraduate and Research Creative Activities (URCA grant, participated as a Research and Creative Activities Conference (RACA-CON) presenter, won the 2024 Humanities and Fine Arts Division Give Day Creativity Contest, was featured in Matchbox Magazine, and earned accolades from Reel Loud Film and Arts Festival. With these achievements, I’ve been able to create multiple albums, short films, an audio movie, and participate in music festivals and competitions. Most importantly, CCS has inspired me to culminate my artistic career with my senior recital.
“CCS has inspired me to culminate my artistic career with my senior recital.”
—Donavan Walker ‘25 (CCS Music Composition)
“Layers” is the ultimate recap of my experience at CCS. I’ve had the concept for it since late freshman year, and it features music ranging from recent works to pieces from the beginning of my undergrad. It’s going to be a recital unlike anything I’ve seen before, with an engaging story, special effects, and live voice acting.
I partnered with multiple organizations across campus, from the Black Student Union (BSU) and the Office of Black Student Development, who helped me fund it, to the Department of Theater and Dance, who aided with sourcing performers and pre-show festivities. I can’t stress enough how cool this event is going to be.
CCS: Is there a particular highlight or memory that has defined your CCS experience?
DW: The moment that sits with me the most is the first-ever class I took at UCSB. It was the Landscape Music class, and it required us to interact with nature and perceive it musically. We went to Campus Point, and Leslie [Hogan] had us take time to write down our goals as composers and for the future. It was this feeling of being aware of where I was while also learning new environments, people, and concepts. That feeling of welcoming challenges while staying grounded has stuck with me throughout my CCS experience.
“That feeling of welcoming challenges while staying grounded has stuck with me throughout my CCS experience.”
—Donavan Walker ‘25 (CCS Music Composition)
CCS: Are there any faculty members, staff members, or other CCS community members who have positively impacted your academic or personal growth?
DW: There’s no sugarcoating this—without Dr. Leslie Hogan as my CCS faculty advisor and first musical mentor, I wouldn’t be the composer I am today. She made me feel comfortable expressing myself musically while also giving feedback on ways to improve the narrative aspect of my music. She has always been respectful and attentive to the stories I wanted to tell, and she was the one who pointed me to the resources to highlight my art. Leslie deserves so much thanks and appreciation for shaping not just my CCS experience, but so many of ours.
“Without Dr. Leslie Hogan as my CCS faculty advisor and first musical mentor, I wouldn’t be the composer I am today.”
—Donavan Walker ‘25 (CCS Music Composition)
CCS: What advice would you give to prospective students considering applying to CCS, especially those interested in your major?
DW: I would tell them that they are capable of whatever they want to do. You aren’t confined by any systems or roadblocks; you are only confined by your effort. So, when you’re in CCS, try to maximize the opportunities, not just within CCS or even UCSB, but as far as you want to go.
“You aren’t confined by any systems or roadblocks; you are only confined by your effort.”
—Donavan Walker ‘25 (CCS Music Composition)
Those interested in learning more about Donavan and his work are encouraged to watch the trailer for “Layers”, Donavan’s senior recital, taking place at 5:00 pm on February 22 at Lotte Lehmann Hall. Doors open at 4:30 pm, and the event is free for all. The College applauds Donavan for sharing his story—not only through this interview but through his creative work as well.