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    My name is Roderick Demmings Jr. I am 21 years old and am a rising senior studying in the organ program of the Peabody Conservatory of Johns Hopkins University. Ever since I was very young, I have always wanted to travel the world performing. So far, I’ve made it to ten countries, three continents with performances in Italy and France. Most recently, I teamed up with concert pianist, Karl Van Richards to create Double Treble, a national concert tour that features both of us on the piano, “battling” against each other. I’d like to think that through my efforts, I am making better the lives of my concertgoers through exciting, enriching performances.

     Because I spend so much time performing, any chance I get in school to focus on academics, I seize it! Ergo, Humanities/Lit. is my favorite course in Conservatory! My love of learning comes from my boyhood experience at St. Mark’s School of Texas where I excelled  tremendously due to the love and care of my teachers and administrators. Looking back on myself at that time, I would have strongly urged my former self to work very hard. I have come to know that all things worth having come at an extremely high price: time, energy, and effort.

     I am very grateful for having been chosen as a STAR/CSF Ft. Worth student as it has provided me with opportunities I might not have otherwise received. Opening the door to education for me was like opening a treasure chest. As aforementioned, it is my hope to give meaningful concerts around the globe. Although it takes long hours, loss of sleep, and lots of sacrifice, I am willing and able to make this goal a reality. I like to think that as music needs no translation, I am working to aid the world through the universal language of music. This is my greatest goal.