Balancing the demands of college life and creative expression, Frank Sanzo, a senior music education major, said he finds peace in the rhythms and melodies that have shaped his journey. Between jam sessions and early morning classes, this Bowling Green State University (BGSU) senior is not just hitting the books, but also hitting new notes.
Sanzo is a Music Education major whose primary instrument is percussion, he also writes music, plays guitar, and sings. Originally from Painesville, Ohio, he attended Riverside High School, where he was heavily involved in their theater, choir and band programs.
“I didn’t join a band and start percussion until freshman year of high school,” said Sanzo. “So before that, I was just, like, playing guitar and singing.”
Sanzo said his relationship with music is lifelong.
“I’ve always felt like I was musically inclined,” Sanzo said. “With my parents, they kept trying to push me into sports. I was not about it.”
He said he’s always enjoyed singing along to songs in the car, but it wasn’t until he was in seventh grade when he got a guitar that his love for music really began. Once he reached high school, that love was fostered by the support of his directors.
“My directors in high school were very supportive and would let me play guitar for the choir and let me play guitar for other performances,” said Sanzo. “And then they would also let me sing solos in class. So that’s what really pushed me.”
Along with his education studies, Sanzo is also a part of the BGSU Percussion Studio, where he learns from faculty and staff and performs with other students.
“Frank has really embraced the ‘total percussion’ philosophy of our percussion studio here in the College of Musical Arts,” said Daniel Piccolo, percussionist and associate professor for the College of Musical Arts (CMA).
The CMA and the percussion studio as a whole allows students to work together, learn from each other and create music.
“Frank is a very efficient person to play with,” said Sophomore Anthony Douglas, Percussion Performance major and member of the percussion studio. “He’s very knowledgeable and it’s clear he does things intentionally and with conviction.”
Sanzo has written, produced and officially released two songs, “1×1” and “Milk and Cereal” which are available on Spotify, Apple Music and other straming platforms. He says recording and producing his music is the biggest challenge, but writing comes more naturally.
“It’s going to sound cliche, it just kind of happens,” said Sanzo. “ When something happens in my life or I get reminded of something, I pick up the guitar and I end up writing a cool song.”
When he’s working on a song, he starts with chords and melodies and then adds lyrics on top of that. Sanzo said recording is “always a moving target,” as it never sounds exactly like he wants.
Sanzo currently teaches two different high schools in the area in preparation for his upcoming graduation while keeping up with classes and performances at BGSU.
“That’s what’s important to me. I work,” said Sanzo. “I teach at Northwood High School, and I teach at Anthony Wayne High School. I also have my senior recital on Nov. 9 at 4 p.m in Bryan Recital Hall. That’s my main project right now.”
Although music keeps him very busy, he said he also enjoys going to the gym and spending time outdoors at places like Winter Garden Park.
“Everything just somehow connects to music,” Sanzo said. “ It’s hard for me to find an aspect of my life that isn’t somehow connected to music.”
Sanzo said making music a career can be difficult: something you love can so quickly begin to feel like a chore, and that’s not something Sanzo wants for himself. He is a passionate educator, and music just happens to be his chosen subject.
“As a Music Education major, I am sure that Frank will be able to draw on his versatility to become a passionate, unique and impactful educator,” said Piccolo.
Sanzo’s classmates know him for the time and dedication he puts towards his passions.
“Every time he has something to work on, he puts his head down and works till he gets what he needs,” Douglas said. “He’s a heck of a musician, an amazing player and a great person overall.”
As graduation looms and the next chapter of life beckons, Sanzo remains focused on two things in his life: music and educating the next generation.
“There’s a reason I chose to go into this. I do it because I love it, and it’s just a passion for education more so than music,” Sanzo said. “So that kind of pushes me is where I separate the music part aside. At the end of the day, I’m still educating children and that’s what I want to do.”
