Nathaniel Guerra

Nathaniel Guerra is a Master of Music student with specialization in steelpan performance from Arima, Trinidad

Hometown: Arima, Trinidad

High School: Queen's Royal College

Year: Expected graduation: spring 2026

What state/country are you from?
Trinidad and Tobago

Other universities attended: University of Trinidad and Tobago and the University of the West Indies.

What did you want to be when you were growing up? Are you pursuing that as a major, or have you taken another path?
Initially I wanted to be a doctor, then I pursued sciences to become an engineer, which then led me to study biomedical equipment technology. However, I somehow decided to commit to my lifelong passion of music back in 2019 and have been focused on this path ever since.

What is your major (and/or minor) and why did you decide on this course of study?
I’m pursuing a Master of Music with a specialization in steelpan performance. I originally wanted to do a specialization in composition; however, for one reason or another, I ended up applying and being accepted into the performance specialization. Though not my actual goal, this course of study has opened my eyes to the variety in the steelpan performance world and has given me more opportunities than I could have ever imagined, such as being granted a graduate assistantship and a temporary director position with the Community School of the Arts (CSA) Steelband, for which I am truly grateful. I have continued to compose nonetheless, and I have been using my newfound knowledge to explore new depths to my levels of composition. I hope one day to become a film composer, with formal training.

What has been something you have found pleasantly surprising about your experience at NIU?
The community at NIU has been amazing. Staff, faculty and fellow students have all been kind and accommodating, especially in the School of Music. I've also learned how to build and tune steelpans, which is something I did not expect to do.

How have you connected with other students to study for classes, meet new people or form new friendships?
I have met quite a number of other international students throughout my time here thus far in various classes and recitals, and we continue to connect and showcase our talents respectively.

Are you involved in any student organizations, mentoring programs or extra-curricular activities? If so, which ones? How have they added to your experience as a Huskie?
I have been given the opportunity to visit Minneapolis for a one-week performance residency, and I have been a TA at the NIU Percussion Camp in 2025, which has opened my eyes to the style of classes and classroom settings in America.

What NIU offices, departments or resources have helped you feel safe, supported and successful? And how?
The Graduate School and international student services have been consistent with their support for my ever-pressing concerns as an international student, and I am grateful for all the help.

Who has been one of your favorite instructors/professors and why? What course did they teach?
Professor Liam Teague and Yuko Asada have been perhaps the most instrumental in my journey through NIU, by always being willing and offering to help, whether it be with transportation, general knowledge or just being someone to talk to. Extremely grateful to them for everything.

How have you benefited by attending class regularly?
Regular attendance helps with a good image and just the fact that you are always up to speed with the content being taught.

Where is your favorite spot on campus or in the community? Why are you drawn to it?
Either the Holmes Student Center or the MLK Commons when there are active events, as they both offer fun things to do, especially during a busy semester.

What advice would you give to a student who is researching colleges to apply to?
Especially as an international student, see which colleges provide waivers/scholarships to assist with fees, as well as a college with a well-rated support staff to help guide you accordingly. Lastly, choose a college that provides what you are directly looking for at a reputable level.

Why is a college education important to you?
A college education not only builds a resumé and increases your credentials and credibility, but it also opens up a new world of knowledge and provides experiences that can shape a future you either dreamed or never dreamed of.

What strategies do you use to manage your time between the responsibilities of school, work, friends and family?
I honestly work best when the deadline is nearer, so I may typically try to do a small portion of the most strenuous task day by day after work if there are multiple things due. If not, I just take all my relaxation time leading up to the deadline and then fully commit to an  overnight or two, where my creative ideas and drive really kick in during the homestretch.

How do you stay informed about events and services that are available on campus?
My email notifications are always on, so I get informed of some events that way. Sometimes I see signs written in chalk on the sidewalk, or I just happen to pass tents and check it out.

What do you do to relax or recharge?
Gaming provides that sense of detachment from a world of deadlines, as does recreational composing and watching random YouTube videos. I'm not someone who can do one thing for too long without losing interest, so I mostly fluctuate between multiple activities or do two at the same time.

Please tell us about your job and hobbies.
Previously, I worked for my first year at the College of Health and Human Sciences survey research lab, which provided job stability and flexibility with a hectic music schedule. Now, I begin two new jobs as the director of the CSA Steelband and as a graduate assistant director of the All-University Steelband. My hobbies are either doing one of my recharging activities or just lying down on the couch thinking about what I want to try doing next.