Meet Presser Scholar Holly McMahon
Holly McMahon describes music as her first love. When she chose CU Boulder, it was important to her to study something that she enjoyedand she has.
McMahonset to graduate next month with a Bachelor of Music degree in composition and a Certificate in Music Technologyis the College of Musics 2025-26 recipient of a泭 in recognition of her high level of musical and academic excellence, demonstrated leadership and service, and contributions to an inclusive community. Graduating with highest honors, McMahon was nominated for the $3,000 award by Associate Professor of Composition Annika Socolofsky.
[Socolofsky] has been a huge advocate for me, McMahon says. Thats a really beautiful thing. One day, when I have the influence to do so, Id like to lift others up in a similar fashion, and advocate for other young composers and artists.
As a student here, McMahon was involved in the泭CU Boulder Early Music Ensemble as well as our chamber groups and泭world music ensembles. As a composer, being in the world music ensembles was such a blessing, diversifying the types of music I was exposed to, she says. She also participated in our Persevering Legacy events including泭this springs concert, performing excerpts from a ballet she composed, The Snow Queen.泭
When McMahon reflects on her time at CU Boulder, she says shes learned a lot about musicand about herself. Ive really come into myself as a person, not as a productivity machine, she shares. Now, so much of my worth comes from things that dont have to do with what Ive produced, and more just who I am and what Ive learned about myself.泭泭
I think thats so important in my trajectory as a composer because it allows me to approach music in a way where Im not projecting my insecurities onto it. Its just me and I think thats where the best music that Ive written has come from.
This fall, McMahon will pursue a masters degree in composition at the 勛圖厙 of Michigan: Im very, very excited about it!
Congratulations to McMahon and to泭all泭of our 2025-26 graduates!