Meet Presser Scholar Holly McMahon
Holly McMahon describes music as her first love. When she chose С Boulder, it was important to her to study something that she enjoyed—and she has.
McMahon—set to graduate next month with a Bachelor of Music degree in composition and a Certificate in Music Technology—is the College of Music’s 2025-26 recipient of a 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. “That’s a really beautiful thing. One day, when I have the influence to do so, I’d 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 theС Boulder Early Music Ensemble as well as our chamber groups andworld 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 includingthis spring’s concert, performing excerpts from a ballet she composed, “The Snow Queen.”
When McMahon reflects on her time at С Boulder, she says she’s learned a lot about music—and about herself. “I’ve really come into myself as a person, not as a productivity machine,” she shares. “Now, so much of my worth comes from things that don’t have to do with what I’ve produced, and more just who I am and what I’ve learned about myself.
“I think that’s so important in my trajectory as a composer because it allows me to approach music in a way where I’m not projecting my insecurities onto it. It’s just me and I think that’s where the best music that I’ve written has come from.”
This fall, McMahon will pursue a master’s degree in composition at the University of Michigan: “I’m very, very excited about it!”
Congratulations to McMahon and toallof our 2025-26 graduates!