Photos by: Raphael Fernandez
Sitting at a piano in the Moores School of Music practice room, onlookers can find doctoral student Tugce Ozcivan playing a tune. As a doctoral student and pianist at the University of Houston, Ozcivan embodies determination and mastery in her craft.
After encouragement from her family, Ozcivan’s musical journey began early, working part-time at a conservatory in the high school transition. Ozcivan’s passion for music has always been clear, driving her educational journey spanning decades.
“I’ve been deeply immersed in the professional world of music,” Ozcivan said. “Since childhood, I’ve always wanted to pursue a doctorate; my mentors followed this path, and I’ve been inspired to do the same. Working with different mentors and learning as much as possible is vital. In our profession, the educational journey is long.”
Ozcivan pursued her undergraduate degree in piano performance at Mimar Sinan Fine Arts University in Istanbul, Turkey, with a year spent at Conservatorio di Musica Santa Cecilia di Roma in Italy. She then continued her master’s in music performance at Central Michigan University before embarking on her Doctoral of Arts at the University of Houston.
Along with her performances and concerts, Ozcivan also balances various assistantship roles.
“I currently serve as a teaching assistant at the University of Houston, where I teach group piano classes to non-piano majors. These are students who play other instruments but must learn piano as part of their curriculum. I also perform with the Aura Ensemble,” Ozcivan said.
Balancing the responsibilities of a doctoral student and performer means her days are far from routine.
Her daily and weekly routines vary significantly. Along with a heavy course load and teaching duties, her afternoons are filled with rehearsals and teaching sessions. Mornings are dedicated to practicing piano at school, followed by classes or TA duties around midday. In the evenings, unless there are pressing activities, she prioritizes relaxation. This rigorous schedule often leaves little room for personal life, but Ozcivan emphasizes the importance of finding a work-life balance.
“Taking time for yourself is crucial to staying productive. Since I’m involved in the arts, I make a conscious effort not to detach from life,” Ozcivan said. “Attending exhibitions, concerts and cultural events, going out during the week, and not neglecting exercise, diet and social life are all vital for doctoral students, and I prioritize them to maintain my balance.”
Despite the demands of her academic and musical commitments, Ozcivan remains vigilant about her mental health and the risk of burnout.
“Protecting mental health and avoiding burnout is not often discussed but should be. When we focus on enjoying the process rather than just the outcome, burnout tends to decrease,” Ozcivan said. “Preparing for a concert, exam or competition can be intense, but the key is to enjoy the journey rather than just aiming for the final hour of performance.”
Through all the challenges and demands of her doctoral journey, Tugce Ozcivan’s story is one of dedication to her art and a testament to the power of balancing passion, discipline and well-being—elements that contribute to the enchanting lives of the artists we admire.
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