Clemson University Symphonic Band
November 23rd, 2009 at 8:00 pm - As the top auditioned group of wind and percussion musicians at Clemson University, the Symphonic Ba Learn More...
Clemson University Choral Ensembles
December 1st, 2009 at 8:00 pm - The Department of Performing Arts introduces its new choral director, Justin Durham, in a program of Learn More...
Clemson University Symphony Orchestra
December 3rd, 2009 at 8:00 pm - Popular orchestral hits fill this winter program, from the “Waltz” and “Polonaise” of Tchaikovsky’s Learn More...
The Spirit of Christmas
December 8th, 2009 at 8:00 pm - The Spirit of Christmas takes you on a magical journey to a winter wonderland of fun and festive che Learn More...
Tony DeSare, vocalist
January 14th, 2010 at 8:00 pm - Singer, pianist, and songwriter Tony DeSare has earned critical acclaim for his performances at the Learn More...
Performing Arts Alum Practices
In The Courtroom
Performing Arts Alum Practices In The Courtroom When Matthew Lubniewski entered Clemson University in 2001 he had no idea he’d end up in court. By the time the performing arts major entered college, he could play a several instruments and had numerous years of training.
“My first instrument was piano,” recalled the Greenville, S.C. native. “I learned to play by using a computer-guided piano system. I started playing the clarinet in middle school band and took private guitar lessons when I was 11 or 12. Then I started playing brass instruments at 13.”
Lubniewski’s first paid gigs were playing guitar in churches with rock-oriented services. While studying video production and filmmaking at the local fine arts high school, he performed in a few garage bands, toyed with digital recording, and even cut a few demo CDs. It appeared Lubniewski was destined for a career in the arts.
Selecting Clemson’s performing arts program over more traditional music programs because it offered him the opportunity to study more than just music, Lubniewski was a well-rounded Brooks Center student. Not only did he performing in Tiger Band, Concert Band, and the Classical Guitar Ensemble, he also worked backstage as part of the technical crew.
“My interest in music and the arts has always been rooted in both performance and technical production,” he said. “The Productions Studies in Performing Arts program at Clemson provides the perfect blend of artistic experience with the nuts and bolts aspects of music, while allowing students to get a traditional college experience.”
But instead of practicing music and performing on stage, Lubniewski currently practices law and plies his trade in the courtroom. How did a self-professed music geek transform into a legal eagle? His interest in becoming a lawyer was piqued during a class taught by the head of the Department of Performing Arts.
“The first time the idea of becoming an attorney entered my consciousness was in the Introduction to Performing Arts class I took with Professor Rick Goodstein,” Lubniewski said. “An entertainment lawyer from Atlanta gave a lecture about his career path. The presentation really crystallized in my mind that the law is the glue that holds together and runs through all aspects of American society, even the arts.”
After the presentation Lubniewski added Philosophy as a second major, concentrating in
classes on civic and legal philosophy. “Those courses mentally prepared me for the LSAT (the law school entrance exam), law school, and ultimately the bar exam.” After graduating from Clemson in 2005, Lubniewski attended the University of Pittsburg School of Law, where he transitioned from being a musician to law student.
He admits it was tough. “It’s not easy for anyone. It can be very competitive and sometimes defeating, especially for first-year law students. It’s a cliché people repeat all the time ‘Going to law school and becoming an attorney changes the way you think.’”
That said, Lubniewski believes the two fields are similar. He thinks both require discipline, the ability to be self-sufficient, and the willingness to sacrifice ones pride. “You have to submit to the idea that you can never ‘master’ the law due to the vast amount of information. The same can be said for music. You’re always challenged to improve your technique and expand your skills. As with anything, as your ‘island’ of knowledge and expertise grow, you are more and more humbled by the ‘ocean’ of what you don’t know.”
Currently, Lubniewski is a lawyer in Pittsburgh, where he practices banking and real estate law for the McGrath Law Group. He represents banks and financial services clients in real estate transactions and various types of litigation.
When asked what advice he has for students considering the law as a career, he recommends doing anything that will sharpen critical thinking and writing skills. “Law school and the bar exam reward careful reading, critical thought, and good writing. Also, make sure that you are willing to fully commit. Studying the law is very expensive and will probably take a few years off your life. Talking to attorneys about their experience and interning is a good ways to learn more the about profession.”
As for his passion for music, Lubniewski still has it. “My desire for music and the arts is more as a consumer these days.” he said. “But I still play guitar occasionally and I want to get back to serious playing at some point.”
