Few people ever write or even record a song in their lifetimes. Senior Ursula Sargent, on the other hand, plans to produce an album during her independent study in high school.

Producing an entire album takes a lot of work as an individual. Song production commonly involves multiple people working to produce each aspect from lyrics to instruments. Instead, Sargent does everything herself, involving processes she has looked to refine.

“I’m not great at writing when I’m supposed to write something,” Sargent said. “I’ve been actually examining my process a lot this year.”

Working alone, Sargent has tried to find a production rhythm that works.

“What I was trying to do all this year was write the chords on the piano and then try to come up with a melody and then words,” Sargent said. “I’ve realized now [that] it comes a lot more naturally to me if I do all that at the same time, to kind of play the chords and sing a melody.”

Sargent’s multi-instrumentalist skills help her produce songs. Sargent is able to switch from drums, to a bass, to a piano, all within a single song — a talent she admires in other musicians, as well.

“I think it’s so cool that Stevie Wonder can be an amazing songwriter, singer, drummer [and] piano player — that he can be praised individually for those as being one of the best,” Sargent said. “That really inspires me, and I feel like I look up to him a lot as a multi-instrumentalist.”

After graduating from University Prep, Sargent plans to turn her musical talents into a career.

“I’m planning on going to conservatory and for that I think I’m going to be studying mostly drums,” Sargent said.

Seeing Sargent perform now, it may be a surprise to learn where she started her music endeavors.

“When I was four, I don’t really remember, but I guess I just asked my parents for violin lessons,” Sargent said. “It’s kind of weird for a four-year-old to want music lessons, but I did, so I started on violin.”

She has since learned several different instruments, including piano, bass, ukulele and drums.

Since arriving at UPrep her freshman year, Sargent has expressed her love for music, not only through events like Music Day but also by playing with UPrep’s advanced jazz ensemble — a community that will lose her presence after she graduates.

“I really like communicating with people through music. I think it’s a really cool way to express myself,” Sargent said. “I like playing with other people, especially in jazz, because there’s so much communication that goes on through the playing that I love so much.