Claudia Eligur

“I am a proud first-generation Armenian-American college student,” says Claudia Eligur, a senior Music Production and Music Industry major, who is part of the 4+1 MFA program in Creative Music Technology.

Claudia has been heavily involved in Ramapo’s music scene, serving in her second year as the President of the Ramapo Music Club, Live Entertainment Chair of the College Programming Board, and the Student Aide at the Les Paul recording studio. Her three main positions on campus highlight all of her main passions: live event production, the business side of music, and audio engineering. She is eternally grateful for the amount of hands-on opportunities she has partaken at Ramapo, for all of her experiences are a glimpse into her career post graduation.

Off-campus, Claudia works at her family’s jewelry store, Special Designs Jewelers, and interns at multimedia studio Alpha Wave Studios, where she does in both creative and business work. “While it may seem like I have a lot on my plate, I have a smile on my face through it all. I’m passionate about what I do and want to encourage others to get out there and do what they love.” In her free time, Claudia often enjoys winding down with her guitar and playing ambient music to meditate and stay afloat.

Claudia is from Fair Lawn, N.J. and has a 3.51 GPA.

Pamela Martinez

“I am so happy and grateful for being a first generation scholar. Through the support of my family and academic mentors, I have grown as a multi-instrumentalist, performer, and producer. I formed my first band, recorded an EP, and consistently worked within the arts realm. This semester pushed me out of my comfort zone and I’m proud of myself for learning how to balance all my personal and professional endeavors.” says Pamela Martinez.

Pamela is a Music Production major. She has a 3.5 GPA and is a member of honor societies NSLS and NSCS. At Ramapo, she was a Spanish tutor for three years, President of the Ramapo Music Club for two years and participated in the symphonic, jazz and pep bands throughout her four years. She currently works as an audio engineer at the Berrie Center’s Sharp Theater.

“I am determined and ecstatic to work with sound for the rest of my life. The experimental approach to sound design has transformed the way I implement new methods and technology. Flexibility, patience and kindness is key to building lasting relationships. I enjoy building community and identity. Discussing social and political consciousness through my musical endeavors is important to me.”

After graduation, she plans to pursue an M.F.A. in Creative Music Technology at Ramapo College (4+1 program) while working at a studio as an audio engineer and releasing original material. She strives to work for Audiotree or Atlantic Records in the future.

Pamela is from Bound Brook, N.J.

James Martorana

James Martorana of Brick, N.J. is music major at Ramapo with concentrations in music performance and music education. He has a 3.8 GPA.

At Ramapo, James plays guitar in Jazz Ensemble, is a member of Music Club, and participates in Faculty-Student Research with Ramapo professors.

James has played all over the tri-state area, at venues such as The Stone Pony (Asbury Park, NJ), The Mercury Lounge (New York City, NY), and The Grape Room (Philadelphia, PA). “I hope to continue performing as a career, as well as teaching private music lessons after I graduate.”

James Moore

James Moore of Lincoln Park, N.J. is a Music major with a concentration in Music Production. He has a 4.0 GPA and previously earned his A.S. in Music Recording from the County College of Morris.

James sang in the Ramapo Chorale and the audition ensembles for two years as a tenor. He was featured in multiple solos, including a performance of “Will the Circle Be Unbroken” at the 2019 Commencement Ceremony. 

Before the pandemic he also hosted a weekly radio show on WRPR, where he reviewed a selection of his favorite albums. After graduating, James hopes to pursue radio and podcasting professionally while continuing to produce music independently.