Last summer, BU students Courtney Miller, a Doctor of Musical Arts candidate and Ceylon Mitchell (CFA BM ’13, MME ’14) were pondering how to attract new audiences to classical music. It’s not unusual for music videos on YouTube to go viral, but would it work in their genre? And how could it work? Courtney and Ceylon looked to Boston for inspiration. What if they set their favorite scenes of the city and Boston University to music? In just six weeks, Courtney and Celyon’s video has had nearly 800 hits.
What prompted the project? What was the goal?
Courtney: Well, if I really like a pop song, then I will probably go to YouTube and check out the music video. With this project I wanted to show classical music in settings outside of the concert hall and to create a music video that people can watch and enjoy. And to be totally honest, to have a little fun in the process!
Ceylon: Courtney and I have been colleagues and friends at BU CFA School of Music for the last few years. This past summer we worked in the School of Music admissions office together. During that time, Courtney talked with me about multiple music projects she was interested in starting. One of the unique projects was creating “classical music” videos that would make this genre of music accessible, fresh, and entertaining for all audiences. Courtney approached me with the idea and I was thrilled to participate!
What inspired you to frame your music with images of Boston and BU and your interaction with scenes of the city?
Ceylon: Courtney made it clear to me that she wanted audiences to see her personality and love for Boston in these videos. During our musical studies at BU, this city has become our second home. My goal as the videographer was to make sure we captured and conveyed this emotional connection with music and iconic scenes that speak to our experiences as Boston University music students.
Courtney: I want to give Ceylon a serious shout out in regards to this question. We shot most of the video together at BU Central and around Boston, and then he had a stroke of inspiration/genius and did a second video shoot with rooftop views. This added footage adds so much beauty and perspective to the video!
What has been the reaction? Are you building new audiences with this approach?
Courtney: The reaction has been positive, which is really encouraging. I think that we are building new audiences and I hope to continue to do so. The YouTube analytics reveal that I’ve had views from all over the world, including places that I don’t have a personal connection with such as, countries in the Middle East, Africa, Europe and South America.
Ceylon: The first video has been well received from a number of friends, colleagues, and BU faculty members. Even my non-music major friends have been very impressed and entertained by such a unique project. Internet views have been increasing on a daily basis.
How important is it for a musician today to interact with and relate to everyday life?
Courtney: It is a necessity! One of my personal missions as a classical musician is to connect with listeners in as many ways as I can. I want them to see that behind the formal settings in which we often perform and the crazy amount of practicing and work we do, that we are totally approachable and very down to earth.
Ceylon: Essential. Our constant job as musicians is to communicate with today’s audiences as well as make our music relevant and accessible to their experiences in life. Using visual means to convey musical ideas is a great idea of integration that only helps to further this communication.
Do you find that this idea of reaching new audiences is part of your approach as you focus on your career and new projects?
Courtney: Absolutely. People can’t listen to you if they don’t know you exist.
Ceylon: For myself, the answer is clearly yes. The more I can connect with new audiences, the stronger my network will be and the more fulfilling my life as a musician will be.
As you launch your career, what has surprised you the most?
Ceylon: The music world is very, very small.
Courtney: To add to what Ceylon said, it is pretty amazing that you see the same faces now that you did when you went to a summer festival back in high school. In many ways I think we are very fortunate because our career actually keeps us in contact with friends. It might take a few years, but odds are you are going to see them or play with them again in some professional setting.
What advice would you give young classical musicians?
Courtney: It is really important to enjoy your music. The art of music making calls for perfection and constant improvement, it can be easy to get lost in the many challenges and demands that you face. I think finding joy in playing your instrument and music is key.
Ceylon: Be open to learn and work with other colleagues. Take risks and try new musical ventures. You will only learn from these experiences.
What are you working on now?
Courtney: Finishing my Doctorate at BU is definitely a current project.
I recently signed a contract with Centaur Records to release my debut CD titled Modern Fairy Tales. In order to help prepare for this recording, I have several recitals planned, the first of which is Sunday Dec. 8th at 2:30 pm at BU in The Marshall Room.
Also, I would be remiss if I didn’t mention that Ceylon and I have a couple more innovative music videos up our sleeve.
Ceylon: I am finishing the last semester of my Master’s degree in music education at Boston University and am currently student teaching at Boston Latin School near BU. I also direct the BU Flute Ensemble, teach private lessons and freelance. I am currently applying to graduate school for a second Master’s degree in flute performance for next fall 2014.
For more about Courtney and her projects, please visit www.courtneymilleroboe.com