Masterclasses Archives - BYU College of Fine Arts and Communications

Broadway Star Kristin Chenoweth Emphasizes Individuality and Authenticity in Masterclass with MDT Students

Alyssa Anderson — Mon, 13 Dec 2021 16:33:25 +0000

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The Westerlies Mentor Students on Music Composition and Creativity

Capri Baker — Thu, 02 Dec 2021 17:25:12 +0000

The Westerlies shared their insights and strategy on improv and music composition, inspiring students to delve into their own creative process The Westerlies, a self-described “accidental brass quartet,” paid a visit to BYU on November 11, allowing students an opportunity to learn a bit more about the brass musicians up close. The foursome creates music that is a fusion of different music styles, mixing various genres such as classical, jazz and folk. Read the full article at arts.byu.edu

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Broadway Baritone Brian Stokes Mitchell Shares Invaluable Advice to BYU Theatre Hopefuls

Capri Baker — Fri, 22 Oct 2021 16:31:57 +0000

Performing arts guru Brian Stokes Mitchell shares his view from the stage and how his many roles have shaped his own role in life During his visit at BYU, Brian Stokes Mitchell led a masterclass for students in between his evening shows. The Tony Award winner has been recognized for talents in the performing arts ranging from singing to acting to dancing. Stokes’ theatrical endeavours include involvement in productions such as Kiss Me, Kate, Sweeny Todd, The Prince of Egypt and Glee. His impressive resume has led him to a great deal of personal success. The American baritone “started singing before [he] remember[s] talking. “I was fascinated by the keyboard, because it had these patterns and notes, but also, I realized putting notes together in a certain way made me feel,” he said during the masterclass. While his passion for music began at an early age, Stokes has continued his career in the performing arts throughout his life. He taught students that it is not enough to simply have one end goal in mind, but rather work to constantly develop themselves. “What I do best is I’m a really good student,” Stokes said. He explained that he loves to read and study in order to expand his mind and theatrical abilities. Doing so has granted him unceasing growth throughout his life. Stokes suggested various tips to help flourish personal and professional potential. For him, a main aspect of this lies within “the spaces.” “Great art is in the spaces. It’s not in the brushstrokes that you see. It’s in the brushstrokes that aren’t there, in the negative spaces. It’s not in the lines that are said, it’s in the pauses.” He continued, “Anybody can play the notes; it takes an artist to play the spaces.” He expounded on this idea of spaces in relation to acting. When performing in a play, Stokes would alter his performance each show, whether it was in the way he moved his body, or in the way he spoke his lines. He realized what a large impact this may have on one’s performance. Stokes advised that for an individual desiring a career in the arts, one must have an extreme love for it; a need for it. If one is to choose this path, he shared “five T’s” to ensure the best possible outcome when seeking success. These include talent, technique, timing, tenacity and ‘tude (attitude). Music Dance Theater student Bronwyn Reed appreciated Stokes’ thoughts on being ready for opportunities that may arise. She said, “I really liked that he talked about being prepared, and that you can really never be prepared.” She also admired his suggestion of “following your heart,” finding balance between both heart and mind. While pursuing his occupational endeavours, Stokes has gained an immense appreciation for being conceptually minded. He expressed the value of focusing on positively influencing others through his work and encouraged others to do the same. Reed stated, “Something I resonated with is that being a performer, you’re a lifelong student constantly learning … and becoming a different person. [You’re] learning these new things and getting to work with so many amazing new people … [and] allowing yourself to learn in that space.” When growing oneself and becoming more spiritually conscious, “there’s an art to it all,” Stokes explained. “For me, art is everything in the world that is not nature,” he said. While Stokes provided students with an abundance of information regarding logistical aspects in the theatrical world, he also inspired students to raise others through their talents. He stated, “You’re here to accomplish something. … You can do this through your art [by] understanding the spaces, understanding energy [and] the ability to lift people up.”

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Piano Students at BYU and the University of Oregon Swap Professors for Remote Learning Masterclass

Martha Duzett — Thu, 16 Apr 2020 18:10:09 +0000

Piano performance majors Brooke Ballard and Amberlee Woodhouse discuss their experience with BYU’s new Yamaha Disklavier piano Well before COVID-19 brought remote learning options to the forefront of discussions in the music community, the BYU School of Music was already experimenting with modern developments in long-distance piano technology. “I’m sitting here in Utah listening to music being played in Oregon by a student from Costa Rica,” remarked Scott Holden during a February masterclass exchange in which Holden worked with students at the University of Oregon, and UO professor Alexandre Dossin worked with BYU piano students. Yamaha Disklavier technology — often paired with video conferencing — connects two pianos, allowing teachers, students, collaborators or even audience members to hear the way a piece is performed in another location. The Disklavier transmits the pressure and duration applied to a key or pedal on one piano to the other in real time, allowing for aural accuracy far beyond anything conveyed through video or phone alone. “I came away from the masterclass excited to see how technological advances are affecting musicians,” said BYU piano student Brooke Ballard, who worked with Dossin on Haydn’s Sonata in E Minor, First Movement. “Usually when people think of technological advances, they think of them being applied to science or another field of that sort, but this masterclass proved that the arts can use and benefit from technology just as much as anyone else can. It’s thrilling to see how new technology can and is affecting me in my everyday routine and my career.” Aside from a few technical hiccups, BYU piano performance major Amberlee Woodhouse found the remote masterclass experience to be remarkably close to in-person instruction. “The feeling was very similar, which I was surprised by,” said Woodhouse, who played an arrangement of “Aquarium” from “The Carnival of the Animals.” “Usually when you do a remote lesson, there are some difficulties with them hearing you play clearly through the audio, or with you hearing them when they try to demonstrate technique. Because of the technology on our pianos, he could actually see and hear what I was playing on a live instrument.” Read the full story at the School of Music website.

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Folk Music Artists Noam Pikelny and Stuart Duncan Offer Masterclass to BYU Musicians

Alexis Carver — Wed, 11 Dec 2019 21:38:34 +0000

Students participated in a jam session with the accomplished bluegrass duo Bluegrass icons Noam Pikelny and Stuart Duncan answered questions from student and faculty folk musicians as part of BYU’s BRAVO! Professional Performing Arts Series. The duo shared lessons learned from their lives and music careers — and surprised students with a jam session at the end of the masterclass. One of the topics banjoist Pikelny and fiddle player Duncan discussed was the processes and advice about improvising. “I often say improvising is like composing or writing variations in real time,” said Pikenly. “If you’re not able to do it in real time, you need to teach yourself how to do it. How will you be able to perform in front of an audience if you can’t do it when you’re alone?” Read the full story at music.byu.edu

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Nashville Pop Star Ben Rector Shares Advice, Lessons Learned with Commercial Music Students

admin — Tue, 26 Nov 2019 18:43:40 +0000

Rector encouraged students to pursue musical collaboration regardless of fame or fortune The School of Music invited renowned pop star Ben Rector to lead a masterclass for commercial music students and members of BYU Vocal Point prior to his headline performance at the BYU Homecoming Spectacular. Gathered in the Cougar Room at the north end of the BYU Marriott Center, a group of nearly 30 students had the unique opportunity to participate in an intimate Q&A with the singer-songwriter. In response to student questions, Rector shared details of his self-driven rise to popularity, a journey which included most of the typical challenges of the commercial music industry, such as the struggle to be noticed. Receiving critical attention and acclaim was only the first step in his journey to fame, however. After attaining popularity, Rector faced new challenges, including expanding his skill set not only as an artist, but also as a producer and manager. Rector recounted his evolution from aspiring artist to jack-of-all trades in the realm of pop music and music management. Today his role in developing his art and managing his personal brand has become a task of keeping the “train rolling.” When others are willing to jump on, he welcomes the opportunity to collaborate, but he doesn’t allow the decisions of others to dictate his progress. Read the full story at the School of Music website.

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Thomas Hampson Sends Music Majors at BYU Through a Journey of Thought and Sound

Alexis Carver — Mon, 21 Oct 2019 15:17:23 +0000

Music majors resonate with the character and charisma of Thomas Hampson Baritone legend Thomas Hampson came to BYU as part of the BRAVO! Professional Performing Arts Series and participated in a workshop with vocal students in the School of Music, emphasizing the importance of conveying unspoken thoughts and employing proper technique. Campus masterclasses with renowned professionals are very beneficial for young musicians but can also be intimidating for those students asked to perform. For graduate student Michelle Dean, part of what made the masterclass so impactful was how Hampson interacted with each performer. “I felt tense and nervous, but after I sang Mr. Hampson did a good job of putting me at ease,” said Dean. “I saw that with other people afterwards as well. It was really cool to hear his ideas and to get his recommendations and feedback.” With a well-trained ear for detail, Hampson worked to shape the voices of each singer to resonate with the members of the audience as he shared his thoughts with his trademark charisma and a touch of humor. “You invited me, so I’m going to give you my ideas,” said Hampson. As he listened to each student, Hampson shared techniques and instruction designed to help each singer refine their performance and continue to think more critically about their craft after the masterclass. Read more at music.byu.edu.

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School of Music Piano Students Participate in Masterclass with Neil Rutman

Martha Duzett — Fri, 11 Oct 2019 18:26:02 +0000

Rutman gave a presentation on becoming a more thoughtful pianist during practice Piano students in the School of Music had the opportunity to learn from award-winning musician Neil Rutman in a Madsen Recital Hall masterclass on Sept. 26. Rutman’s career and concert tours have taken him around the world, with performances in venues such as Carnegie Hall, Queen Elizabeth Hall and Tokyo’s Bunka Kaikan. His international honors include top prizes in the Concert Artist Guild, Johann Sebastian Bach and French Piano Institute competitions. Rutman currently serves as an artist-in-residence at the University of Southern Arkansas. Graduate student Lindsay Bastian was the first pianist to work with Rutman, performing Beethoven’s “Sonata in A major,” op. 101. “I really appreciated how kind he was from the very beginning,” said Bastian. “I was a little nervous going in, but he put me at ease right away. He focused his comments on creating connections with the audience through the music. The Beethoven piece I played has a lot of emotional depth, and it was great to hear his perspective on how to access that.” Read the full post at the School of Music website.

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BROADWAY STAR PATTI LUPONE MENTORS MDT STUDENTS AT BYU

Alexis Carver — Wed, 25 Sep 2019 15:37:26 +0000

Patti LuPone helped music dance theatre (MDT) students realize the power of emotion When beloved Broadway actress and singer Patti LuPone came to BYU as part of the BRAVO! Professional Performing Arts Series, she participated in a workshop to guide MDT students in the Department of Theatre and Media Arts to dig deep into their emotions and commit to their performances. “I wanted to see them take me on a journey,” said LuPone. “If you’re confident in a song, more spontaneity occurs, and when spontaneity occurs, we’re captivated as an audience.” As LuPone worked with each student, their performances came to life through laughter, tears and moments of connection to both their music and lyrics. Read more at the Department of Theatre and Media Arts website. The BRAVO! Series produced by BYU offers masterclasses as part of the professional performing arts series.

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CFAC Students Spend Summer Term Working and Serving Around the World

Morgan Reis — Fri, 12 Jul 2019 21:10:16 +0000

Students from the College of Fine Arts and Communications travel internationally to gain real-world experience and share their talents while studying abroad, competing, performing and interning Each year, students in the BYU College of Fine Arts and Communications take the knowledge and skills they have learned in the classroom and make their mark on their local and global communities. From New York to Europe, these students are having inspiring learning opportunities all over the globe. Read more about how students from the College of Fine Arts and Communications answered President Kevin J. Worthen’s call for inspired learning during June: Contemporary Dance in Europe Study Abroad (Courtesy of Kiersten Robertson, @byu.dance.abroad and McCall McClellan) BYU dance students traveled to Europe on the Contemporary Dance in Europe study abroad to attend several large dance festivals, take masterclasses and learn more about the history of contemporary dance, which originated in Europe. Additionally, the Contemporary Dance Theatre (CDT) company will compete for the Grand Prix title in Prague. CDT previously won the Grand Prix title in 2015. They will be showcasing choreography from guests, faculty and students for the European judges and other festival participants from over 14 countries. In addition to increasing their technical and historical understanding of the genre of dance, students toured cities, visited museums and experienced much of what European culture has to offer. China Spectacular Digital Media Team (Courtesy of Adam Durfee and Megan Adamson) Behind the group of dedicated performers in the China Spectacular were four communications students and two communications professors, Adam Durfee and Steve Fidel. This digital media team shot video footage, captured photos of the action and helped run the social media campaign of the 40th anniversary tour — BYU’s biggest tour to date. “My favorite part about covering the BYU Spectacular was seeing how much effort performers put in. There were seven performances and they gave their all to each of their audiences,” said Rachel Keeler, a member of the China Spectacular digital media team. “You could see how much the Chinese people loved the performers for it. It was truly an incredible experience!” Keeler felt that the hands-on experience she had in China pushed her to use all the skills she had previously learned in the communications program, but also helped her develop abilities that could never come from sitting at a desk. “It’s something that can’t be learned within the walls of a classroom — only through going out and doing it with the help of a mentor,” said Keeler. “That is why internships are required in this major and study abroads are encouraged — they push you to reach limits you couldn’t have reached through standardized learning.” International Advertising and Awards Study Abroad (Courtesy of Jeff Sheets) School of Communications professor Jeff Sheets and 26 advertising students traveled to France, England, Monaco, Germany and Scotland on the International Advertising and Awards Shows study abroad to attend some of the most prestigious advertising award shows in the world. Students also learned more about global and diverse cultural ideas addressed in international advertising through various field projects and events. Part of the trip included attending a significant industry event, which had a section dedicated to play and its critical role in developing creativity. Students slid down a hippo slide into a ball bit; featured next to the ball pit was a quote taken from research done by fellow BYU students from the Marriott School of Business. Internship with Lionsgate (Courtesy of Rollins Wimber) BYU film student Rollins Wimber was accepted for a summer internship at Lionsgate, a highly respected entertainment company. While looking for summer internships, Wimber turned to a friend and BYU alum to get his foot in the door at Lionsgate. “Leverage your BYU alumni connections,” said Wimber. “Filling out online applications likely means your resume gets dropped in the pile, but knowing someone in the company makes all the difference. I applied to a lot of film internships and got nothing until I started reaching out individually to BYU alumni.” This internship has stretched him, allowed him to grow in technical skills and helped him see that with hard work and dedication he can succeed as a filmmaker. “I’ve realized it’s possible,” Wimber says. “It’s not like all the other people have some gift you don’t — you’re just as good. Don’t underestimate your BYU education.” Internship with Radio America Network (Courtesy of Jennifer Borden) BYU news media student Jennifer Borden is interning for the Radio America Network in Washington D.C. this summer. As an intern, she storyboards, engineers, edits and publishes various episodes and podcasts. Borden also helps develop, edit and publish videos for YouTube and Facebook Live. “I put a lot of the skills I have learned in class to work,” said Borden. “Now I have a good number of finished projects that prove I can deliver on the skills I’ve learned at BYU.” Borden will have researched and assembled a video project about interest rates by the end of her internship. In addition to the opportunity this internship has given her to strengthen her portfolio, Borden has been able to interact with the American Veterans Center, which shares an office with the Radio America Network. “I was able to interact with some very cool veterans — that made me very proud to be the daughter of a veteran,” said Borden. “Living in Washington D.C. placed me in an environment where I constantly met really amazing people.” Field Study Documenting More2Life Foundation (Courtesy of Kris Boyle) BYU communications professor Kris Boyle and students Jenae Hyde and Lindsey Peterson headed to New York to document the BYU Football team’s annual More2Life Foundation trip. BYU head coach Kalani Sitake created the More2Life foundation with the intention of helping disadvantaged youth through mentoring, education and athletic opportunities. Boyle and his students were able to witness and document firsthand the mutually beneficial experience for all involved. The team spent two days with BYU football players and coaches in Harlem filming and photographing the interactions and events. The content shot and edited by Hyde and Peterson will be published on the website for the new sports media journalism sequence that will launch this fall. National Association for Media Literacy Education’s Biennial Conference (Courtesy of TMA Newsletter) Department of Theatre and Media Arts [...]

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