Lee Clifford, Director of Marketing for the American Pianists Association, recently joined our new CEO, Chris Williams, downtown Indianapolis. Over a cup of coffee, they delved into Chris' journey to the organization, his views on nurturing young talent and what he envisions for the future of jazz and classical music.
If you are a supporter of the American Pianists Association or a believer in the futures of young jazz and classical musicians, pay attention! Lee Clifford, Director of Marketing for the American Pianists Association, recently had the pleasure of strolling downtown Indianapolis with our new CEO, Chris Williams. Over a cup of coffee, they delved into Chris' journey to the organization, his views on nurturing young talent and what he envisions for the future of jazz and classical music.
From his early beginnings as a young violist in Texas to navigating the New York arts scene, Chris brings a wealth of experience and perspective to his role.
In this engaging conversation, Lee and Chris explore everything from the robust prize packages of the American Pianists Awards to the upcoming Grand Encounters season. They discuss Chris' initial impressions of "Hoosier Hospitality" and even contemplate a ride around the famous Indianapolis Motor Speedway.
A highlight comes when Chris talks about the future of music, emphasizing the shift from sheer virtuosity to creativity and impact. In a world where social issues and individual expression are increasingly important, Chris believes artists should think beyond their musical skills to find unique avenues for making an impact.
An edited transcript follows:
Lee
Chris, welcome to Indianapolis!
Chris
Great to be here!
Lee
I'm so excited you're here because now you can answer the burning question. What is the future of classical music?
Chris
I have to answer that now?
Lee
No, just kidding. I've heard that you've been taking people out around town having coffee, getting to know people in the city, and I thought maybe we can do that now.
Chris
That sounds great.
Lee
Let's do it.
Lee
So we have our coffee!
I want to hear about your background, Chris. Tell me about yourself. I know you're from Texas, but where have you been? How did you get here?
Chris
I grew up in Texas. Music was a huge part of my life, really, from the very beginning. I started playing viola and violin from a very young age, maybe eight or nine, and then eventually started playing piano as well. I studied in music school. Then I moved to New York, where I started to work with artists as an artist manager.
And after that phase of my career, actually, I started working with the young emerging artists, which is what led me here to Indianapolis and American Pianists Association.
Lee
That's great! I'm wondering as somebody that was a viola prodigy, how does that experience help you relate to the young musicians of today?
Chris
Well, it's really helpful to have started as a musician myself because I can put myself in their shoes to some extent. I've never been a touring artist, but I do know the pressures and demands of being on stage.
Usually a young artist, for example, is sort of wanting all their achievements and goals to happen sooner than they may. It's an organic process and to form a fully-fledged career really takes time. So I have to have a constant line of communication with young artists and explain to them that it all takes time and we'll get there with hard work.
Lee
So born in Texas, as we said, lived in New York City for a while. Now you're here in Indianapolis. What are your first impressions?
Chris
My first impressions are really wonderful. I've shared with many people that living in Texas and growing up there is a benefit to me because even though I've been in New York the last many years, it's not a culture shock to me. I really appreciate the hospitality, the wide-open spaces, the ability to move around more easily from point A to point B, and again, really the people are one of my favorite parts--so warm and welcoming. And I really enjoy that.
Lee
The “Hoosier Hospitality.”
Chris
Yes, “Hoosier Hospitality,” I love that.
Lee
Good. So what's something that you're looking forward to doing here in Indianapolis that you haven't done yet?
Chris
On my mind is actually the Indy 500, one of the famous sporting events in the world. And I've never been to any race car event. So for me, this is very exciting to give it a go and try everything to Indianapolis really has to offer. It's very rich in the arts, as we know, and I'm proud that APA is part of that.
So I look forward to the International Violin Competition of Indianapolis, the Indianapolis Symphony Orchestra and our other peers who do such fabulous work here.
Lee
It's great. You know, you can get a two-seater ride and go around the track at 200 miles an hour.
Chris
Oh, I love that. Or, you know, the other option is the carriage that goes around the city where you have multiple people cycling at once with a little drink and stuff.
Lee
The Handle Bar!
Chris
I might give that a shot.
Lee
Good. All right, so having worked at Concert Artists Guild and being involved in the music industry, what were your impressions of the American Pianists Awards from the outside?
Chris
Well, APA has always had an excellent reputation. They've been in my orbit, in my awareness for many, many years. Especially in managing young artists. It is known to be the premier jazz competition in America and also for American pianists in classical as well. So I've always had a great respect for it.
I've had some young artists that I manage that were actually a part of the program. So it's really been in my view for a really long time. And because of the quality of musicianship and the excitement and possibility that's there really drove me here to Indianapolis.
Lee
I think we've were known somewhat for our prize package. It's quite substantial, but I think there are areas maybe in terms of career development, career assistance, performance opportunities, maybe those might be some areas that you would look to build upon.
Chris
Absolutely. I mean, the shape of our competition is really unique and exciting. The fact that it happens over a year long process where all of our finalists get to interact with the community and various arts organizations in many different ways makes it a really special competition. You know, I think as we look towards the future, I'm excited to work with the artists in terms of building more tours and actually especially in regards to professional development, where I find young artists can use more tools to succeed: organizational tools, how to create exciting programs, how to create exciting community engagement offerings. So I think this is a really tender time in the musician's career, but we have an opportunity to, as I said, give them more tools to succeed beyond what is already their fabulous virtuosity.
Lee
All right. So now we can get back to that question that I asked you at the beginning of our talk here, and that's looking ahead. What do you see as the future for jazz and classical music and musicians? Where can they make an impact?
Chris
I feel that what's been sort of the highest demand and both of these genres for a long time is virtuosity. And that's something that our contestants really have down pat, if you will. They know what they're doing there. I think as we look towards the future, we're going to sort of shift from virtuosity to creativity. It's really going to be about how you create your own path and avenue, whether it be jazz or classical, as you mentioned, the word impact, where does your music fall in the everyday world? Where does it relate to everyday people? And I think there is more thought these days for all artists to think about how, yes, their music is making impact, whether that be social impact or otherwise. But I really think creativity is the star of the day.
Lee
Let's wrap up with a look forward to our Grand Encounters season coming up in October. You've seen this season. This is our biggest, most diverse season of Grand Encounters--six concerts coming up. What excites you? What are you looking forward to?
Chris
Well, I should say they all excite me a lot! Cyrus Chestnut and Bill Charlap are living legends, so to have them on our series is really so exciting. Just an honor. Olga Kern, I saw her winning performance at Cliburn when I was nine or ten years old. She's always been an inspiration to me. And Sara Davis, Buechner, who I've known for a very long time, is giving a very interesting program, musical theater influence in a cabaret setting. That's going to be something interesting for us. And finally, our past winners, Kenny Broberg and Isaiah J. Thompson. They are really the stars of the series when you think about it, because they're the ones here that we're trying to promote and really elevate their careers.
Lee
I love it. Well, Chris, thank you for taking time and cheers to your new season!