Two-time Grammy award winning musician Imogen Heap worked with American University’s Audio Technology Department, or A-TEC, to host a music workshop and private performance at the University on May 2.
Heap hosts talks and forums throughout her world tour to connect with music makers and get feedback on her “Creative Passport” project, a database with verified musician profiles online, similar to IMDb and LinkedIn. AU was one of the first stops on her list.
“Many students would be excited if a famous celebrity from any profession were to simply give a speech at their university, but being able to interact with a well-known musician on such a personal level was quite an experience,” said Timothy Madden, an A-TEC student.
Students were involved in all parts of the session, from setting up the live room to mixing in the control room, Madden said. The intimacy of the event provided students the opportunity to apply classroom lessons to real life, and do so at a high-level.
“Being able to set up this event for such a professional was highly rewarding, especially when her own tech people came in and complimented the set-up,” said Emily Jacobson, another A-TEC student at the event.
While the afternoon workshop focused more on The Creative Passport, the evening performance was more personal. About 40 musicians listened to Heap as she played a piano in Kreeger’s live sound room. She played audience-requested songs like “Earth” and “Speeding Cars,” and shared details about the process of making each song.
Andrew Taylor, chair of AU’s Department of Performing Arts, said that it was fantastic to have Heap visit the campus.
“Her work combines so many of the issues we care about,” Taylor said. “She’s a thriving composer and performer, she’s a Grammy-winning audio producer, she’s an entrepreneur and she’s an innovator in how business works in the arts.”
Taylor expressed appreciation that Heap committed time during her world tour to hold forums like this one at AU.
“We’re grateful she recognized American University as a place that cares about artists, the arts and the business of art.” he said.
Other students agreed, saying that Heap’s performance speaks highly of what A-TEC has to offer.
“I think it says a lot about the prestige of AU's Audio Technology program,” said A-TEC student Calkidan Fisseha. “The fact that such a well-renowned artist came to record in the studio just shows how strong our A-TEC program is.”
dharvey@theeagleonline.com
