Illustration by Sami Seyedhosseini, Photo Editor.
No, Commercial Music Ensemble isn’t about performing catchy jingles.
Instead, the class gives students an opportunity to write, record, release and perform their own original music. Directed by Timothy Hall, Commercial Music Ensemble (CME) offers students hands-on experience with the music industry, allowing them to develop their craft while learning what it takes to bring a song to life.
Unlike traditional music classes, where students typically perform pre-written compositions, CME puts students' work at the center of the curriculum. Members bring in original songs, collaborate with fellow musicians and help shape the direction of the class.
Junior writing for film and television major Chase Gould noted how hands-on the course is.
“What's unique about CME is that it's very focused on what the songwriters want to do. You're learning actively by doing it,” said Gould. “We have a director that's guiding us, but you're not limited by someone telling you what to do. It's really about finding your own voice.”
That creative freedom can be particularly appealing to students looking for an outlet to explore their musical interests. Junior music industries major Stephanie Anderson enrolled after hearing from a friend about how open the class was.
“When I discovered the Commercial Music Ensemble, I learned that it was a creative environment where I could write songs however I wanted,” said Anderson. “That was something that encouraged me to keep playing music, especially here.”
While students have unique, personalized opportunities based on their interests, Hall still encourages exploration and unfamiliar approaches.
“This class encouraged me to start writing songs. It was something I had given thought to in the past, but I wasn't sure if I would actually be able to write a good song,” said Anderson. “It encouraged me to step out of the box and do something that I didn't know I could do.”
With approximately 15 students, the ensemble includes a range of musical interests. Some members primarily write songs, while others contribute as instrumentalists. Some take on both roles, with opportunities for everyone to participate in the recording and production of original music.
The process often begins with songwriters bringing their compositions to the group and collaborating with instrumentalists to develop the arrangements.
“Songwriters bring in our arrangements for our sheet music, and we hand them out to the instrumentalists in the class,” said Anderson. “We explain to them how we want it to be played, anything that might not be seen on the sheet music, and we give it a go. It's like a workshop.”
In addition to the variety of students and instruments present, each student brings their own musical training and background to the ensemble. Students like Anderson arrive with a background in musical theater and singing; others like Gould are classically trained musicians. Together, these experiences lead to a diverse sound.
“People in the class all have their own styles. Mine is more pop, rock, maybe a little punk,” said Anderson. “A lot of other people do indie, R&B and a whole bunch of different stuff.”
Regardless of background or interest, the class provides a space for experimentation with new tools, collaborators and sounds. Perfection is never expected as students work out their ideas and songs.
“Everybody's always bringing in new songs and new projects that they want to work on. It's a great space to be able to test out ideas and a great opportunity in terms of getting to rehearse,” said Gould.
Near the end of the semester, the ensemble performs a free on-campus concert, giving members a chance to showcase what they’ve been working on. Likewise, the program maintains a Spotify playlist with all of the songs students have created and released during the class. Last year, they performed for crowds of up to 400 at off-campus venues.
In addition to gaining experience in live performance, musicians interested in exploring other aspects of the music industry can collaborate across disciplines. During interterm, students in the ensemble also partnered with Dodge College students to create music videos for their original songs.
“I've gotten to get into the studio and record and release two songs with members of the group, and that's been a really special, really fun opportunity,” said Gould. “Over interterm, we recorded music videos, which was another really great experience that has been huge for me.”
Rather than simply studying the music industry, CME gives students the opportunity to become part of it. From writing their first songs to recording, releasing and performing original work, students leave the classroom with more than musical experience: they leave with something of their own.