GREENVILLE, S.C. (June 15, 2022) – The Division of Music at BJU is launching a partnership with the YOUNG MUSIC ALUMNI COLLECTIVE, a new resource designed to empower recent music graduates to develop professionally, network with peers, expand their skill sets, and engage with their communities. The collective is the brainchild of BJU alumna Katie Taylor (BMus Violin Performance ’20).
“It’s exciting to see Katie’s ingenuity and passion for this project,” said Dr. Michael Moore, chair of the Division of Music. “We’re honored to partner with her in establishing the first chapter of YMAC here at BJU.”
Taylor, who just completed a master’s degree in violin performance from Florida State University, developed the concept while working as a graduate assistant in the Office of Community Engagement at FSU’s College of Music.
“The transition between student life and professional life can be a tough one,” said Taylor. “Young alumni must build bridges over this divide through networking, personal marketing, auditioning, resumé-building, teaching, and freelancing, and doing it alone can be daunting.”
The YMAC BJU chapter will support music alumni who are within their first 10 years after graduation through regular meetings and opportunities for on-campus residencies. Taylor sees potential for YMAC to benefit current students as well.
“The collective is also designed to give back to the Division of Music and current students by directly involving young alumni in school life and contextualizing the semi- and early-professional stages of musicianship for students preparing to launch their own careers,” Taylor said.
David Baral, associate director of Alumni Relations at BJU, also expressed enthusiasm for the new collective.
“The Division of Music has long been a leader in alumni engagement for BJU,” said Baral. “We are excited to promote the Young Music Alumni Collective as another way to serve our alumni and further enhance the value of their BJU education.”
Information on applying for membership in the collective is available here.
