Charlie Puth mentors CCM student in BIC INKubator Music Contest
Ava Camaj releases debut single "Make Me Whole" after guidance from the Grammy-nominated artist
Story by CCM Graduate Assistant Kierra Mykel
University of Cincinnati College-Conservatory of music (CCM) student Ava Camaj recently earned the opportunity of a lifetime: being mentored by Grammy-nominated singer-songwriter and producer Charlie Puth through the BIC INKubator Music Contest.
A junior Commercial Music Production student from Northville, Michigan, Camaj won the contest with her song "Make Me Whole." Presented by BIC in partnership with Puth, the national song writing contest encouraged contestants to use BIC's four-color ballpoint pen to craft an original song inspired by how the pen helps express every side of themselves. Camaj submitted a 90-second piano and vocal recording of her original composition, which showcased her skills in singing, songwriting, composition and piano performance.
Ava Camaj at the BIC INKubator Music Contest. Photo/Provided.
Puth collaborated with BIC to choose four finalists to perform their original songs in a "pitch-off" in New York City. All finalists recieved a prize of $10,000 to put towards their budding music careers, but only one winner was selected for a mentorship session with Puth. For Camaj, meeting and working with Puth was nothing short of surreal.
"I have literally been listening to his music on the radio since I was nine years old, so to meet him in person was kind of insane," she said.
"He was so kind to all of the contestants and gave us great advice. He encouraged me to release the song I wrote for the competition, 'Make Me Whole,' which I did on August 15. It was the first song I have ever released. It was scary, but exciting. I'm so glad I did it."
Camaj also expressed gratitude to her CCM professors, crediting them with the knowledge and inspiration that shaped her artistry. She gave special thanks to Professor Jasmine Guo, who shared the competition opportunity, along with Kim Pensyl, John Taylor, Dan Karlsberg and Tobe Donohue, whose teaching in jazz theory, piano and music production directly influenced her winning composition.
"All of my teachers are incredible and truly talented, and I wouldn’t want to learn from any other faculty," Camaj said. "I'm very grateful and humbled."
With the mentorship from one of today's most influential pop artists, "Make Me Whole" is now available on streaming platforms. Camaj represents CCM's legacy of nurturing bold, authentic, artists ready to make their mark on the music industry.
About CCM Commercial Music Production
CCM’s bachelor of music degree in Commercial Music Production (CMP) offers a comprehensive education in professional commercial music studies.
This unique program incorporates core training in music theory, composition, arranging and musicianship combined with recording studio techniques, commercial music and media technologies.
Although this degree includes music production, editing, business and studio technical training, it is important to note that this is music degree, not a music technology, music industry, audio or recording degree. Successful CMP applicants are expected to have significant musical training and study.
The CMP degree includes an additional emphasis on entrepreneurial business acumen by inclusion of a Minor in Entrepreneurship from UC’s Lindner College of Business. This creates a vibrant and exclusive educational experience that provides graduates with numerous opportunities for meaningful employment in the music industry.
Featured image at the top: Charlie Puth and Ava Camaj at BIC INKubator Music Contest. Photo/Provided
Kierra Mykel
CCM Graduate Assistant, Marketing + Communications
Kierra Mykel is a graduate student studying Arts Administration at CCM. Kierra is a graduate of Baldwin Wallace University and recently studied abroad in London to learn more about their theatre history and the performing arts industry.
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