What inspired you to start BMR Artists, Inc.?

As a classically-trained pianist who spent a number of years and obtained performances degrees from some of the nation’s top conservatories, I have spent most of my years around some gifted and exceptional artists.  However, I identified that an outlet for these artists to perform and to obtain recognition outside the conservatory walls was (and really remains) lacking.

What is the vision of BMR Artists, Inc.?

To expose the breath of exceptional quality music to non-traditional audiences; to introduce new music into communities, such as urban neighborhoods and rural communities, that traditionally lack accessibility to the classical performing arts; to identify the significance of the classical music on terms related to today’s culture and society; to promote the music of our artists through means that today’s youth utilize, such as digital music services. 

What made you to decide to manage artists versus continue down your own road as a pianist?

During my music conservatory-training years, I immediately identified the commitment and the conviction of many of my peers.   While my appreciation of music and musical and technical facility continued to grow and develop, I witnessed the dedication and determination of those who maintained the lofty ambitions of succeeding as career performers.  My goals differed as I did not aspire to be center-stage.  I am entrepreneurial in spirit and I wanted to see these truly exceptional and committed performing artists realize their ambitions.  As a musician, I am sensitive towards the needs and understand the day-to-day challenges as only a musician could appreciate. 

Why do you think the time is right for classical music to find its place as a form of popular music?

I believe that as individuals we are inspired by new ideas, forms of expression and beauty in aesthetics in general.  Classical music, by no means, nor should it, replace the spectrum of commercial music that exists today.  However, classical music provides an additional platform for those desiring to expand their musical tastes.

Much of classical music was actually the popular music of its time.  And music-making is like storytelling maintaining the same themes, feelings, emotions and passions that we all experience.  So if the existing barriers to classical music were broken down or eliminated, new audiences would gain exposure and appreciation for the music.  And in terms of relevance, it remains a necessity to create new audience, simply for the preservation of the art-form itself. 

What demographic audience are you targeting?  Who should be listening to classical music that presently is not?

BMR Artists, Inc. is committed to producing the highest-caliber performances of classical music to current supporters and patrons of the performing arts.  But the mission of BMR Artists, Inc. seeks to expand the audience base.  We strive to bring music to urban neighborhoods, rural communities as well as introduce the extraordinary music to a new generation of audiences and patrons.  Additionally, we are developing individual programs geared towards a specific audience – from lectures and performances at educational institutions to family-friendly series of events celebrating the lives of great musicians of the past.

Where do you see BMR Artists, Inc. in five years?

BMR Artists, Inc. will continue to guide the careers and to promote our noteworthy performing artists that remain under the radar of the major record labels.  I see the market share of sales by independent classical labels continuing its upward trend.  Through collaboration with independent distribution companies and their excellence with DMS digital music services, I forecast a growing number of today’s youth seeking out classical music downloads.   Additionally, BMR Artists, Inc. will be a significant presenter of arts programming within the next five years, highlighting both signed and emerging artists.   BMR Artists, Inc. will have developed educational programming of musical arts and musical appreciation in an educational environment, predominantly within traditionally, under-served urban communities.