Lillian Kobelt

A foot in the door

Music student Lily Kobelt is looking to break into her industry thanks to the B.E.S.T. Projects Fund

Lily Kobelt is an artist striving to perfect her art while yearning to stay true to herself. Not an easy task when that art is music, a highly competitive field where only a few lucky hopefuls get noticed by talent scouts and recording labels. But the Lennoxville native feels confident thanks to her first year at Bishop’s, and this summer the Music student will get an exclusive look into the music business as she completes a 10-week internship at Studios Piccolo in Montreal.

“I received an email about the B.E.S.T. Projects Fund over the holidays,” she remembers. “I started reading it and thought, ‘They’re going to help me achieve my dream if I just submit my project?’ I started to think about how I wanted to improve as an artist. What would I want to do? My internship could help me so much more than being in a classroom, and this is not an opportunity that too many people get. It’s amazing!”

Lily will spend her summer understanding the technical side of the business, shadowing several technical and engineering positions at the studio. ‘‘I’m eager to discover what sound I am looking for and how to better communicate with the engineers, which will make the recording process that much easier,’’ she says.

The 21-year-old will even get the chance to produce a recording for an artist. She is also hoping to make connections with record label owners and producers to gain a deeper understanding of what it takes to succeed in the industry.

Lily credits her program with putting her on the path toward becoming an independent artist. “What Bishop’s has taught me is that you can take different talents and skills and put them together,” she says. “I really want to be able to make my own decisions when it comes to my art. Nowadays a lot of people are told: ‘If you want to make it, this is what you have to do’, and they have to listen to everyone else. I look up to independent artists who are entrepreneurial and doing what they want and showcasing who they really are. That’s what I would like to do,” she says.

As Lily prepares for her internship, she knows she is fortunate to receive the opportunity. “It’s very hard to get these internships,” she says. “Usually, aspiring artists and musicians can’t get an internship like mine because they have no experience. So getting my foot in the door is enough for me. Spending time in the studio is a dream!”

What is B.E.S.T. ?

This story focuses on a recipient of the B.E.S.T. Projects Fund. B.E.S.T. is the premiere experiential learning opportunity at Bishop’s University. In 2010, an anonymous Bishop’s graduate made a gift commitment to establish this opportunity fund at the university. This unique possibility is meant to assist students, determine their career paths and realize their ambitions. It also gives the student the chance to learn outside of the classroom.

The funds are awarded to students whom the Selection Committee believes have the potential for significant achievement and impact once they graduate from Bishop’s. Find out more information about B.E.S.T.