Honors student balances coursework, concerts while working toward dream of musical success
Junior Ben Schuller still finds time for his passion for music, despite his stacked schedule.
The Saginaw native is now focusing on promoting himself as an artist on campus after branching out from his band, Aurorealis.
Since releasing his debut album ‘Escape’ in the summer, Schuller has played about 15 shows in Michigan.
“It’s not the type of thing where I’m trying to get lucky,” he said. “I’m in the mindset of working my way up and not relying on luck for anything.”
Creating music is all about connecting with others and trying to relate to his audience, Schuller said.
As a Centralis Scholar, he said balancing his honors classes with his music schedule is sometimes a struggle. Schuller is also president of Central Harmony and a competitive power lifter.
“There have been times I had to choose between going to a show and going to my Friday classes,” he said. “But I guess I keep my goals as my first priorities.”
Breaking stereotypes
University Honors Program Director Phame Camarena said he appreciates how Schuller helps break some of the stereotypes about who honors students are.
“Although he is intellectually curious and very bright, part of what makes him special is his creative talent and drive,” he said.
As a final project for his class trip to Beaver Island, Camarena said Schuller co-created a music video.
“The fact that he and his partner filmed, wrote, performed and edited the video within a short window of time with limited tools on the island made the work all the more impressive,” he said.
Schuller said he will play anywhere and will never deny a show.
Ohio junior Brock Thatcher booked Schuller to play at a fundraiser for Phi Kappa Tau last semester.
“Ben was a good friend and I knew his music was mellow and great for a big crowd of people to listen to, but also not overpowering to the point where people can't still talk,” Thatcher said.
Thatcher, a public relations major, said he hopes one day he will get the chance to promote Schuller on the big stage.
“I've heard a lot of concerts in my life and listen to all kinds of music and one of these days I swear (to) you will hear of Ben Schuller somewhere famous,” he said.
Until then, Schuller said he does not care to make money off of his music.
“At all of the shows I play, I burn about 20 to 30 CDs to hand out to just get my name out there,” he said. “I just want as many people to hear it as possible.”
His next album is set to debut next winter.
“I want this to be the kind of album you jam to with your friends in the car, or rock out to in your dorm room before you head out on a Friday night," Schuller said. “Who am I kidding; I'm a college kid living the dream. I'm having a blast and I want my music to reflect that"
