Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to B.E. Boykin. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Alright, B.E. thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. Can you open up about a risk you’ve taken – what it was like taking that risk, why you took the risk and how it turned out?

Early on in my career, people told me that composition wasn’t for me because of a number of factors. It was a challenge to get publishers to be interested in my music and when I looked for mentors for advice in the field, I was met with so much resistance. I was told that my writing was boring and because I never studied formally or had degrees in composition, I shouldn’t do it. Since I was a woman, it seemed like teaching music to children seemed more of a better fit than a career in composition. I had also applied to 5 composition programs for possible doctoral work and was rejected from every one. Therefore, even though I loved composition, I decided to treat it like a hobby. I didn’t know what else to do other than to try and nurture my gift quietly and privately. How could I call myself a composer when the world seemed to be telling me that I wasn’t one? And then, Covid happened. After that, it seemed that the world was doing some re-evaluating and before I knew it, I was getting opportunities left and right. Organizations and people were seeking me out as a result of one thing – my website. Even though it was the most basic website, nothing fancy or flashy, it was the one thing that I did as I quietly kept composing on the side. The hope was to keep something visible just in case there were people who wanted to sing my music. Because of that simple risk/hope, it allowed people to see me and learn more about me when the world was forced to be still. And now 4 years later, I’m having to minimize the amount of commissions I accept. I’m currently working on my third opera, with a fourth one pending. I never imagined my career would be where it is right now but I’m grateful that my love for music grounded me. I’m grateful for the collaborations and people I’ve met within the last few years who trusted themselves enough to offer me a chance/opportunity. People only need one chance for their world to completely change.

B.E., love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?

I’ve loved music since I was a child. I was fortunate enough to have a family and a community around me that was supportive. All of my music teachers played a critical role in nurturing my love for music, from elementary to high school, and I will forever be grateful for that. Having phenomenal teachers plays a pivotal role in how I show up with my own students. It has made me extremely empathetic due to experiencing how cruel the world can be. For that reason, I do my best to nurture the entire human development of all singers that participate in my choirs.

What’s a lesson you had to unlearn and what’s the backstory?

I had to unlearn the notion that you need the world or outside perspective to validate who you are. Trust yourself and allow your passion to make room for you.

What’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative in your experience?

Seeing how your art can inspire or move people has been the most rewarding feeling. When you allow yourself to be vulnerable in the creative process, your art can have the potential to move others.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.beboykin.com
• Instagram: @_klavia
• Facebook: B.E. Boykin
• Soundcloud: https://on.soundcloud.com/ijbyreN2MN1mcZfm6

Image Credits

Georgia Tech School of Music
Leah Roth
Ann Packwood
Richards Imaging
Charles Matthews