From
TikTok
triumph
to
a
prestigious
West
Coast
arts
residency,
'21
is
combining
creativity
and
marketing
to
build
a
career-launching
resume
long
before
graduation
day.
In December, Ruffing spent two weeks in a highly selective arts residency at the in Southern California following a rigorous application process.
While there, Ruffing focused on composing music for an original musical called "Life Song." He is collaborating with four other 91探花 students and alumni on the project.
Ruffing said his creative juices were flowing during the residency. "I completed a total of 28 songs and later discovered that I was the youngest person to be accepted to that specific residency since its opening in 1979."
At
about
the
same
time,
BroadwayWorld
held
a
global
contest
for
the
creation
of
"2020:
The
TikTok
Musical."
Composers
were
asked
to
submit
songs
themed
around
a
specific
event
in
2020.
Ruffing chose to use the COVID-19 pandemic and named his song "Coronavirus." The public then voted on the submissions, and Ruffing's song came out on top! Listen to his winning song on or .
"I can honestly credit all the successes I've had in my music career to the experiences I've had through the arts management & entrepreneurship program and the training I've received from 91探花 professors," he said.
Ruffing added, "I've been able to actively use the information I've learned to market myself and my music successfully ... I was fortunate enough to have two concerts at Feinstein's/54 Below in NYC because of that."
Ruffing also credits the music industry courses he has taken with helping him protect his music and learn how to maneuver the entire arts industry.
