Raleigh teen will take part in Grammy Camp this summer
Seventeen-year-old Abby Schiller will travel to Los Angeles in July for the 14th annual Grammy Camp, a five-day intensive music program. The Raleigh teen was one of 88 students nationwide selected for the camp, and one of only seven vocalists. Here she talks about her love of music and how she juggles schoolwork.
Q: When did you first know you wanted to sing?
A: I don’t ever remember a time when I wasn’t singing. I asked my parents to take voice lessons when I was 7. I wasn’t very good. But it’s true that practice makes you better.
Q: How did you find out about Grammy Camp, which allows participants to study with industry professionals at the University of Southern California Thornton School of Music?
A: I found it online. I heard someone talking about it once. I’ve always been kind of afraid to go for it. Even this time I submitted my application the last day they were accepting them, submitting two videos of me singing and then a video essay. I was nervous about it, but I thought I might as well just try and see what happens.
Q: What are you singing and writing about right now?
A: Love is the easiest thing to write about because you see it everywhere — in the movies, online, with real people, with fake people. I’d say that’s the biggest inspiration for writing songs for anybody, but lately I’ve been trying to think about things that aren’t written about, which is difficult because it feels like everything’s been done. I want to try to not be the average teenage girl who only writes about love and crushing on boys. I want to try to be different. And that’s what I’m figuring out right now — what makes me different and who I am as an artist.
Q: What has challenged you in music as you’ve gotten older?
A: The older I’ve gotten and the more I’ve understood emotions, the more difficult it is to write about them. For me, it’s easier to write a happy song than a sad song, which isn’t too common actually. For a lot of people, it’s easier to write sad emotions, but if I’m feeling those emotions, it’s hard to get creative and go to music. I don’t want to ruin music by bringing sadness to it. I like to think of (music) as happy which is weird because I love to sing sad songs by other people. Writing a sad song is a little more difficult for me, but I’m working on it.
Q: You’re a rising senior at Crossroads Flex High School in Cary, which offers flexibility for students pursuing interests that require time outside the classroom. What opportunities has the school afforded you?
A: It’s amazing. I’ve been able to practice more and do more performances. It’s helped me also be able to work as a singing teacher. It’s been just the best environment for me. Last semester I got all As, which I’ve never gotten before.
Q: What kind of music are you drawn to?
A: When I was younger it was more pop stuff and musical theater. As I’ve gotten older it’s been more R&B, still some pop, and any song sung by a diva because it makes me feel empowered. I also like vintage pieces. My favorite artist is Carole King.
Q: How has your family supported you in your music pursuits?
A: My dad takes a lot of interest in my music. He was a music minor in college; he would always drive me to practices and rehearsals and help me get equipment I needed. He thinks about it even before I do. My mom is constantly playing videos of my singing. I‘ll walk into the room and hear my voice and then walk right back out.
Q: How did you feel when you found out you’d been accepted to the program?
A: When my parents told me I was like, "Don’t joke with me," and I just sat there and let it sink in. I was jumping up and down inside my head. It’s all crazy.
Abby Schiller — Tar Heel of the Week
Born: May 24, 2001, in Washington D.C.
Residence: Raleigh
Family: Parents Lisa and Rob Schiller and sister Allison, 23
Fun fact: She's a member of the Capital City Girls Choir at Meredith College.