From The Cleveland State University Podium to the National Spotlight

Cleveland State University junior Kayla Selan, a music major in the School of Music, will have a remarkable story to tell for years to come.

Recently invited to appear on The Kelly Clarkson Show to discuss her journey toward a career in conducting, Selan expected an opportunity to share her passion with a national audience. 

Instead, she received the surprise of a lifetime — an opportunity that could help shape the next chapter of her musical career.

While music had been a central part of Selan’s life from an early age, she discovered her passion for conducting during her junior year of high school after attending a concert by Rodney Marsalis at EJ Thomas Hall. Watching Marsalis seamlessly transition from performer to conductor sparked an interest that quickly grew into a career goal.

Encouraged by her band director, Selan began exploring opportunities in the field. That journey eventually led her to CSU, where she has gained extensive podium and rehearsal experience conducting multiple ensembles. Through those experiences, she has developed the skills, confidence and musical leadership necessary to pursue a professional career in conducting.

Selan said several CSU faculty members have played a pivotal role in her growth, helping shape her development as a conductor and musician.

“Professor Lorenzo Lopez has been instrumental in helping me grow as a conductor by refining my conducting technique, score study methods, and rehearsal skills. Professor J.C. Sherman has helped me better understand conducting from the perspective of the musicians, which has influenced how I approach rehearsals and performances. Dr. Birch Browning has provided me with valuable conducting opportunities through the President's Concerts, allowing me to gain practical experience in front of ensembles. Professor Joe Miller has shared his extensive experience in the music industry, offering valuable guidance on preparing for a professional career after graduation.”

INTO THE NATIONAL SPOTLIGHT

The road to The Kelly Clarkson Show began for Selan when one of her conducting mentors, Michael Repper, heard about the segment idea. They agreed it would be a strong opportunity. The agency representing both Repper and NBC Studios developed a segment they believed viewers of the show would find engaging. NBC later confirmed Selan’s selection and coordinated logistics for the taping.

That’s where the fun began.

NBC delivered a first-class experience from start to finish, from Selan’s departure from Cleveland to her return home the next day. The network arranged her travel and accommodations and provided extensive preparation for her appearance on The Kelly Clarkson Show, including meetings with producers, a remote interview briefing, and professional hair and makeup before the live studio taping.

“NBC booked a hotel room right in Times Square,” she said. “It was a perfect start to the trip - walking through the bright lights and energy of NYC nightlife in preparation for the following day’s taping. I arrived at the studio Tuesday morning unsure of what to expect.”

During the interview, Clarkson surprised her with a visit from renowned conductor Marin Alsop, a longtime role model whose influence she had planned to discuss on the show, making the 20-minute segment an unforgettable highlight of an already extraordinary experience.

“I experienced the greatest surprise of my life when the stage curtain opened, and Marin Alsop walked into the studio,” said Selan. “I had planned to talk about Maestra Alsop’s influence in my life as a hero for all aspiring female conductors, but I had no idea that she would be there; I was in complete shock! The actual taping of the segment lasted about twenty minutes, but the moments I am taking with me will last a lifetime. The entire process was incredible and exciting to be part of.”

Alsop extended a personal invitation for Selan to shadow her at Carnegie Hall in New York that Friday, where she will observe a rehearsal and performance with the Philadelphia Orchestra featuring Beethoven’s Symphony No. 7 and Wynton Marsalis’ Symphony No. 4.

Selan also joined her as a guest at a dinner hosted by the Peabody Institute.

“She is exceedingly kind and truly passionate about what she does [and] from the first moment connecting at the Stage Entrance of Carnegie Hall to the final goodbye as we went our separate ways at the end of the performance, Maestra Alsop invited me into every aspect of what it means to be a conductor,” said Selan. “From the preparation it takes prior to stepping onto the podium to the final bow and everything in between, Alsop allowed me to see and learn from the excellence she’s developed in her craft.” 

Selan said one of the most valuable lessons from the experience was gaining a deeper understanding of the importance of building strong relationships as a music director with supporters and advocates who help secure funding to sustain music and the arts. 

Reflecting on the experience, Selan said, “When I reflect on this day, I will remember and carry with me the technical skills observed and discussed - how to prepare for a concert, mastering the mechanics of conducting, and the career coaching Alsop and other guests generously offered to me. However, what I will most carry with me is the fully committed love of music and performance displayed by Maestra Alsop; something I was fortunate to experience up close and personal with one of the greatest of our lifetime at her craft.”

She added: 

“I learned so much from her concert process and watching her conduct. Things I will take away from this experience include the mechanics of conducting and ways to improve my conducting. Alsop’s conducting is so inspiring, I love how much emotion she puts into her performance.”

Be sure to check out the segment from The Kelly Clarkson Show.