October 6th, 2015: Dr. Franziska Apprich, award-winning filmmaker, musician and writer, and Dean of the School of Communication and Media Studies at Canadian University Dubai (CUD), has added another credit to her creative portfolio, teaming up with Canadian singers Etienne Cousineau and Allan Nicholls to write two unique songs that celebrate art and music.
In a collaboration brought about by CUD’s artist in resident and renowned Canadian painter, Sylvain Tremblay, Dr. Apprich has penned the music and lyrics for a song called ‘I love Art’, to be performed by Cousineau, one of the original stars of La Voix, Canada’s adaptation of the international television talent series, The Voice.
In a separate project she has teamed up with Nicholls, a BAFTA nominated writer who has collaborated with the likes of Cher and the Rolling Stones, to produce a song about the art of songwriting itself.
Speaking about her own evolution in the music industry, Dr Apprich said, “I got my first piano when I was nine years old – which is late if you want to become a professional musician – by twelve I was in three bands and after high school I studied composing at the prestigious Music Academy in London.
“I worked with contemporary popular artists of the London and New York scene and then went into filmmaking and from there to communication. All relate and all try to communicate on an emotional level. People always say ‘do not be so emotional’ but I think being emotional is the best thing that can happen to you; life is nothing without emotion.”
With a passion for communicating through creativity, Dr. Apprich is convinced by the power of music as a force for making the world a better place.
“I think we as educators need to be part of popular culture – particularly in the field of communication. Many of our students are members of bands themselves. They understand the concept behind music; communicating through rhythm, sound, lyrics and melody. Music, theatre, opera, blogging, advertising etc. are all trying to connect with us as individuals; to connect with our wishes, hopes and dreams and figure out a way to fulfill them.
“We need to be creative, inspire our students and innovate, and to help do this we have introduced a new course called Music Appreciation and Communication, to deepen their understanding and to see the person behind the student who wants to change the world for the better; together, for a brighter and innovative future.”
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