Alumni Profile
Julian Bliss
Artist's diploma
Clarinetist, Harpenden Herts, England
"My time at IU was so amazing, like nothing else I had imagined."
Julian Bliss
Talented musician, recording artist, and a royal favorite, 15-year-old Julian Bliss proves that an IU education will take you far — that, and having an encouraging mom.
"When I was four, I heard the clarinet and asked my mom if I could have one," said Bliss. "She thought it was a passing interest." Bliss's mom gave in and bought a clarinet. According to Bliss, "Mom is very supportive of everything I've ever done."
Years later Bliss was introduced to IU professor of music Howard Klug while Klug was giving master classes at Wells Cathedral School of Music. "I played for Howard, and he suggested I go to Indiana to study," Bliss said. "I am so grateful I took him up on his offer. My time at IU was so amazing, like nothing else I had imagined."
The British Bliss exudes with compliments about Indiana University Bloomington. He cannot limit himself to just one favorite memory or experience. Bliss said, "The people were great. The dean of the School of Music was the nicest principal of any school that I have ever met. People went out of their way to help me." Besides the Hoosier hospitality, Bliss was impressed with all of the opportunities the campus offered.
Bliss earned his artist's diploma in 2001 at age 12. But he will not be awarded his diploma until he finishes high school. While working toward his high-school diploma, Bliss has kept himself quite busy with music.
Bliss took first place in the 2001 Concerto Soloists Young Artists Competition in Philadelphia. In 2002, he performed at the Queen's Golden Jubilee by royal invitation. "I played for 12,000 people in Buckingham Palace, another 56,000 were outside, and it was telecast." Then in 2003 Bliss released his first CD, Music for Clarinet and Piano, for EMI Records.
How does a teenager follow all of those accomplishments? "Just carrying on what I am doing, more concerts and more traveling." When time permits, Bliss wants to work on a new CD. And, of course, finish his high-school diploma.