Q&A with Ye Jin Min ’19MM ‘26DMA

Last year, violinist Ye Jin Min ’19MM ’26DMA won Startup Yale’s Creative Entrepreneurship Prize for Unboxed Musicians, a project-based collective pioneering new experiences in classical music. Focusing on new work commissions and novel performance formats, the aim is to bridge the perceived gap between audiences and contemporary music. 

The idea first took shape during Ye Jin’s time as a fellow at the New World Symphony, where she recognized the need to better introduce reluctant audiences to new music. In lowering barriers for engagement and inviting listeners into the process, Unboxed Musicians means to build a more vibrant and sustainable music ecosystem. In this Q&A, Ye Jin reflects on her Startup Yale journey, taking advantage of Yale’s resources, and what’s next for the project.

Tell us a little about Unboxed Musicians — how and where did it come from?
Unboxed Musicians is a multidisciplinary music project that bridges the gap between the audience and contemporary music.

It started in Miami, where I was a violin fellow at the New World Symphony. I was always a creative person, but I hadn’t really had a chance to explore that until I entered their entrepreneurship program, BLUE (Build, Learn, Understand, Explore). It started with a project I led — one immersive concert where I got to be a producer, composer, singer, and conductor, alongside being a violinist. I found a few other fellows who were interested in writing and playing new music, so I founded Unboxed Musicians.

Why did you feel there was a need for this right now?
I feel like contemporary music faces a prejudice that it is hard to understand. I believe that through interdisciplinary mediums, it can be experienced and understood more deeply. I have collaborated with galleries and robot artists, and integrated social themes (e.g., environmental issues) to not only create venues for composers but also help audiences familiarize themselves with contemporary music.

Unboxed Musicians is trying to create a sustainable creative ecosystem for artists, rather than offering one-time commissions. We want to create multiple income streams and offer a “packaged commission model.” This gives artists future royalties, composition workshops with Grammy- and Pulitzer-winning composers, multiple performances, and published music — providing that crucial line on a résumé and an online portfolio to open doors for emerging composers.

What was it like going through the Startup Yale process?
The Startup Yale process shaped Unboxed Musicians’s business model significantly. I had to learn a lot of business language and how to fit our ensemble into a sustainable structure. I also had to figure out what is fair for musicians and how to balance business practicality with the nobility and integrity of art.

It was my first ever business pitch. I practiced a lot. I am an introvert, but I had to adopt a “CEO character” and make the pitch flow like a performance. I think creating and playing a piece and pitching a product have similarities: they both need a cohesive narrative, you have to have your heart in it, and you have to persuade your audience.

What would you say to other musicians who are unsure of how to take advantage of Yale’s resources?
Take advantage! Take classes in different departments and look into grants. I went to Germany twice through the German department. Don’t be stuck in your practice room — come out of your comfort zone and explore!

How did it feel to win the Creative Entrepreneurship Prize?
First of all, I thought even if I didn’t win, it would be a learning experience — which it was. Winning was a bonus.

Participating in Startup Yale itself was very beneficial; I got to meet fellow entrepreneurs and mentors. But winning the prize gave me confidence because it validated that Unboxed Musicians isn't just a daydream, but a realistically feasible business model.

What’s next for this project?
I am currently working on establishing Unboxed Musicians as a business, consolidating the business model, and preparing for the launch of Mini Music Box, our new music series for toddlers.