Just Say Yes

Posted on by Emily K Johnson
This last week has been absolutely insane, but in the best way possible. I have a tendency to say yes before I even know what I am getting in to. However, this past week it has been my most valuable tool. Just before Valentine’s Day I was asked to help book some artists for the holiday weekend at a local restaurant. Not only was this my first opportunity like this before, but it was also extremely short notice. If there is one thing I learned from this experience it’s that I should keep a blank To-Do list or a set of questions that need to be answered before every show. This would ensure I have all of my ideas organized and have completed everything to make sure the show goes as smoothly as possible. (Be on the look out for this in an upcoming blog!) I also realized most shows are booked on a short timeline, similar to the one I worked on, so it’s important to be able to go with the flow and just do the best with you’re given circumstances. While this isn’t really my strong suit, I will be experimenting with ways to accommodate the best of the both worlds for the future.
Also this week, our college put on an music honor festival for the hundreds of high school vocalists and instrumentalists. Fortunately, I had the opportunity to reach out and network a little bit with some visiting high school music directors. (with some help from my Music Business professor!) I highly recommend to anyone interested in the management side of the music industry to just meet and introduce yourself to as many people as possible and let them know what you’re interested in doing. Not only do you get experience, but you both end up with getting contacts. Win win.
During the last three days I was also able to shadow our current sound and video guys to record master classes, faculty performances, and the honor band and choir performance! This leads to another important idea, learn as many music industry trades as you can! The more you can do, and can do well, the more likely you are to get the job. Sound and video wasn’t really what I thought about when I first started looking at artist management, however, I can see how valuable the skills are for the future.
Overall, it was a week filled with wonderful experiences and multiple great learning opportunities!
Until next week,
Emily

Making the Most of the Move to Music Business

Posted on by Emily K Johnson

It’s crazy for me to think that just six short months ago I was packing up my little red car to the brim with everything I would need for college. I remember the range of reactions when I told people I was moving states away to study Music Business. While there was a lot of positive support, I also got a lot of, “you’re moving where? To study what?” Moving to college is probably one of the scariest things you’ve thought about this far in your life and I highly encourage anyone who is considering music business to take the leap. From experience, I can say it’s 100% worth all the fear. There have been some great experiences on my journey so far and as future majors I hope these tips help make your transition to wherever you may be headed a little easier.

1. Make contact with your future professors before you leave. They love hearing from you and knowing you are excited about heading into the program!
2. Don’t forget to bring music essentials! Chances are your program will still require you to either play or sing even as a Music Business major! Metronomes, tuners, stands, and music are a must! Depending on how far away from home you are, you will likely be spending a holiday or two in your dorm and nothing is worse than being unequipped.
3. Start networking yourself as soon as you get there. Make a point to meet all of the professors in the music department and make sure they know you are willing to work for them doing projects should they ever need it! (And you should be very willing! These are the people who will help make sure your next four years are successful. If you help them, they will undoubtedly return the favor in the long run!)
As you start your quest to join the music industry, remember that everything you do from here on out will impact your jobs in the future! Be on time, be nice, and most importantly, have fun!