Music & Entertainment Industry Education

[Rande Isabella]

At some point in the life of every artist, producer, manager, songwriter, singer or musician, the question of, "how much education do I need?" arises. This discussion board is for the purpose of giving a real world look at music industry academia and its value and importance in the lives of today's music industry professionals. Should you go back to college? Or are there alternative ways of obtaining an education sufficient for securing a position within the industry.

I am happy to provide insight into this commonly misunderstood issue. Feel free to ask questions regarding your particular situation and circumstance. I have taught many aspects of the music industry and at various levels, from privately to universities. I currently teach at the Mike Curb College of Entertainment and Music Business at Belmont University in Nashville. (I take summers in Northeast Ohio) Classes are held right on music row and in a few cases, alongside working music industry professionals. But learning is also happening outside of schools, on the local level, online and right in your own home.

Criteria for determining the best course of action for you should not be based on what others have done or what a particular school has developed. Your particular career goals should dictate the method(s) used for obtaining sufficient education. These solutions should be individualized and flexible to meet the demands and ever changing dynamics of the career market. Let's discuss music & entertanment industry education as it applies to you and your specific needs.

Best wishes. . .

[Cirocco]

Belmont and Mike Curb's College have great reps. Full Sail has a great rep too. I only wish there were more students graduating with the mindset it takes to deal with this industry. We get a LOT of interns that "want in"...but most of them are NOT prepared enough. My partner Alvin Speights and I just had a conversation...and we are really thinking of opening a school in Atlanta for music industry hopefuls.

[Rande Isabella]

I agree with you that there are many who want in, but few who are truly prepared. What I tell my students is that no matter how much they could possibly learn from classes in the short time they are in school, it is not enough to truly compete in the industry. They MUST have the desire to seek out special skills and knowledge on their own. And this must be a lifelong pursuit. Only a small percentage rise to meet this challenge with the rest resolved to merely complete their selected curriculum in the quickest amount of time possible. I will make an extra effort to support those special few in any way I can. . .WAY outside of the classroom and for years to come. They have the right stuff.

I also believe now to be an excellent time to open a music industry school. (I hope you will keep me in the loop. . .as I have a very unusual but highly potential business concept in this area). With the industry having been blown to smithereens in recent years, it is like 1952 all over again. Anyone can now start a label, make a studio, target a market, produce a record and distribute a product. The entrepreneurial skill necessary to do so successfully is largely ignored by universities and tech schools alike. . .while being great at academics, they are only fair at REAL real-world application. . . which is far more entrepreneurial in nature than in years past. This new dynamic changes everything.

[JaWar]

Congrats on considering starting your business school. You would do well to help those wanting a career in the business. Continued success.

[JaWar]

Thank you for opening yourself up to share tips, resources and other information to help those seeking a career in music and entertainment. Strangely enough I don't find it strange that your forum isn't bubbling with questions and comments about how to take one's career to the next level.

Do you incorporate social media and Internet marketing into your lesson plans?

"THINK, PLAN, EXECUTE!" -JaWar

[Rande Isabella]

Thanks. Yes, it is sort of funny that those who don't know what to do . . . do whatever they "think" they should or what they are led to do. . .rather than seek objective advice from those in the know. Caveat emptor.

I do incorporate social media, etc. into lesson plans, as this is where the record industry lives. . and is likely to live for quite some time.

What are you up to?

Rande