By Shanlee Bratten '15
Eight music business students took a trip to Los Angeles from January 18-25, accompanied by faculty Carl Anderson and Todd Kelly.
The trip gives students an idea of what life in the industry will be like after graduation and shows opportunities in the industry that students may not have been aware of.
Music business major Alex Arvizu ’15 says the trip was “a career-shaping experience.”
The group traveled to L.A. and surrounding cities visiting recording studios and record labels, as well as meeting with important people in the profession, like the keyboardist and trombonist for the Conan O’ Brian show and Chris Jackson, director of music at NBC/Universal.
This trip is an excellent opportunity for students to make valuable connections with professionals in the music industry and learn their place in the business.
“I learned so much about different areas of the music industry that I never could have otherwise,” Arvizu says. “Being able to meet the people has been an invaluable opportunity that very few people have.”
“This trip is extremely beneficial,” says music performance major, Maggie Sloter ’16, “Mr. Anderson and Dr. Kelly plan visits to all parts of the music industry so we get to see everything. It helps you narrow down the options and figure out what area of the business you're interested in.”
Sloter, who hopes to work in music products/retail, says that her favorite part was talking with national sales manager Jonathan Breen at Yamaha, a major corporation in music products.
“To get to see the inside workings is phenomenal,” she says.
Arvizu says he felt most impacted by the meeting with Warner Bros. Records Vice President of Marketing Xavier Ramos, who talked with the students about the shifting musical landscape.
“It was great to hear the perspective of someone who is directly affected by it, rather than just read an article on it,” he says. “I’m definitely going back next year.”
