The Setting the Stage series offers all MSM students and alumni workshops focused on their creative futures. Guest speakers share entrepreneurial tools and approaches needed to create rewarding and sustainable careers. Past workshops have included Social Media Mania, The Business Plan for Your Artistic Career, Building Your Fan Base, and Kickstarting Your Fundraising.
Upcoming Spring 2013 Workshops
How to Raise Funds for Entrepreneurial Music Projects
Tuesday, April 23, 4–6 PM, Miller Recital Hall
Come hear how a panel of entrepreneurial alums who have successfully secured funding for various terrific career-advancing projects. Get the do's and don'ts for launching your own successful campaign! Panelists: Scorpio Harp Duo: Kathryn Andrews (MM ’09, orchestral harp) & Kristi Shade (MM ’07, harp); George Mathew (Class of 2003), conductor/founder and Artistic Director of Music For Life International and Ubuntu-Shruti; Victoria Manley, MSM’s Major Gifts Officer. Moderated by John Blanchard, MSM's Director of Alumni Affairs & Development Operations.
Concert and Choral Work for Singers and Collaborators
Thursday, April 25, 4:30–5:50 PM, Ades Performance Space, co-sponsored by Choral Activities
Singers and collaborators, all with varied backgrounds, will share how they’ve successfully pursued a range of concert and choral work that is both artistically and financially rewarding. Panelists: alumna Myra Huang, collaborative pianist and New York City Opera's Head of Music Staff, Stephen Paynter, Full-time Metropolitan Opera Chorister and Assistant Chorus Manager, and alumna Jamet Pittman, a star of "3 Mo' Divas", active on opera and concert stages as a soprano soloist and chorister.
Details about Setting the Stage credit
plus Off-Campus & Online Opportunities
All BACHELOR OF MUSIC students as well as Graduate Students in ACCOMPANYING, CONTEMPORARY PERFORMANCE, ORCHESTRAL PERFORMANCE, and ORCHESTRAL CONDUCTING are required to attend five Setting the Stage events by the time the graduate.
In addition to on-campus events, credit is available for attending select off-campus professional development events, especially through The Actors Fund (for everyone in entertainment; includes weekly workshops on a range of career topics), Chamber Music America, Fractured Atlas, the Foundation Center, Opera America, and other service organizations. After identifying a potential event, students must then contact the CME Director or Deputy Director at least three days before the event for approval and may be required to complete a short write-up.
Students graduating this semester can take advantage of web-based opportunities to satisfy this requirement. However, this alternative is only to be used for those students who legitimately cannot attend the live events.
Webinars:
Chamber Music America
Foundation Center
New York Foundation for the Arts
Polyphonic (webinars presented by MSM faculty are not eligible)
In order to receive credit for web-based opportunities you will need to email a 2 page write-up on what you learned, answering all of the questions indicated below. Sunday, May 5, 2013 is the last day to submit write-ups to receive credit for the 2012-13 school year.
Important: when you email this, send it as a Microsoft Word attachment OR typed into the text and email it to CME@msmnyc.edu and PUT "For Setting the Stage Credit" IN THE SUBJECT LINE.
Reflection Paper
To receive credit, you need to answer all of the following questions for each complete webinar you view:
- Your name
- Degree and major
- Expected month/year of graduation
- Title of event or webinar you attended
- Sponsoring organization
- Date you listened and watched the webinar
- Length of the webinar (one hour, 90 minutes, 2 hours, etc.)
- Names of speaker(s)
- Describe in detail the top 5 most important things you learned from this event/webinar. Write in paragraph format one short paragraph for each important item.
- Describe in what ways you can apply what you learned to your current or future career. Be specific.
- Describe what you found most surprising about this event.
- What was the most helpful piece of advice you gained? (describe in detail).
Past Spring 2013 Workshops
Monday, January 14, 2–4 PM, Miller Recital Hall
Daniel Andai, Concertmaster of The Miami Symphony Orchestra (MISO), and William Hestand, newly elected bassoonist for The Cleveland Orchestra, connect virtually to MSM from the New World Symphony in Miami, Florida, and The Cleveland Institute of Music in Cleveland, Ohio, respectively. As graduates of Manhattan School of Music's Orchestral Performance Program, they speak to current MSM students about their time at MSM, their professional careers-to-date, and varied orchestral experiences. Sponsored by MSM’s Distance Learning and Orchestral Performance Program.
Chamber Music America’s National Conference: Next Generation Workshops
Friday–Sunday, January 18–20, Times Square Westin
Students can attend the annual CMA National Conference – for classical AND jazz artists –for just $10! There are special "Next Gen" sessions tailored to the needs of emerging artist on Fri, Sat, and Sun mornings.
For International Students: Life After F-1 Visa Status
Thursday, January 31, 1–2:30 PM, Miller Recital Hall, co-sponsored by MSM’s International Student Services
Come hear about the Artist visa (O-1) and other work related visa categories with immigration lawyer Matt Galati, Associate at Klasko, Rulon, Stock & Seltzer, LLP. Matt will cover what YOU need to know about working and thriving in the US!
The Entrepreneurial Composer:
How to Find & Create More Performances for YOUR Music
Thursday, February 7, 3–4:20 PM, Greenfield Hall, co-sponsored by MSM’s Composer’s Forum
Find out how to get your works programmed, build your audience, and develop your entrepreneurial mindset. With:
Tania León, composer/conductor, Artistic Director of Composers NOW Festival
Ms. León’s commissions include works for the Orpheus Chamber Orchestra, New World Symphony, Koussevitzky Foundation, NEA, American Composers Orchestra, The Library of Congress, Ensemble Modern, The Los Angeles Master Chorale, and The Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts. She was named Distinguished Professor of the City University of New York in 2006.
Laura Kaminsky, composer, Artistic Director of Symphony Space
Possessing “an ear for the new and interesting” (The New York Times), Laura has received commissions and awards from the Koussevitzky Music Foundation, NEA, Aaron Copland Fund, NYSCA, and Chamber Music America, among others. Upcoming chamber and solo music CD on Albany Records. She is a faculty member at the Conservatory of Music at SUNY Purchase.
Preston Stahly, composer, Artistic & Executive Director of Tribeca New Music Festival
Known for concert music that uses acoustic and electro-acoustic techniques, he has been recorded on the Fleur De Son Classics, Musical Heritage, and TNM labels. In addition to chamber, vocal, and symphonic works, he has also written music for film (Robert Altman’s Secret Honor) and television (Corporation for Public Broadcasting and the Children’s Television Workshop).
Networking 101: Conversation Boot Camp tor the 21st Century Musician
Wednesday, February 20, 4–6 PM, Mikowsky Recital Hall
Violist and entrepreneur Jessica Meyer helps you visualize your desired professional life, practice how to better engage in conversation, craft your elevator speech, and learn strategies on how to build the relationships you need to be successful.
Social Media for Classical and Jazz Musicians
Thursday, February 28, 7–9 PM, UWS Apple Store, 1981 Broadway @ 67th St.
For professional musicians, staying connected to fans and colleagues through social networks has become an essential element for ongoing success. Join Jennifer Volmer, publicity manager at Christina Jensen PR, to learn how you can use social media for marketing and promotion—and how Apple technology can help.
Media Smarts: Getting Connected to Build Your Brand
Monday, March 25, 11 AM – 1 PM, Mikowsky Recital Hall
Hear the do's and don'ts for getting media attention and building your brand as an artist. Find out how to get reviews, interviews, airplay and more with Greg Thomas, New York Daily News jazz columnist, editor, and producer; James Egelhofer, project manager for First Chair Promotion; and Gail Wein, journalist and publicist, contributor to NPR, Voice of America, Playbill, Musical America, and owner of Classical Music Communications.
Performing in Europe: An Interactive Conversation for Singers and Collaborative Pianists
Wednesday, March 27: 11 AM – 12:30 PM, Room 606
part of Opera Studio, good for Setting the Stage credit
with David Aronson, conductor and pianist, Vienna State Opera and
Sylvia Greenberg, international soprano
Come hear from two seasoned veterans about todos and don'ts of launching a multifaceted opera and concert career in Europe.
Building an Ensemble: Creativity + Business Mojo = Success
Friday, March 29, 2:30–4 PM, Miller Recital Hall
(rescheduled from February 8)
Tips and perspective on how to create a successful new group.
Do’s & Don’ts for YOUR entrepreneurial venture. Join us to hear about two terrific MSM ensemble projects from:
Elizabeth Woo & Max Jacob (Class of 2013) of Shattered Glass
a conductorless string orchestra committed to shattering barriers, better enabling the audience to connect with the music. SG offers a range of classical rep and has collaborated with Grammy-award winning pop artists.
Chanell Crichlow & Ben Brody (Class of 2008) of PitchBlak Brass Band
a ten-piece brass band whose style and sound represent hip-hop from the 1980's to present day. A diverse group of young musicians who truly represents the new and vibrant undercurrents of the city.
Legally Yours: Essential Know-How for Musicians
Monday, April 1, 11 AM –1 PM, Mikowsky Recital Hall
Copyright and licensing, startup issues, contracts, and more with intellectual property lawyer Maia Spilman. She represents start-ups, new media, technology and entertainment companies as well as industry professionals and creative artists. Before launching her own firm in 2001, she was in-house counsel at INgrooves, a leading technology and digital distribution company, and at BMG Music serving the global giant’s distribution company. Ms. Spilman serves on the Board of Directors of Musicians Foundation and is a member of the Copyright Society of the USA.
Interviewing Skills for College Teaching Jobs
Friday, April 5, 3–5 PM, Miller Recital Hall
Learn what search committees look for in candidates, how interview visits are structured and how to best present yourself. We’ll cover interview skills and strategies for articulating your strengths and your teaching philosophy in this interactive session with Interim President Marjorie Merryman, faculty memberJeff Langford, and DMA candidate Christine Carter.
Entrepreneurial Ensemble Success: MSM alums reveal all!
Monday, April 8, 3–5 PM, Miller Recital Hall, co-sponsored by MSM’s Contemporary Performance Program
What does it take to successfully launch an ensemble? Hear the dish from the founders of Loadbang, a leading contemporary music group started by CPP alums, including how to book performances, commission new works, create a following and attract media attention.
Negotiation Skills for Savvy Musicians
Friday, April 12, 12–12:50 PM and 1–1:50 PM, Miller Recital Hall
Aliah Rosenthal, cellist, entrepreneur, and Executive Director of Xlassical will focus on a key skill for active professional musicians: effectively and confidently negotiating performance fees by phone and in person. Through Xlassical, Aliah presents inventive post-classical performances at the Nuyorican Poets Cafe and the Bowery Poetry Club. With a background as a freelance musician with an MBA, Aliah will demystify some of the more challenging aspects of maneuvering the business side of the music profession.
Advancing Your Music Career with Entrepreneurial Projects
Wednesday, April 17, 3–5 PM, Miller Recital Hall
Want to launch your own ensemble, festival, or studio? Release an album or produce a multi-disciplinary arts event? This session will help you think through the Who, What, When, Where, and Why (and why not?) of artistic projects. With Metropolitan Opera soprano Korliss Uecker and faculty membersLinda Chesis and Warren Jones.
Fall 2012 Workshops
Negotiating the Artist / Manager Relationship
Mon. Oct. 1 | 11 AM-1 PM | Mikowsky Hall
Join saxophonist Steve Wilson and his manager Laura Hartmann in this candid dialogue. Learn what managers do, how to get one, and what you can do for yourself before you have one.
Power Networking / Power Pitching: The Dynamic Duo!
Wed. Oct. 3 | 6-7:30 PM | Miller Recital Hall
This interactive workshop will give you the insider's secrets to networking and pitching with results. Learn the tools to make the strongest connection quickly, pitch with conviction and create the most memorable interaction. With Jim Arnoff, Television/Web Packaging Agent & entertainment industry life/career coach
Composers’ DIY Success: Publishing, Social Media, Copyright, more
Thurs. Oct. 11 | 3-4:20 PM | Miller Recital Hall
Panelists will cover getting your music performed, building an online fan base, & getting published / self-publishing.
With ASCAP's Cia Toscanini and Subito Music's Deborah Horne
Launching Your Ensemble: Chamber Musicians Tell All
Wed. Oct. 17 | 6-7:30 PM | Miller Recital Hall
Tips on creative programming, artist management, commissions, competitions, choosing a name, and staying together.
Panelists: violinist Nicholas Mann, cellist David Geber, French hornist David Jolley, and Susan Dadian, guitarist/program officer of Chamber Music America,
Alumni Career Panel: What Does It Take?
Fri. Oct 19 | 11 AM-12 PM | Anderson Residence Hall, 6th floor
Come hear how MSM alumni have successfully navigated the transition from student to full-time professional.withChristopher Cooley: DMA 2003, accompanying;Kelly Hall-Tompkins: MM 1995, orchestral violin;Dillon Kondor: MM 2011, composition
Richard Dare on Musicians/Entrepreneurs
Fri. Oct.19 | 12-12:50 PM | Miller Recital Hall
Meet Richard Dare, Brooklyn Philharmonic CEO, the entrepreneurial arts leader applying the best of business thinking to the arts and redefining the role of orchestras in their communities.
Seth Godin on Musician/Entrepreneurs
Fri. Oct. 19 | 1-1:50 PM | Miller Recital Hall
Join best-selling author, entrepreneur, and marketing guru Seth Godin for this lively presentation on how to translate your passion into success.
Booking Performance Series De-Mystified
Thurs. Nov. 8 | 2-3:30 PM | Mikowsky Hall
Come hear seasoned presenters give advice and tips for how to get bookings, how to create a series, and how to invent your own career.
With Stephen Jacobsohn (MM ’03), Shriver Hall, Baltimore; Tim McHenry, Rubin Art Museum; and Rio Sakairi, The Jazz Gallery.
For Pianists: Success @ Home & Abroad
Wed. Nov. 14 | 6-7:30 PM | Miller Recital Hall
How to navigate success both in the US and abroad: we’ll focus on practical issues of making professional contacts, and translating your experience at MSM into professional opportunities.
Panelists will include: Jue Wang (AD ’10); Simone Dinnerstein (former Pre-college student of Solomon Mikowsky); Kyung-Eun Na (DMA ’16); Lisa Yui (DMA ’05)
Music Teaching in Higher Ed: the CV Master Class
Fri. Nov. 16 | 3-5 PM | Miller Recital Hall
Panelists will disclose best practice strategies for applying to college teaching positions: we’ll analyze what makes a winning cover letter, résumé, and interview!
With Marjorie Merryman