Performances + Events
The 2023-2024 academic year was a remarkable period of growth and innovation for New England Conservatory’s Entrepreneurial Musicianship (EM) program. The EM program, under the leadership of Dean Tanya Maggi, Program Manager Ryan Mewhorter, and Career Advising Manager Kiyoshi Hayashi, has made significant strides in fostering an entrepreneurial spirit within the NEC community. This year has seen a surge in student engagement, enhanced advisory services, expanded internship opportunities, and the successful launch of new courses.
Student Engagement and Advising
One of the most notable achievements of the EM program this year was the 54% increase in student engagement compared to the previous year. The EM staff, along with guest advisors, conducted nearly 600 advising sessions, providing personalized support on a variety of topics such as personal finance, copyright law, grant writing, fundraising, and career planning. This tailored guidance has been instrumental in helping students navigate the complexities of the music industry and build sustainable careers.
Internships and Professional Development
The EM program has continued to strengthen its connections with prominent Boston music organizations. Noteworthy collaborations with A Far Cry Chamber Orchestra and Boston Chamber Music Society provided five students with paid performance opportunities and three new internships. Interns gained valuable experience in fundraising, marketing, event production management, and box office management. Impressively, most interns received offers to continue working with their host organizations in a paid capacity after completing their internships.
Grant Programs and Fellowships
The EM program’s grant initiatives have also flourished, with 39 projects receiving a total of $30,327 in funding. The fall and spring grant cycles supported a diverse range of projects, from multimedia concerts and workshops to international tours and album productions. Additionally, the EM Nova Fellowship saw 18 applications and generated $8,500 in student income, offering students hands-on experience in leadership, production management, marketing, and finance through independently curated events.
Innovative Coursework
This year, the EM program introduced new and impactful courses, such as Grant Writing and Fundraising for Artists, taught by Derek Beckvold. The program also continued to offer popular courses like The Entrepreneurial Musician, Creative Project Building, and Finance 101, which collectively enrolled 185 students. The integration of EM advising into the curriculum for certain courses received positive feedback from both students and faculty, further enriching the educational experience.
Looking Ahead
As the EM program looks forward to the 2024-2025 academic year, it aims to build on its successes by increasing the number of advising sessions, expanding the guest advisor roster, and integrating EM resources more deeply into the overall NEC curriculum. Plans are also in place to bolster the internship program, foster stronger connections with alumni, and enhance both internal and external marketing efforts.
NEC’s Entrepreneurial Musicianship program continues to be a cornerstone of the conservatory’s commitment to preparing students for dynamic and fulfilling careers in music. With a robust framework of support, mentorship, and practical experience, the EM program is poised to achieve even greater heights in the coming years.
For more information about the EM program and its initiatives, follow NEC Music on social media or visit the official website.
Contact Information:
Email: em@necmusic.edu
Instagram: @necmusic_em, @novafellows
