Now more than ever, students have a voice that can change the trajectory of the music business. The second #NEXTGEN_U virtual summit offered an exclusive opportunity to blend academia with action by uniting students, faculty, and the greater music community at the start of the pivotal 2021 school year!
6 – 7 pm ET
Kickoff Meetup Hosted by Jaxsta
3 – 3:05 PM ET
Day 1 Welcome
Speakers
3:05 – 3:45 PM ET
Opening Panel: Student Super Skills – What WOWs Execs?
It’s no secret that the music business is ever changing, therefore students looking to enter the industry must be agile and able to add new skills to their repertoire at any given moment. But what exactly are those skills and special assets? What are the emerging areas of the business students should be looking heavily at? In this opening panel, we’ll bring together music business execs to outline the ins and outs of what students can do to “wow” them while also pushing the industry forward in a positive direction.
Moderator
Panelists
3:45 – 4:05 PM ET
Program Spotlight – Sony Music U
Join Sony Music U and Recording Artist Tai Verdes as they discuss how the SMU team has impacted Tai’s work, as well as give an overall view of how the 18-25 year old demo impacts music marketing from an artist’s perspective. They will also share the various offerings of the SMU team and show how artists incorporate their service into their marketing plans. As a learning tool for the audience, SMU will discuss other impactful ways for students to get involved with an artist and what someone in his position would look for in support.
Speaker
4:05 – 4:20 PM ET
Break
4:20 – 4:35 PM ET
Speed Story – International
4:35 – 5:15 PM ET
Unlocking Global Opportunities As A Student
As the music business becomes more and more global, so do the opportunities for music business students to engage with other parts of the world. Whether it’s physically traveling abroad to study another territory’s culture and music model or creating a virtual community for students all around the world to meet each other – engaging in these opportunities can only be an asset to you and your career. Join these panelists as they talk about what global resources are out there for you to expand your horizons both within the industry and outside as well.
Moderator
Panelists
5:15 – 5:30 PM ET
Break
5:30 – 6 PM ET
Breakout Sessions
1) Record Labels
Looking to enter the label world within the industry? Join this interactive Q&A style session with both a major label, as well as an independent.
Moderator
Panelists
2) Music Publishing
How does one get into the ever-changing world of music publishing you may ask? Come hear from those on the front lines who are in A&R, song pitching, and more.
Moderator
Panelists
3 – 3:40 PM ET
Your Brand – On Paper, On Socials & In Real Life
Thousands and thousands of applications for internships and jobs make their way to HR professionals within the music business each day. How do they make the decisions of who gets passed along to the next round? How important is it for you to have a core brand, even as a student, so that you can stand out? What can you do to shine both on your resume and (hopefully) in your interview? Let’s hear directly from the HR professionals themselves on a topic that often leaves students scratching their heads.
Moderator
Panelists
3:40 – 4 PM ET
Program Spotlight & Artist Interview – Warner Music Group
You heard it here first! Warner Music U gives young creatives the opportunity to get their foot in the door in the music industry and work with the hottest developing artists. Listen to WMU Rep, Ka’Nesha Underwood, chat with 20-year-old pop singer/songwriter, Nova Miller, as they discuss what it’s like navigating the industry, being the youngest person in the room, finding your confidence, and of course, the impact of TikTok.
Speaker
4 – 4:15 PM ET
Break
4:15 – 4:30 PM ET
Speed Story – Data
4:30 – 5:10 PM ET
Internships vs. Experience: Making The Most Of It
Sure, internships look great on paper – but what about the things you actually learn as a result of the experience? Are you finding ways to make the most three or four months you’re spending within the company? During this panel, we’ll talk about all the ways students could and should be engaging, interacting, and learning from an internship experience rather than just collecting them for their resume with the hope it attracts an employer. We’ll also explore the exciting benefits of interning at smaller companies when a larger opportunity isn’t always available AND how you can create your own experiences should a formal internship not work out at all.
Moderator
Panelists
5:10 – 5:25 PM ET
Break
5:25 – 6 PM ET
Breakout Sessions
1) Artist Management
Join these two managers as they answer all your questions about the ins and outs of artist management. What does it take to build a successful career in this sphere of the industry where you’re involved in every aspect of an artist’s business?
Moderator
Panelists
2) Live & Touring
The live entertainment industry is back in its swing after COVID lockdowns. With live events coming back, what can students do to get into live, touring and festivals? Join an agent and a talent buyer for this interactive session.
Moderator
Panelists
3:00 – 4:00 PM ET
Listen to the Kids! A Student-Led Panel Discussion
Moderators
Panelists
4:00 – 4:20 PM ET
Break
4:20 – 4:40 PM ET
Speed Story – Culture Marketing
4:40 – 5:30 PM ET
Mindfulness & Mental Health: An Open, Honest Discussion
Throughout the past year, there have been many discussions similar to this, but these conversations are critical to changing the music business for the better so we will keep them coming. “Hustle culture” has been embedded into our industry for decades, and while the hustle most likely will not stop, making better decisions and being more mindful and present in our lives helps create a healthier environment to live and work in. Join fellow students and executives for this interactive session on how students can help lead the charge in charting new territories for mental health in the music business.
Moderator
Panelists
