A recent trip to New York City for a select group of Hartt students provided an in-depth perspective on the music industry from the inside out. Hosted by BMI at its NYC headquarters, located at World Trade Center, the experience provided 15 Hartt students with an opportunity to meet BMI executives, as well as guest alumni in the music industries. BMI is a leader in music rights management, and represents over 22.4 million works of more than 1.4 copyright owners.
Students in the music and performance management department heard from industry speakers including David Levin, P’25, VP of licensing at BMI; Lisa J. Robinson P’27, an executive in music industry publishing; Katie Kilgallen, director of creative at BMI; and Cristina Stroia, senior manager of human resources at BMI, who manages the internship program. Kilgallen gave a presentation about how BMI operates as a premier performing rights organization and was joined by fellow members of the creative team to highlight what sets BMI apart from its competitors. She also noted that she started as an intern at BMI, which emphasized Stroia’s presentation about how internship opportunities can lead to career success. Robinson shared her experience in publishing and emphasized that aspiring songwriters should learn as much as they can about the “business behind the business” in the music industry. Levin provided Hartt students with a tour of the BMI offices, where they were welcomed by numerous departments within BMI, followed by a networking session to further forge valuable connections gained from the trip.
Hartt alumni were also present, giving students practical career advice and inspiration. They included Ara Dinkjan ’80, considered one of the top oud players in the world and a 2022 Alumni Anchor Award recipient, and James Burton III ’02, a trombonist, composer, and arranger who has lent his sound to multiple Grammy Award-winning albums and Tony Award-winning Broadway productions. Both Dinkjan and Burton shared their experience from their time as Hartt students, emphasizing the support Hartt provided that not only helped them to follow their dreams but become successful. They also echoed the sentiments of Robinson of how important it is to know the business and have representation from companies like BMI.
The trip experience was a collaboration between music and performance management faculty members Marcus Thomas and Mehmet Dede, and Levin. Additionally, the strong support of UHart’s Development and Alumni Affairs office, Parent Council, and collaboration with the dean of The Hartt School’s support through the Hartt Special Project Fund made this trip possible. These connections, support, and opportunities are an example of the valuable resources and strong network within the UHart community. Students, through these types of experiences, cultivate industry connections that help them achieve career goals, even before graduation.