UPCOMING EVENTS & ANNOUNCEMENTS:
For the next month, Entrepreneurship Wednesdays will be offering a series of meetings on Your Basic Career Toolkit:
10/3: Writing great Bios and Program Notes
Free Pizza!
CU GIGS is the College of Music’s gig booking service, and an entrepreneurial venture of the ECM. If you’re interested in being part of a database for all manner of gig requests we get here at the College of Music, just fill out the informational form (on the door of the ECM Office) and turn it in to the ECM. Our CU GIGS Coordinator Nathan Hall will then work to connect you with gigs that come into our Musician Referral Line. For more info, contact Nathan at: musicreferral@Colorado.EDU
I have a confession: I’ve never liked the name “Entrepreneurship Wednesdays.” It’s clunky and long-winded, and “the e word” is just too fraught with misunderstanding. So we’re going to have a contest to come up with a new name. It should be catchy, concise, and get at the core purpose of Entrepreneurship Wednesdays (which is to explore a broad range of topics pertaining to your professional development and provide concrete skills for your career). Submit your suggestions for our weekly series, and the winner will receive a $100 gift card to Target! Deadline: Monday, Oct. 1. Submit to Dr. Nytch via email: jeff.nytch@colorado.edu
Tax Planning & Strategies for parents and students: Sept. 28, 8:30-10:00am, UMC 247
Identity Theft: how to protect yourself: Oct. 10, 1:00-2:30pm, UMC 245
Check Your Credit Report: Oct. 17, Noon-3:00pm, UMC 245
ENTREPRENEURIAL THOUGHT OF THE WEEK: So…what about that controversial blog from last week? Is the orchestra “dead and/or dying”?
So last week I posted a blog that’s been making the rounds of the blogosphere, an essay in which the writer declares that the era of the symphony orchestra is “done.” (Not trying to be the grammar police here, but can an era be “done”? Anyway…) She then goes on to point out a few other things, such as the fact that college music programs turn out many more graduates than there are orchestral jobs, and that the demand for live orchestral music is on the decline. The blog concludes with some strong recommendations for what students interested in music should be studying while in school, including business and a range of technology-related skills.
I was hoping this blog might stir up some spirited debate, since the issues raised are central to our work here in the College of Music. Failing that, let me make a few points:
Challenged…but not “done” I don’t think “the era of the symphony orchestra” is done, dead, or any other dire word. There are still orchestras in cities large and small, ranging from the top professional orchestras down to semi-professional and volunteer community orchestras (many of which are surprisingly good). Orchestral music remains a vibrant part of many communities; just look around the Front Range and the number of orchestral groups at all levels and you’ll see that there’s still an awful lot of it around. That it’s facing some serious challenges, though, is indisputable: the NEA reports a decade of declining audiences, and it seems like every week there’s another news article about an orchestra in crisis. In the face of that, however, many orchestras are figuring out ways to redefine their relationship with their communities. In some cases they are reinventing themselves altogether. There’s lots of reason for hope, and the music orchestras are playing is as powerful (and as needed) as much as ever. The question is: what are the struggling orchestras doing wrong, and what are the thriving orchestras doing right? Rather than making broad pronouncements that don’t really hold up to scrutiny, I’m much more interested in asking those questions (and finding the answers).
Our educational system needs to change – but how? The basic architecture of the university music curriculum goes back to Germany in the mid-19th century. And it’s a pedagogy that’s been remarkably resilient and successful: there are more polished, professional-level musicians now than at any time in human history! That said, there are also more polished, professional-level musicians now than there are professional performance jobs for them. That means that musicians need to acquire a broader set of skills so they have the options andtools they need to build careers that are sustainable and fulfilling.
So what should we do? Think like an entrepreneur, of course! Entrepreneurs thrive on problem-solving – which means that there’s no situation more ripe for entrepreneurial treatment than the tangle of issues surrounding the future of concert music and how we educate musicians. The entrepreneur asks some core questions: What is the problem needing to be solved here? What needs are there in the marketplace that could be fulfilled by my solution? Is there a viable way to implement my solution? These are the same questions those of us in the arts need to be asking about our schools, our cultural institutions, and our audiences. And as for building your skill sets and broadening your options…that’s what the ECM is all about. Come check out our seminars, our classes, or just come make an appointment!
Not already following us on Facebook? You should! Click here.
The Video of the Week!
Okay I’ve started to get some videos…keep ‘em coming!
Meanwhile, when all else fails…just keep rolling!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Arqvnp6yUCg&feature=related
The Entrepreneurship Center for Music • Jeffrey Nytch, DMA, Director
Email: jeff.nytch@colorado.edu • Office Hours: T/Th: 9-11 a.m. W: 2-4 p.m. – or by appointment
Entrepreneurship Wednesdays: 5-6:30 p.m., C-113 • Follow us on Facebook
OPPORTUNITY UPBEAT! Sept. 18, 2012
The Opportunity UPBEAT! is your weekly listing of job postings and other professional opportunities that come the way of the ECM. Check this space out for jobs, volunteer opportunities, internships, grants, festival auditions, and more!
ERIE MIDDLE SCHOOL in Erie (about 30 minutes east of Boulder, in the St. Vrain Valley School District) is looking to hire a part-time music teacher. It is a half-time position which includes a small orchestra program as well as some possible additional music electives like piano class. The program is definitely in its infancy and needs someone who is willing to work hard to produce a successful middle school program. Those who are interested in applying should visit this website:
http://www.applitrack.com/stvrain/onlineapp/default.aspx?Category=Middle...
Questions? Email Nick Roseth at: roseth_nicholas@svvsd.org.
THE LONGMONT YOUTH SYMPHONY is currently looking for a conductor for their Wind Ensemble. The group has about 20 students, and rehearses weekly in Longmont on Saturdays. See the website below for details and contact information.
Interested applicants should write or call: (303) 351-1452
info@longmontyouthsymphony.org
CENTER FOR THE CONTINUATION OF ARTS AND CULTURE, in Thornton, is looking for Guitar and Piano Teachers. The CCAC is an arts school dedicated to the enrichment of students in the visual and performing arts. We provide classes in a wide variety of dance styles, music, and visual arts.
You should have a degree or be in pursuit of a degree in Music Performance or Music Education.
Past teaching experience preferred. Outgoing and friendly personality along with consistent professional demeanor. Works well with elementary ages through adults. Someone who is knowledgeable and skilled in more than one instrument area is preferred. Especially knowledgeable and confidant in teaching basic/beginning piano skills in a group and private setting. Knowledge in music theory and aural skills.
You should be dependable and have reliable transportation.
Looking for someone who can teach 5-15 hours a week
Please contact Director of Music Nick Garcia-(720)-341-4975 for further information
INTERNSHIPS AVAILABLE! The ECM offers a broad range of internship opportunities for students, ranging from positions with non-profit arts groups to for-profit businesses. Internships can be for academic credit or not, and can often be customized to suit your schedule and interests. If you’re interested, stop by the ECM office and we’ll talk about the options!
