What’s Next: Educating Musicians as Entrepreneurs
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Description:
This webinar will provide an overview of the themes and mindsets of artists and entrepreneurs, specifically how to hone skills in creative and critical thinking, flexibility, self reliance, communications, technology, promotion – the things artists need to build a satisfying life in music. Attendees are invited to share assumptions, questions, and ideas about their future careers, and gain insight into the programs in place at New England Conservatory and other educational institutions that will help individuals to identify and proactively pursue their professional artistic goals.
Rachel Roberts joined the New England Conservatory in September of 2009 to design and lead the Entrepreneurial Musicianship department, a major new initiative of the conservatory that aims to equip young musicians with key extra-musical skills to support their artistic careers. As Director, Rachel has developed a wide range of experiential learning opportunities for students that will eventually extend to faculty and alumni. Prior to joining NEC, Rachel served as the first Director of Strategic Planning Engagement for the Atlanta Symphony, working on organization-wide strategic and governance objectives. She led the ASO’s grand opening festivities at the Verizon Wireless Amphitheatre at Encore Park, a 12,000 seat outdoor facility that serves as the ASO’s summer home. She also managed the orchestra’s inaugural 2008 summer series at the venue. Rachel arrived at the ASO after completing the League of American Orchestras’ Orchestra Management Fellowship program, working with the Atlanta, Detroit and South Dakota Symphonies and the Aspen Music Festival. Growing up in Iowa, Rachel studied flute and piano, continuing her education as a flute performance major at the Eastman School of Music. While participating in the Catherine Filene Shouse Arts Leadership Program, she discovered the myriad opportunities that exist in the music industry, which led her to first explore a career in orchestra management as the Artistic and Production Assistant with the Houston Symphony. Throughout her career, Rachel has continued to pursue her passion for flute, enjoying a variety of performing, teaching, and accompanying opportunities with colleagues across the country. In addition to music, she enjoys being outdoors hiking and running, and most recently completed her 2nd Boston Marathon.
