On Thursday, July 26, 2018, DIME Denver hosted a music industry masterclass panel – bringing local industry experts together. Professionals shared key tips about breaking into music, changing careers, and excelling in an industry that is ever-changing.
Supported by the McNichols Cultural Partnership program, the event aimed to provide value to aspiring professionals of the music industry. Masterclass offered an inside look at music industry careers from the lens of editors, talent buyers, festival producers and radio personalities.
Photo Credit: Claire Heywood
Behind The Scenes
The special guest panelists included Kyle Harris from Westword Magazine, Rikki Aston from Live Nation (Rocky Mountain), Rosa Jad from KS 107.5, and Matthew Kowal who works with Denver’s Arts & Venues department. They were able to share how they landed “the perfect gig” and sustained a successful career in music.
The “students” of the masterclass were given advice about networking passionately, learning multiple skill sets and making your mark. Panelist, Matthew Kowal, is a musician who has been working with the City of Denver’s Arts & Venues department. Kowal has helped Denver to implement the 2018 Music Strategy, a collective community-led platform designed to amplify Denver’s music scene on a global level. Kowal offered the perspective of an artist who changed paths many times to eventually find other passions beyond the music.
Photo Credit: Claire Heywood
Kyle Harris, Culture Editor for Denver’s Westword Magazine and Rikki Aston from Live Nation shared great advice on staying relevant in music entertainment. Rosa Jad spoke with great energy about how she learned different skills to stay valuable. Being a versatile professional was a central theme.
The First 50 attendees to show up to the masterclass received “grab bags” full of freebies from DIME Denver, KS 107.5, Rooster Magazine, Live Nation and the City’s Arts department. Students of this Masterclass was able to participate in Q&A with these heavy-hitters and got a chance to network with the panelists after class ended.
Photo Credit: Claire Heywood
DIME Denver’s Masterclass Series
DIME Denver collaborates with local venues, artists, and industry professionals to offer our students unique opportunities to advance their careers. These include paid performances, internships and Masterclasses taught by experienced industry professionals. DIME Denver typically offers exclusive Masterclasses throughout the year, tailored to enhance and extend what students are studying.
The Masterclass series is an intimate learning experience that provides direct access to performers, songwriters, entrepreneurs and industry professionals. This allows DIME Denver students to learn from the best in the business. This Special Masterclass is the first out of the series to be opened to the public. However, DIME Denver anticipates hosting more special Masterclasses that’s open to the public and future students.
Photo Credit: Claire Heywood
Keep up with the Masterclass series offered by DIME Denver as a student, enrollment for Fall 2018 is still open. Delivered in partnership with MSU Denver, the Bachelor’s degree programs at DIME Denver are designed to build strong musical foundations. This will lead to long and sustained careers in the music industry alongside gaining academic qualifications. If you’d like to attend a future Masterclass that is open to the public you can find out more information about DIME Denver’s events here.
