Dr. Archie Chen Pianist Banner Alt

Archie Chen is an extraordinary combination of talents. His reputation as a virtuoso pianist on the International circuit segues into a formidable teaching and coaching ability that results in exceptional levels of technique and artistry amongst his students. This combined with his remarkable entrepreneurial expertise in creating and building highly successful International Music Festivals and Academies, fostering excellence amongst the next generation of pianists, makes him the perfect faculty addition to any university.
Edmund Battersby Professor of Music, Indiana University

Entrepreneurship

As a dedicated musician and educator, I have a passion for piano and music education and am actively engaged in developing my scholarly and creative work. I have been recognized for my achievements through numerous awards, grants, and fellowships, such as the Arts Council of Ireland Grant for my research on Chopin, the Tyrone Guthrie Centre Fellowship for my contributions as an artist in Ireland, and the New York Classical Music Society's Artist of the Year for my role in creating and running the successful Dublin International Piano Festival for five consecutive years. I am a skilled teacher, communicator, performer, collaborator, and creator of programs and events.

Purpose of the Course

The purpose of this 50-minute-per-week course is to provide students with a comprehensive understanding of the principles and practices of music entrepreneurship. Through a combination of lectures and hands-on projects, students will develop the skills and knowledge necessary to succeed in the music industry.

The course will cover a wide range of topics, including professional document creation, financial literacy, marketing, job applications, interviews, and auditions. These topics will be presented in the context of a musician's career development, providing students with practical and relevant advice.

The course will have a dual focus, with the first area being the development of skills that will enable students to create strong applications for jobs in academia and with professional organizations. The second area of focus will be on business acumen, where students will learn effective strategies for personal branding, business-plan creation, website development, networking, and tax strategies specifically for musicians.

Required Materials

The following materials will be required for this course:

• Beeching, Angela Myles. Beyond Talent: Creating a Successful Career in Music. Oxford: Oxford University Press, 2010. (ISBN: 0195382595) This book provides valuable insights and practical advice for musicians seeking to establish successful careers in the music industry.
• Cutler, David. The Savvy Musician. Pittsburgh, PA: Helius Press, 2010. (ISBN: 09823075) This book is a comprehensive guide to the business side of the music industry, covering topics such as marketing, networking, and financial management.
• Ricker, Ramon. Lessons from a Street-wise Professor: What You Won’t Learn at Most Music Schools. Fairport, NY: Soundown Inc., 2011. (ISBN: 098286390X) This book offers a unique perspective on the music industry, drawing on the author's extensive experience as a musician, teacher, and entrepreneur.

Additionally, students will be required to read and analyze articles and case studies from reputable sources in the field of music entrepreneurship, such as the Harvard Business Review and Inc. Magazine.

Furthermore, students will be encouraged to explore the websites of music industry organizations, such as the American Federation of Musicians and the Music Managers Forum, to gain an understanding of the current state of the industry and the challenges facing musicians today.

Program Learning Outcome

Upon completion of this course, students will be able to:

1 Develop a comprehensive understanding of the principles and practices of music entrepreneurship.
2 Create a professional and effective teaching portfolio, including a cover letter, curriculum vitae, list of references, teaching philosophy statement, and statement of research interests.
3 Create a professional and effective business portfolio, including a resume, comprehensive budget, business plan, and project proposal.
4 Understand the key elements of financial literacy specific to the music industry such as budgeting, forecasting and tax strategies.
5 Develop the skills necessary to create and execute effective marketing strategies, including personal branding and networking.
6 Create a professional website and understand the importance of online presence and reputation management in the music industry
7 Understand the importance of legal and ethical considerations in the music industry, including copyright and contracts.
8 Analyze case studies and articles from reputable sources in the field of music entrepreneurship to gain a deeper understanding of the current state of the industry and the challenges facing musicians today.
9 Develop the ability to collaborate effectively with other musicians and industry professionals to achieve their career and business goals.
10 Establish a career development plan and apply effective job search strategies for various career paths in the music industry.

Course Schedule

Week 1: Introduction to Music Entrepreneurship
Week 2: Personal Branding and Image Development
Week 3: Job Search Strategies and Application Techniques
Week 4: Review and Critique of Job Applications
Week 5: Interview Skills and Techniques
Week 6: Interview Practice and Simulation
Week 7: Building and Promoting Your Personal Brand
Week 8: Website Development and Online Presence
Week 9: Exploring Project Ideas and Opportunities
Week 10: Networking and Professional Relationships
Week 11: Financial Literacy and Tax Strategies for Musicians
Week 12: Student Presentations and Peer Review I
Week 13: Student Presentations and Peer Review II
Week 14: Final Project Presentations and Course Exam.

Note: The course schedule may be subject to change, and additional topics may be covered as needed.
Stacks Image 2
Follow me on Spotify
Dr. Archie Chen is a Sony Classical Recording Artist
Archie Chen records for Sony Classical
Supported by:
Stacks Image 32
Stacks Image 30
Stacks Image 28