CHLOE KOWALYK
Staff Writer
If you’re a music industry student, a new class is available for you.
The new class will be primarily focused on marketing and promoting signed artists. It will be split into two semesters and act as the capstone for the major.
For the Fall Semester, music industry students will take MUSB 420, “Student Record Label.”
The class will show students the inner workings of a record label and all the departments within it.
According to the course catalogue, “students will gain hands-on experience operating an independent record label and facilitating the creation of a music product.”
In the following Spring Semester, students will take MUSB 425, “Music Marketing and Promotion.”
The classes are taught by professor Armand Petri, who has experience in artist management, live sound and recording production.
Noah Hulbirt, the head student for Hail! Fredonia Records, said Petri will “[guide] the students through his knowledge and professional experience in the music industry” in the class.
Jenna Casper, one of Petri’s students, has been learning under him for the past few years.
“Through his teachings, I have learned what it means to be dedicated to this industry, and to the work that we do,” she said.
“He has taught me how to be thorough with my work, and how to make connections with my fellow classmates in hopes that one day, we can work with each other again.”
The prerequisites for MUSB 425 are either MUSB 201 and MUSB 320 or MUS 380 and MUS 385.
Both classes are three credits each and are offered every year.
MUSB 425 explores the multiple elements of a marketing plan — including how it is researched, prepared and implemented into society.
Students will also study how marketing is used and what makes it effective through radio, print, the internet and touring.
The class also offers a wide range of opportunities for students with varying skill sets.
“Whether you are skilled with graphic design, video production, social media, website design, presenting or anything else, there will be a place for you in this course,” said Hulbirt.
Hulbirt also said that there are plenty of opportunities for students to learn new skills, and highly encourages it.
The class will also work with Hail! Fredonia Records to host their annual dog walk, “Lend a Paw for Autism.”
The dog walk event is held each Spring Semester to benefit the Institute for Autism Research at Canisius College.
Along with the fundraising event, students will also act as Artist and Repertoire Representatives.
Casper is an A&R Representative herself. Her favorite part about it is working with the bands.
“It has been such an interesting experience getting to work with such amazing artists and being able to help them grow their audience has been incredibly rewarding,” she said.
Hulbirt said that the students acting as A&R Representatives are “encouraged to come up with marketing strategies, marketing material for the social media and YouTube team and think outside of the box in regards to gaining exposure for their artist.”
With the rise of social media, marketing strategies have changed vastly over time.
Because of this, Hail! Fredonia Records has a YouTube channel that focuses on promoting signed artists.
This semester, they’ll be posting promotional videos and lyric videos corresponding with each artist.
As the head of the YouTube team, Hulbirt said that his favorite part of his position is working with said team.
“Each member demonstrates a great skillset, motivation and creativity, attributes that are essential to running a successful and organized YouTube channel,” he said.
These new capstone classes are sure to provide students with great opportunities and many chances to learn.