Antoinette Westphal College of Media Arts & Design
Music Industry Summer Program
Exploring the Music Industry Summer commuter program for high school students: July 19 - 25, 2009
- Back to top
- About the program
- Music is more than your favorite performer. Behind that microphone are teams of professionals writing the songs, mixing the sound, promoting the artist, booking venues, signing new talent, and crafting every aspect of what you hear.
- Our summer program is designed to introduce you to the music industry as a whole through a one week intensive workshop. The courses offered are based upon our degree curriculum and are taught by our faculty of industry professionals. Through the classroom, hands-on studio experience in our recording lab facilities, performance opportunities, lectures, and guest speakers, you will gain valuable insight into this dynamic field.
- "The Drexel Summer Music Program gave our son a concrete view of what is available for him in terms of career options, areas of study, and, most of all, a life that includes his interests with the ability to make a living." - Mother of a former Summer Music Industry Program student
- Back to top
- Program Format
- Classes will run Monday through Friday from 9:30 am – 3:30 pm, with a one hour lunch break. Your schedule will include two or three of these course offerings:
- Digital Audio Production: You will produce your own music in real recording sessions: learning how to listen, and what to listen for, in the recording process…as well as using various sound effects, vocal techniques, special recording methods, and more.
- Music Business: How does a recording artist get paid? How do you register a copyright? What’s going on with music and the Internet? What does a publisher do? Get answers in this practical real-world course, encompassing entertainment law and an overview of the music industry.
- Songwriting workshop: Through practice and analysis, you will learn to how to develop your melodies and lyrics. You will examine all different genres of songwriting, from pop to R& B and neo-soul, to hard rock to punk, rap/hip-hop.
- Audio Engineering: You will learn about the nature of sound and how it is applied to recording and editing music in our recording facilities. You will learn the latest recording equipment, from setting up microphones to editing on ProTools®, so you can record the music you want to make.
- How to start your own label: You have the songs, the band, and recorded your CD. Now what? You will learn about all the jobs in a record label, and how to apply them to your own situation… including retail, e-tail and digital distribution, radio promotion, marketing, press kits, and tips on touring.
- A&R Workshop: Have you ever wondered what a record label looks for in a recording artist? Or what the process of selection is? Learn what an Artist and Repertoire person does on a day-to-day basis for a record label, and learn how to get your voice heard. Examine the job responsibilities, functions and role of an A & R representative at major and independent labels. In addition, we will listen to and critique music from unsigned and new artists.
- Back to top
- General Information
- Faculty: Marcy Rauer Wagman, Esq. is the Director of the Music Industry Program and Summer Music Program Director. She is an entertainment attorney representing top-level music industry professionals. She was the Creative Director/Executive Producer of FCD, Inc., an award-winning broadcast music production company, where she composed and produced music for advertising and film. She has written hit songs for a number of major-label rock bands, and her songs have appeared in major motion pictures. She serves on the Board of Governors of NARAS (The Recording Academy for the Grammy Awards) and is a voting member of the Academy. She is the CEO of Drexel's MAD Dragon UNLTD, which includes the nationally-recognized student-run record label, MAD Dragon Records.
- Terry Tompkins is an Assistant Professor of Music Industry. He began his career in the music industry as a musician, playing in several local bands for over ten years. Terry has served as Showcase Director at the Philadelphia Music Conference booking bands to perform at Philadelphia's premier music annual event. He is founder of Big Fish Management. Terry has managed the careers of such bands as Cory, Tabloid Nation, and 4 Way Street. He was the Northeast Regional Director of A&R at Columbia Records/SONY, and is credited with discovering R&B recording artist John Legend.
- David Ivory is a member of the Music Industry Program's adjunct faculty and teaches Audio Engineering. He is a Grammy-award nominated engineer/producer and songwriter who has worked with Patti LaBelle, the Roots, Silvertide, Erykah Badu and Kindred.
- Orientation: You will have an orientation on Sunday, July 19th for both you and your parents.
- Closing Reception and Performance: The program is capped by a reception on Saturday July 25th. You will have the opportunity to sit in on a variety of panel discussions with professionals in the industry and hear original music performed by our very own music industry students. If you are a solo artist or have a band you could get selected to perform at the closing ceremony. Students who complete the one-week program will receive a program certificate.
- Facilities: Drexel offers state-of-the-art editing/recording labs and two full-service recording studios, and piano labs.
- Meal Plan: Drexel will provide you with lunch every day during your one week program.
- Health Services: You are required to submit proof of health insurance prior to the start of the program.
- Housing: This is a commuter program therefore housing is not provided. Call 215.895.1834 for hotel recommendations in the area.
- Back to top
- Registration
- We welcome mature high school students, at least 16 years old, who have completed their sophomore year by July 2009. We encourage all enthusiastic students to apply.
- Apply by submitting the following items:
- Your high school transcript; official or unofficial transcript
- A 300-word personal statement discussing your interest in music and the summer program
- A recommendation letter from a high school guidance counselor/teacher/music instructor
- A $300 deposit must be included with your application. Acceptable forms of payment are check or money order.
- All applications will be reviewed upon completion and applicants will be notified on a rolling basis. Students who are not accepted into the program will receive a full refund of their $300 application deposit.
- Upon acceptance, we will mail an information package to you and your family with additional program information and, of course, more forms to complete. The $300 deposit will be credited towards the full tuition cost. Upon acceptance, your deposit is non-refundable.
- The balance of $900 must be paid by July 1, 2009. Acceptable forms of payment are check or money order.
- Should a student wish to withdraw from the program, we must be notified in writing prior to July 1, 2009. No refunds will be made after July 1, 2009.
- All items must be clearly labeled and mailed to:
- Attn: Summer Program Coordinator
- Drexel University
- Nesbitt Hall 13-503
- 3215 Market St.
- Philadelphia, PA, 19104
- Back to top
- Tuition
- The tuition of $1,200 includes:
- Classes and lectures with Drexel faculty and networking with professionals in the music industry
- One lunch meal per day
- Supplies and materials
- Closing reception for students
- Tuition does not include student health care coverage. All students must provide proof of insurance in order to enroll in the summer program
- Our Degree Program: Drexel's four-year music industry major combines both the business and technology aspect of the music field with continued study in the art of music. Students complete a well-rounded program beginning with courses in music theory, ear training, music history, orchestration and arranging, piano, songwriting, and world music. They continue with professional coursework in music business, recording industry operations, marketing management, recording, sound production, acoustics, and computer applications for music, complemented by continued liberal arts studies. The program features two three-month co-op experiences that allow students to work in the field and the opportunity to work for Drexel's student-run record label, MAD Dragon Records; booking agency, Drako Concert Promotions; and publishing company, MAD Dragon Publishing.
More Information:www.drexel.edu/westphal/academics/undergraduate/musicindustry - Questions?: Contact the summer program coordinator at: 215-895-1834 or email: tjm22@drexel.edu