Event Title
Career Preparedness for Music Performers: Insight from Leaders in Academia, Freelance Careers and Military Bands
Date of Publication
3-26-2021
Document Type
Panel
Abstract / Program Notes
Due to the pandemic and the ever-evolving world of music there is a need to rethink occupational readiness in higher education. This discussion panel will 1) discuss how shifts can be made in the curriculum of university music programs to reflect the workforce demands and 2) discuss the unique skill sets required of performers as they transition out of university and college. The panel consists of members who are leaders in their fields and invested in preparing and sustaining the next generation of performers. There will be two university school of music associate deans and a program coordinator for community college music studies that will speak on education and curriculum development. An Air Force band commander will provide insight into the recruitment of candidates for music careers in the military and an international jazz artist will discuss challenges facing freelance music careers. Our fifth member will be a music marketing program coordinator who will give insight into the synergism between musical and business acumen. Topics will include; an expanding and diverse job market, entrepreneurial and business skills, technological needs, blurring of boundaries between genres, and changes in audience engagement with the arts. This discussion by an interdisciplinary panel will surely be an engaging exchange for those interested in higher education’s role in preparing the next generation of music performers.
Biography
Edward Knoeckel has had his works featured in numerous national and international performances. He has written for a wide range of ensembles and styles to include choral, wind ensemble, chamber, big band, musical theater, and over a dozen independent and international films. His compositions and arrangements have been performed by the Hartford Symphony, New Haven Symphony, University of Connecticut Symphony, and the George Mason University Wind Ensemble. He has written for a wide range of ensembles and styles with performances by the Grammy winning ensemble Eighth Blackbird, baritone Richard Novak, and the Dimensions in Blue Air Force Big Band. As a pianist, he has performed across the country with the Puerto Rico Symphony, the Coast Guard Band, the President’s Own Marine Band, and recorded with Latin music artist Dan Salazar and the Ray González Latin Big Band Guakía. He has taught community college and university courses on theory, composition, jazz performance, film music theory and appreciation. In an administrative role, he was the team lead for Hartford Public School system’s rewriting and implementation of the core arts standards. His research on film music theory has been presented at national conferences for SMT, SCI and at the National Archives in DC. He is an active duty pianist and has toured the country with the US Air Force Band of the West. He is stationed at Lackland Air Force Base in San Antonio with his wife and three children and continues to teach film music theory and appreciation at George Mason University.
Keywords
Career preparedness, musicians, performers
Career Preparedness for Music Performers: Insight from Leaders in Academia, Freelance Careers and Military Bands
Due to the pandemic and the ever-evolving world of music there is a need to rethink occupational readiness in higher education. This discussion panel will 1) discuss how shifts can be made in the curriculum of university music programs to reflect the workforce demands and 2) discuss the unique skill sets required of performers as they transition out of university and college. The panel consists of members who are leaders in their fields and invested in preparing and sustaining the next generation of performers. There will be two university school of music associate deans and a program coordinator for community college music studies that will speak on education and curriculum development. An Air Force band commander will provide insight into the recruitment of candidates for music careers in the military and an international jazz artist will discuss challenges facing freelance music careers. Our fifth member will be a music marketing program coordinator who will give insight into the synergism between musical and business acumen. Topics will include; an expanding and diverse job market, entrepreneurial and business skills, technological needs, blurring of boundaries between genres, and changes in audience engagement with the arts. This discussion by an interdisciplinary panel will surely be an engaging exchange for those interested in higher education’s role in preparing the next generation of music performers.