Eberhardt School of Business News

(July 1, 2009) -

by Breanne Macbeth

Did you know that the University of the Pacific is one of just thirty schools in the United States and Canada that offers accredited, co-curricular programs in Music Management? Did you know that the University of the Pacific holds the distinction of being the only member of the NAMM Affiliated Music Business Institutions (NAMBI) in California? The group NAMM is no longer defined by its original acronym, and the organization stands for the interests of the global music products industry. Being affiliated with NAMM provides unique opportunities and tools for professional networking and career development, including participation in the NAMM Show every January where students have access to the exclusive industry tradeshow, career workshops, and entertainment events.

In January Professor Keith Hatschek, Chair, Department of Music Management and Breanne Macbeth, Assistant Director, Eberhardt Career Management Center, accompanied a group of nine students to Southern California to participate in the 2009 NAMM Show. The students arrived in Anaheim armed with résumés, business attire, and comfortable walking shoes. (The Anaheim Convention Center is almost 950,000 square feet and showcased 1500 exhibitors!) Ready to make the most of this special opportunity, the group quickly began working on their assignment which was to conduct informational interviews with exhibitors, complete market/competitive analyses and participate in workshops. Three full days of tradeshow exploration, interviews with vendors, career workshops, and after-hours concerts and vendor parties (networking opportunities) left the Pacific crew exhausted but blissfully satisfied with their intense music industry experience.

The students took full advantage of the abundant opportunities to network with established and successful music industry professionals. In fact, many came home with new collections of business cards and plans for follow-up, including job interviews! The professors were able to develop relationships with new potential employers for Pacific, which have resulted in follow-up corporate visits for students to further explore possible internship and career opportunities.

While millions and millions of dollars in business deals were made on the tradeshow floor, it was not all work and no play. Participants were able to enjoy musical performances and activities throughout the weekend, including secret live shows and artist appearances. This year students were privileged to meet music legend Quincy Jones and Duff McKagan (Guns N' Roses) and saw We The Kings and Papa Roach in concert, to name a few.

When asked to comment on the trip, Eberhardt senior Graham Howes said, "At NAMM you instantly realize that the music products industry is not just a business - it is a society. It is a society of people that truly love the work they do and honestly believe in a positive future for music. As a young adult graduating at a time when the world has become less than enthusiastic, it is a refreshing experience to see that there are people (with jobs) that not only enjoy their profession, but welcome its future with open arms. I love The NAMM Show!" 

 Strictly Business Spring 2009 Issue