Rock to beat the clock

On July 22, almost 50 Columbia College Chicago students came together for a six-day, 12-hour-a-day class, joining their multi-disciplinary skills to write songs, create and rehearse four bands, produce a record and develop a business plan for marketing and performing their work. The course, labeled the “Music Industry Immersion Class,” culminated with a showcase performance at Reggie’s Rock Club, on July 28 and an EP record. 

Along the way, management students in tabletop exercises were hit with roadblocks such as a pre-booked concert venue being sold and force layoffs of team members, all requiring careful negotiations with hypothetical investors and industry executives role-played by faculty. Meanwhile the talent and engineers continue to rehearse and record demos to further secure backing of new investors and gain the attention of “record labels.”

In this first-of-its-kind music immersion course, students are coached by Columbia College faculty, enabling this experience to be student driven and run. During these six days, students who were interested in music, arts and media management and audio/acoustic arts got a one-of-a-kind look at what it takes to make and market a record. The 12-hour days were filled with lessons in song development and arranging, recording, live performance artist management and music company operations.

The Music Industry Immersion Class included students, faculty and facilities from the Departments of Music, Audio Arts and Acoustics (AA&A) and the Arts Entertainment and Media Management (AEMM) departments.

Photo credit: BeckerMedia.com