The General Business Gig: Artistry and Business Development

This course focuses on all aspects of artistic and business development, organization, and required skills for creating and operating a successful professional-level event and general business band (including performance skills). Class meets once weekly for two hours, with out-of-class rehearsals encouraged. The course covers a variety of topics, including how to form a general business band, marketing and production, demos, auditioning, showcases, repertoire development, staging, movement, and audience communication. It also covers effective organizational behavior and business development in the context of a professional performance setting. Classes include lecture and student performance in an ensemble setting. Students will practice performing on their instrument, simulating practices and techniques required in the professional general business band environment. Assignments are tailored to build on knowledge and skills integral to founding, directing, marketing, and operating effective performing groups.