The music industry is rarely top of mind in discussions of entrepreneurship and innovation, but musicians are indeed prime examples of entrepreneurs among us. Students studying music should be equipped with entrepreneurial skills to build a career in this dynamic and ever-changing field. This panel session will explore the concept of music as an entrepreneurial venture. Greg Harris from the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame will kick off the discussion, describing the role of entrepreneurship in the music industry and highlighting famous examples of entrepreneurial musicians (as well as setting the stage for an exciting awards ceremony housed at the Rock Hall during the 2022 Deshpande Symposium in Cleveland!) Faculty and staff from music and entrepreneurship programs at a variety of universities will speak to the ways music students engage with entrepreneurial offerings that complement their studies. You’ll also hear from the students themselves to understand firsthand how entrepreneurship has prepared them to launch musical careers.

The 75-minute live online panel discussion will include an opportunity for audience questions. The session is open with advanced registration and there is no charge for participation.

The annual Deshpande Symposium, Co-founded by the Deshpande Foundation and the University of Massachusetts Lowell in 2012, brings together like-minded practitioners focused on accelerating innovation and entrepreneurship across the college and university environment and representatives from business and industry. The 2021 Symposium will be held virtually on June 10-11.