Looking for courses that could help shape your career? Several Institute for Music Leadership courses still have seats available for the Spring 2025 semester, including some online courses if you are looking for flexible opportunities!
The following FREE Arts Leadership Courses,available to Sophomores and up, still have openings:
Copyright & Licensing for Musicians
Online, 1 credit
Join Eastman alum Steven Danyew for this comprehensive course aimed for composers and performers to learn about current copyright laws. Topics such as music licensing, royalties and distribution, publication, and digital music streaming are covered in this course, as well!
Studio Teaching: An Essential Career Component
In-Person, 1 credit
For those interested in teaching lessons and/or running your own instructional studio, this course is a starter kit to prepare for taking on students of your own. Chisato Edo will cover vital skills and resources to build good client-instructor relationships, how to manage a studio as a business, teacher and learning strategies, and best practices for measuring improvement and success.
Consent and Performance: Forward Music Making
In-Person, 1 credit
While this course can greatly benefit voice majors when preparing for theatrical performances, all musicians can benefit from this course centered around creating healthy relationships (and boundaries) as a performer. Group exercises to practice these skills are paired with resources such as self-assessment tools, tips for your emotional well-being, and opportunities for self-reflection are led by the Opera department’s Lindsay Baker.
Using Technology in Music Performance
Online, 2 credits
Join IML’s Director and Associate Director for this unique course aimed toward musicians interested in learning more about music technology and ever-evolving DAW (digital audio workspace) software. With the rise in AI (artificial intelligence), it’s vital more than ever for musicians to understand what this technology does, and how to use it in affective and ethical ways. Join a small group for a collaborative final project using the resources given during this course, and find new ways to express yourself using these music tools.
In addition, there are Master of Arts in Music Leadereship core classes that graduate students can take as elective:
Development and Fundraising in Music
Online, 3 credits
Eastman alum Yuki Numata-Resnick shares her expertise and experiences in development and fundraising. With a focus on non-profits, take a dive into what it takes to connect with new and existing donors, and incorporating sustainable strategies into an organization’s structure and operation.
Marketing for Musical Enterprises
Online, 3 credits
How do you find your target audience? Which platforms and strategies work best to reach them? With a focus on newer, digital tools such as social media, learn about which methods work best for musical and arts organizations of all sizes and kinds!
Generating Entrepreneurial Ideas in Music
Online, 3 credits
It’s easy to have great ideas, but making them a reality can involve a lot of challenges that can make jump-starting “the next best thing” difficult to accomplish. With Eastman alum Melissa Ngan, students will be challenged to take their unique pitches and go through the steps of what it takes to make them a reality.
