The “Music Business, Management and Entertainment Industry Studies in Academia” panel will cover the history of music business education in academia. Although music business/music industry programs are most often found in departments and schools of music, there are successful music business and entertainment industry programs housed in business programs, departments and schools, as well communication programs, departments and schools. Recently, music business curricula have broadened to reflect changes in the music and entertainment industries by incorporating study of the business of film, video and computer-related disciplines.

The history and rationale of these programs - the earliest date from the 1960’s - will be discussed, as well as the advantages and disadvantages of each option. In addition, the panel will explore topics including how universities and colleges can add relevant information to courses and degrees, and relevant courses and degrees to their curricula. The panel will make recommendations as to what steps should be taken, what courses should be added and eliminated from music business and entertainment curricula, and how universities and colleges can add networking resources and value for students, faculty and staff. Finally, the panel will explore and discuss the importance of internships and the development of entrepreneurial skills for students and faculty in academia.

Five (5) Speakers:

Dr. E. Michael Harrington, Chair, Professor of Intellectual Property, Music and Entertainment Business, Copyright/IP Consultant and Expert Witness, author, New York, Nashville

Dr. Stephen Marcone, author, professional musician, Interim Dean, College of The Arts and Communication, and Coordinator of Music Management, William Paterson University, Wayne, New Jersey

Mark Volman, founding member of the Turtles, sold over 60 million recordings, recorded with Frank Zappa, John Lennon, Bruce Springsteen and others, Adjunct Professor of Entertainment & Music Business, Belmont University, Nashville

Dina LaPolt, LaPolt Law, P. C., musician, music, entertainment, copyright/IP attorney, attorney for Tupac Shakur estate, UCLA law professor, film producer. Los Angeles

Dr. Robert Marler, Professor of Piano, Belmont University, website design, concert pianist. Nashville