Getting into the music industry involves more than just auditioning for American Idol.
A new organization at The U of M is allowing students to learn about the business through more conventional ways.
The U of M has created its own chapter of Music & Entertainment Industry Students Association, MEISA. The national organization is designed to bring together the music and entertainment industry with educators and students interested in careers in the fields.
However, the chapter at The U of M offers even more for students interested in music. Students can learn about internships, build connections, or just learn how to make a demo, said Tonya Butler, faculty advisor to Memphis MEISA.
The chapter at The U of M started in October and has just created a record label, Bluetrip, which plans to put out an album. The label is looking for musicians and artists to work with in a variety of genres including rock, blues and rap.
One focus of Memphis MEISA is interacting with artists and others involved in the local music scene.
"We're first building relationships with music artists and other industry people in Memphis," Butler said.
One of the ways that MEISA builds relationships is by being involved in the community.
"One of our major things is volunteering," said Lucia Kaminsky, president of MEISA. "We try to get the Memphis music industry to come to us when they need volunteers."
One student who benefited from a connection from MEISA was Mandi Waldmann, a music industry major at The U of M. She worked with Little Richard and The Temptations Review, which she said has helped her get a start in the industry.
"Anytime when you can go to someone in the industry, no matter how small, it can help because they pass your name on," she said.
The $20 application fee allows a member to get the full benefits of the organization that include connections and internships, but becoming an official member isn't necessary to learn about the industry. The meetings, workshops and seminars are open to anyone.
"Anybody can come to the meetings at anytime," Butler said.Future plans for workshops and seminars include topics ranging from creating a resume to music contracts and other business aspects.
"If you have a musical group that doesn't know how to put a press packet together then you have the entire MEISA at your disposal to help you," Butler said.
The group can also help students who have not decided if they want to make a career out of the industry.
"For so many it can be a lack of motivation to actually get involved, but everyone wants to do something," Kaminsky said. "With us (MEISA) there are all the opportunities you have and it's up to you to take it."
One person who has taken advantage of the opportunities is U of M student Charlie Shaw. He is in a rock group, Silent Parade. He said that MEISA has helped his group out.
"We've learned a lot of the management part of the band instead of just business through MEISA," Shaw said.
With the help of MEISA his group has been able to put together demos, and perform at different venues.
"It's a really great opportunity for someone like me in a band to network and learn a whole lot of things," he said.
Anyone interested in joining MEISA can go to meisa.memphis.edu.
