The Center For Music and Arts Entrepuenership

Tom Derr, co-founder of Rock Ridge Music, gives advice to students at Loyola University about entering the music business today. He advises them to never burn a bridge and always be on good terms with people within the industry. Tom also discusses some skills you have to have in order to be successful as well as other advice and insights into many areas of the industry.

Tom Derr, co-founder of Rock Ridge Music, talks with students at Loyola University about the music business today and where he thinks it is headed. He discusses the job market of the music industry and how important it is to become involved at any level possible. Tom also discusses how his company negotiates contracts and how their method differs from the way contracts were negotiated in the past. He then gives his thoughts on retail and the impact that digital downloading has had.

Tom Derr, co-founder of Rock Ridge Music, talks with students at Loyola University about his career in the music industry and about the direction it is going.

Dino Parades, VP of A&R for American Recordings, talks about his career and what it takes to work in A&R with a group of students at Loyola University, New Orleans.

Robert Reynolds discusses how the artist achieves success. He defines success in the music business as making enough money to make a living and working with artists you enjoy. He stresses that a good education and business knowledge are a part of the formula. He also comments that the positions most needed in the industry are those that expose people to a wider variety of music, such as radio.

Robert Reynolds discusses the things to look for in a manager. When you start out the most important assets are the contacts and connections your manager builds. As you become bigger your manager needs to be organized, on top of things and run the band's business. When selecting a manager make sure they have the experience and time in their schedule to handle your band. Mr. Reynolds also discusses how to make it. He states that young, attractive bands have a better chance at success as well as the ability to write songs that appeal to people and possibly the ability to emulate bands that are already popular.

Robert Reynolds is an attorney concentrating in entertainment and copyright law with the Las Vegas firm of Callister & Reynolds. Among the clients he represents are The Killers, Louie XIV and Ryan Shupe and the Rubber Band.Print