1) How did the MPAP faculty contribute to your growth as a music business professional?

The faculty at NYU's Music Business program played a significant role in my development as a music business professional. One professor who really stood out to me was Susan Dodes, who taught the music publishing course. Before I took her class, my knowledge of publishing was quite limited. My experience, along with that of the artists I was working with, mostly involved just registering works with the appropriate entities to collect royalties. I didn’t fully understand why the monies were distributed in the way they were. However, Professor Dodes' lectures, along with her assignments and projects, significantly boosted my confidence. They helped me navigate the complexities of publishing, which is crucial when advising both artists and brands.

2) Share three key skills you learned in your program that help you today?

I believe the biggest skill I acquired from the program was a more solid foundational knowledge of the music industry. For instance, gaining a deeper understanding of how copyright functions was critical, particularly in my role at MikeWorldWide, where I advised numerous clients on negotiating their sync and original music needs. Another significant skill I developed was honing my writing. The numerous research papers we worked on in the program really helped me sharpen this skill, enabling me to publish my first op-eds in Variety, Adweek, and Boardroom, among others. The third key skill I refined during the program was my leadership ability. It was these leadership skills I acquired at NYU that later helped me lead the CAD Management team to become one of SoundCloud's first strategic partners in developing emerging talent. 

3) Were/Are there any specific projects or performances you participated in that you are particularly proud of?

The project that stands out for me, and one I'm particularly proud of, was part of Professor Russ Crupnick's Strategic Marketing in the Music Industry course. Our task involved developing a marketing and sales forecast for Bowers + Wilkins. This assignment was pivotal in honing my analytical skills and in enhancing my grasp of the synergistic relationship between marketing and sales. These improved skills have proven invaluable, especially in the area of forging meaningful and strategic brand partnerships.

4) What have you been working on since graduating?

Since graduating, I've continued my work at CAD Management, the firm I founded, consulting for artists, brands, and content creators. My focus ranges from music release strategies to comprehensive music marketing strategies for brands. Additionally, I hold a position at MikeWorldWide as the Director of Emerging Media and Platform Strategy. In this role, I guide brands in developing social strategies that leverage emerging technologies to effectively engage their key consumers and stakeholders. Excitingly, I've also returned to NYU as an adjunct professor. After a stint at the Clive Davis School of Recorded Music, I'm now teaching in the undergraduate music business program at NYU Steinhardt. Apart from teaching, I devote a lot of time to writing. My latest project is a newsletter called 'Stat Of The Week', co-authored with my colleague Jesse Kirshbaum. In partnership with Chartmetric, we aim to provide readers with quantitative insights into how current music and brand marketing campaigns are creating mutual value.

5- Where do you see yourself in five years?

Looking ahead to the next five years, I envision myself further pioneering the interaction between music and brands. Currently working at this intersection, I recognize the vast potential for even more effective collaborations between these two realms. My goal is to be at the forefront of orchestrating larger, impactful brand deals that resonate with consumers, benefit the brand, and provide value to the artist. I aim to establish iconic, long-term partnerships that set a benchmark in the industry, serving as a source of inspiration for future marketers in their campaign strategies.

6- What advice would you give to incoming students?

My key piece of advice for incoming students at NYU is to actively network with your classmates and don't hesitate to collaborate on your own projects! I've often observed students waiting for that big label internship or corporate opportunity, overlooking the incredible opportunities right in front of them. If your goal is to manage an artist, seek out a budding artist and form a team with your peers. If you're interested in the live music scene, take the initiative to organize your own show. For those drawn to music publishing, assist emerging artists in properly registering their works. The music industry is filled with opportunities to gain valuable experience and make your mark. Stay alert, be proactive, and don't be afraid to create your own path