Milestone: Got my Master's Degree!

Posted by Andre Harness

08/04/2025

Hi readers,

I’m proud to share something big with you today: I just graduated with my Master’s in Business Administration!

Now, you might be thinking, “Wait Andre, isn’t this whole website about you as a jazz musician? Why a business degree?” And honestly, that’s a fair question. My life and work have revolved around music for so long. But this MBA represents something much deeper than just a diploma. It’s a symbol of growth, redirection, and embracing the full picture of who I’ve become. But before I get into why I pursued this degree, I want to take a step back.

The Shift: From Music Ed to Music Performance to... Something Else 

When I graduated with my undergrad in Music Performance, I had originally been a Music Education major. But somewhere along the way, I realized teaching in a public school classroom wasn’t where I saw myself long-term. Don’t get me wrong: I think public school music teachers are some of the most incredible, underappreciated heroes out there. There’s so much value in helping young people discover music. But it just wasn’t my path. I knew I wanted to stay in music, but I wanted to do it my way. A different way.
At the time, the plan was to earn a doctorate in music and become a college professor. But things took a turn when I started my Master's in Music Performance at the University of Houston. I hit a wall financially, personally, and emotionally. I was far from my now-wife, Taryn, and not playing the kind of jazz that truly lit me up.
So, I made the tough call: I quit the program, moved to Austin, and got a job in tech.

Walking Away from Music (Sort Of) 

Leaving the traditional music track was scary. I worried I’d lose the respect of people I deeply admired. There’s this unspoken judgment that can come with “walking away” from your field, even if you’re still deeply connected to it. And while a lot of that fear was probably just me projecting, it still felt very real. I wasn’t out of music entirely. I was still teaching private lessons, performing with semi-pro groups, and doing my own studying. But the fact that I didn’t become a band director or pursue a DMA made me feel like I wasn’t relevant anymore. Like I was on the outside looking in. I even gained a bit of a reputation among former classmates. Some of them, unhappy in their own careers, asked me about making the switch to tech. I became “that guy who poached music teachers”, which couldn’t be further from the truth. I’ve only ever lifted others up and helped them find their way when they came to me.
Still, I kept my head down, stayed focused, and worked hard. And now, here I am—proud of where I’ve been, and even prouder of where I’m going.

Why I Got a Master’s in Business (and What It Means for Me) 

So now, let’s get back to that original question: Why an MBA? Here are the three biggest ways this degree is going to serve me.

1. Strengthening My Non-Profit Leadership

I’m the Executive Director and founder of a nonprofit in Southeast Texas focused on jazz performance and advocacy (The Golden Triangle Big Band). Running an arts organization takes way more than passion; it takes skills in leadership, budgeting, operations, marketing, and strategic planning. This MBA gave me the tools to think like a business leader while still holding onto my identity as an artist. I now feel far more equipped to grow this organization into a staple of the region’s cultural identity: something sustainable, respected, and impactful.

2. Advancing My Career in Tech

For the past six years, I’ve been steadily climbing the ladder in the tech world. I started in a very entry-level role, and through focus and persistence, I’ve achieved professional milestones and financial success I never expected. This MBA opens doors. It gives me the credibility and confidence to aim even higher. My goal within the next five years is to step into a senior leadership role, maybe Senior Director, VP, or beyond. And now, I have the toolkit to back that ambition up.

3. Redefining What It Means to Be “Qualified” in Music Education

A recent conversation with a mentor made something click: there’s a growing space in higher education for people with expertise in both music and business. While there isn’t a clearly defined music business terminal degree (yet), an undergrad in Music Performance plus an MBA actually puts me in a really interesting position.

I now have the academic credentials to teach music business, and potentially even start a curriculum, at the university level. That possibility never occurred to me before. I don’t have a burning desire to jump into academia right now, but the opportunity is there. I know that down the road, I’d love to pursue a Master’s in Jazz Studies so I can teach jazz composition, theory, and ensemble work as an adjunct in the future. Because if opportunity is the seed, intention is the water and I’ve got both in spades.

But today, I want to thank...

My friends and family for their support. Everyone in my life has been supportive and caring, and your kind words mean so much to me.
More than anyone, my greatest gratitude goes to my wife, Taryn, who supports me and believes in me every step of the way.

Cheers to the next endeavor, whatever it will be!
— Andre