In IAR’s Business of Music class, students cover a variety of industry topics including royalties, contracts, publishing, and touring. On one afternoon faculty member Gary Fritz detailed revenue streams and costs, production work, and domestic and international routing associated with live shows and touring artists. In addition to the lecture, Gary invited two guests who provided a ‘real-life’ education. The first was E. Kevin Jones, a professional production manager, engineer and tour manager for major international tours, who has worked with Deborah Cox, Diana Ross, and Jennifer Hudson, and has over three decades of experience. Kevin told students about a typical day when he runs a tour and highlighted areas such as overseeing employees and projects and the importance of building a network of staging, lightening, and other service companies domestically and internationally.

The second guest was soul performing artist, Maya Azucena. Maya has built a successful career in music through ‘do-it-yourself’ tactics and hard work. Her accomplishments include Best Live Performer of the Year (Agape Indie Soul Awards ‘07), the Number 3 spot on BILLBOARD’S Hot Club Dance chart, and many performances with celebrity artists. Maya gave students a realistic view of life as an artist and producer. She emphasized the importance of dedication and attitude in conjunction with musical talent and skill. Instructor Gary Fritz comments on the benefit to his students, “Real world input is the most valuable info that our students can get, especially when it comes from people who are out there doing the same things that our students want to do in this industry. Kevin and Maya are two of the most serious, hard working, and dedicated people that I know. They know what it means to make a career in the music business and if you don’t take care of your business, your business won’t take care of you.”