Career Jam 2021
Production
Friday, April 2, 2021
Behind the Music with Adam Blackstone
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Adam Blackstone
Music Director, Justin Timberlake, Rihanna, Janet Jackson, Alicia Keys, Super Bowl LIV Halftime Show (Shakira and Jennifer Lopez)
Ever wonder what it takes to go from being the bass player to becoming an Emmy-nominated music director and Grammy-nominated writer? Adam Blackstone, the musical mastermind behind your favorite live shows, such as Justin Timberlake, Rihanna, Janet Jackson, Alicia Keys, Maroon 5, Eminem, and the Super Bowl Halftime Show, will take you behind the scenes.
Moderated by: Danielle "Queen D." Scott, Assistant Chair of Ensembles
Career Jam Keynote Presentation: With Keynote Speaker H.E.R.
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Join us for this year’s keynote presentation with MBK Entertainment Inc. president/managing partner Jeanine McLean; songwriter and producer Swagg R’Celious; musical director Alonzo Harris; and our special guest keynote speaker H.E.R. This event will be moderated by Sean Skeete, chair of the Ensembles Department.
Taking an artist from obscurity to fame is no small task. Hear from the team living the dream right now and learn how they created a family-style environment that fosters creativity.
Songwriting and Production Open Session: Unpacking the Process
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These Grammy-nominated songwriters, producers, and engineers behind Bazzi and Camila Cabello, Logic, Jason Derulo, and Hamilton will open their sessions to provide students with insight into the elements that make the magic happen.
Moderated by: Jonathan Perkins '00, Assistant Chair of Songwriting
Staying on the Cutting Edge of Social Media
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As the social media landscape continues to evolve, meet the experts who are navigating the platforms on behalf of artists and brands such as Miley Cyrus, L’oréal, Sephora, and Uber, and those who are behind the curtain, working at the leading tech companies innovating on behalf of artist promotion.
Moderated by: Walter Smith III, Chair of Woodwinds
Adventures in Music for Video Games
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Gina Zdanowicz
Berklee College of Music, Associate Professor, Film Scoring; Composer and Sound Designer
It only takes a few seconds of playing your favorite game on mute to realize how important sound and music are when it comes to creating a captivating experience. Hear from top video game audio professionals, sound designers, and composers who have worked on titles that include League of Legends, World of Warcraft, Heroes of the Storm, Diablo III: Reaper of Souls, Guild Wars 2, Jurassic World VR Expedition, and more.
Moderated by: Michele Darling, Assistant Chair of Electronic Production and Design
The Art of A&R
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Meet the executives responsible for talent scouting and overseeing the career development of artists, songwriters, and producers, including Childish Gambino, Marshmello, Pabllo Vittar, and many others. Learn how the A&R role is different if you’re at a record label or a music publisher.
Moderated by: Bonnie Hayes, Chair of Songwriting, and Prince Charles Alexander, Professor in the Music Production and Engineering Department.