Parent Handbook 2010–2011 - Berklee College of Music

people a week. This can mean anything from talking to a booking agent on the
phone to visiting a recording studio for a tour to writing a promotional letter to a
music publisher.
The music industry is huge, and there is no lack of contact opportunities. Two
contacts a week is a manageable goal for most students and will result in over
100 solid contacts a year. If two or three band members each do this, their
contacts will multiply dramatically.
Ways and Places to Network
Just being here at Berklee offers priceless opportunities for networking with
faculty, staff, and the many visiting artists passing through its halls. Students
should tap this resource every week of every year they are here. Here are some
other simple ways they can begin networking and increasing their music
industry contacts:
• The Berklee Career Network (BCN), a service of both the Alumni Office
and the Career Development Center, is an ever-growing directory of alumni
who are engaged in music (or music-related) careers of relevance to Berklee’s
major fields of study. Participating alumni volunteer to speak with students and
other alumni about the work they do, their geographic locale, their own career
development, and specific job search strategies. The BCN is housed in the
Career Development Center. It’s one of the most valued resources we have, so
come check it out when you are here for Family Weekend.
• Students should become involved in a scene. Whether it is a musical style
(jazz, alternative, folk, etc.) or a political movement (Rock the Vote, National
Association Against Censorship, etc.), by immersing themselves in a particular
musical community, they will meet and become known to others.
• Students should read and keep up with current music events, people, and
issues. If they read the music section of the local papers, they will pick up what
clubs, labels, and bands are hot in their area of interest. Their favorite record
store should have a selection of magazines and papers.
• Students should go to clubs and musical events. A show is a magnet for
different people working in a style/community. Other people at the show may
have interests and goals similar to your student.
• Clubs and associations are great sources of contacts. You would be
surprised at the variety of existing organized groups at Berklee. Organizations
ranging from the Academy of Country Music to the World Studio Group await
student participation. Local songwriting workshops can be valuable networking
forums as well.
• The events calendar on Berklee’s website at berklee.edu/events has an
updated listing of all campus concerts and visiting artist clinics. This is a great
resource for students as well as parents who may want to visit.
For the most up-to-date information, visit berklee.edu.