CMI 2020 Annual Report

Singer, songwriter Andy
Grammer talks perseverance
Photo by Tyler Polk
Events
During singer and songwriter Andy
Grammer’s recent visit to the Center for
Media Innovation, he told Point Park University
students, “Your purpose on earth is
extremely unique and only yours. The idea
that you can’t do it is just BS.”
After learning about his upcoming performance
at the Roxian Theatre in McKees
Rocks, Pa., Point Park University’s Public
Relations Director Lou Corsaro invited
Grammer to campus to offer career advice
to students pursuing performance and entertainment
management related careers.
Derek Makin, senior sports, arts and entertainment
management major and director
of booking and talent for the University’s
student run record label, Pioneer Records,
introduced Grammer.
“Do whatever it takes to make sure you are
always inspired. Getting inspiration is like
filling up your gas tank,” Grammer said.
He added: “Your biggest strength is building
your own fire and then waiting for
others to come feel its warmth.” Grammer
also discussed his recent Pollstar article,
“Guest Post: Andy Grammer’s Open Letter
To The Males Of The Touring World” and
how he grew his music career from the
ground up, performing in the streets of
Santa Monica, Calif., for six years before
landing his first major record deal.
After answering many questions from
students, Grammer left the students with
these two pieces of advice:
1. Always be of massive service to others.
2. Be relentless and go after what you want
like crazy.
Student Reactions to Grammer’s Advice:
“I found Andy’s humbleness the most inspiring.
He literally went from being a street
performer to selling out shows and has not
let the fame go to his head. He gave real,
honest, solid advice and was very helpful in
giving insight into the industry. He was very
interested in Point Park and really intrigued
and impressed by how involved the students
are in their fields.”
— Jenna Tarson, freshman SAEM major from
Baldwin High School in Pittsburgh, Pa.
“I was really inspired by how Andy wants us
all to succeed and thrive. I really needed the
push that he gave when he told us that we’ll
never get anywhere unless we start working
now, and that now is the time to try new
things and to fail and get back up again. I
loved the power and drive that he gave us
and the passion behind his voice.”
— Kylie Thomas, freshman journalism major
from Struthers High School in Youngstown,
Ohio
“The key message and advice that I took
from Andy was to keep pushing forward in
life no matter what.”
— Mya Lane, sophmore theatre arts major
from Nazareth Prep High School in Emsworth,
Pa.
“ I was really inspired by how
Andy wants us all to succeed
and thrive. I really needed
the push that he gave when
he told us that we’ll never
get anywhere unless we start
working now, and that now
is the time to try new things
and to fail and get back up
again. I loved the power and
drive that he gave us and the
passion behind his voice.”
Photo by Tyler Polk
- Kylie Thomas
This article first appeared on Point Park
50 51
University’s website.