By Aashna and Nishtha
Dreaming of turning your passion for music into a thriving career?
The world of music thrums with an undeniable energy, but for aspiring professionals, navigating the complexities of the industry can feel like deciphering a challenging score. This year’s GMI Online Career Summit 2024 was a virtual powerhouse that aimed at tackling this very issue.
The summit wasn’t just about talks, it was all about getting hands-on.
Global Music Institute brought together an impressive lineup of industry giants, from established music business leaders to innovative up-and-comers. Think music biz royalty like Ritnika Nayan (Distro Direct), Srishti Das (The Orchard), Akhila Shankar (TuneCore), Rohan Jain (Madverse), and Manojna Yeluri (Artistik License). Plus, our very own Jay Anand (Lead — Institutional Growth & Partnerships at GMI) joined the party!
Workshops like ‘Building Your Promo Kit’ with Dipashree Khanna (Believe) and Sukanya Agrawal (AWAL) as well as ‘Navigating Your Music Careers’ gave attendees the inside scoop, practical tools, and the knowledge they needed to kickstart their musical journeys!
Brimming with networking opportunities, this summit empowered aspiring musicians and GMI students like Aashna and Nishtha to explore their path within the music industry. Let’s take a look at how this dynamic event left a lasting impression on the two!
(Intro by Oshin)
Double Take on the GMI Online Career Summit
Nishtha’s Take
Last week, I had the pleasure of diving headfirst into the vibrant world of the music industry at the Global Music Institute’s (GMI) Online Career Summit. Let me tell you, it was an experience unlike any other, and I couldn’t wait to share the highlights with you all.
Picture this: a virtual gathering filled to the brim with music business companies, from industry giants like AWAL and The Orchard to up-and-comers like Hivewire and Neon Culture. It was like being a kid in a candy store, except the candies were opportunities and the flavors were endless.
The day kicked off with a bang as we were shuffled into different virtual meeting rooms, all expertly managed by the one and only Himanshi. Armed with my trusty mug of coffee, I dove into 15-minute coffee chats with reps from each company. It was fast-paced, exhilarating, and by the end, I felt like I had just completed a musical speed-dating marathon.
But the fun didn’t stop there. Jay, our resident guru of all things career-related, led a session in the morning focused on sprucing up our resumes and tackling those pesky interview questions. His advice was gold, and I couldn’t help but feel more confident as I fine-tuned my pitch for the day ahead.
As if that wasn’t enough, we were later treated to a fascinating session by Dipashree and Chandani, two absolute legends in the music biz. From dissecting copyright laws to unraveling the mysteries of music distribution, they had us hanging on to their every word.
One thing that really stuck with me was the importance of nailing our elevator pitches. In an industry as fast-paced as music, being able to succinctly sell yourself is key. With Jay’s guidance, we practiced and polished until our pitches hit all the right notes.
By the end of the day, I was buzzing with excitement and filled with a newfound sense of pride for GMI. The summit wasn’t just about networking or job hunting; it was a celebration of music and the incredible opportunities it offers.
As I said my goodbyes and logged off for the day, I couldn’t help but feel grateful for the journey that had led me here. From strumming chords in my bedroom to rubbing virtual elbows with industry bigwigs, it has been one heck of a ride.
So here’s to GMI, Jay, Himanshi, Dipashree, Chandani, and everyone else who made the summit a day to remember. The music industry might be fast-paced and ever-changing, but with mentors like them and opportunities like these, I know I’m in good hands. Here’s to reaching new heights and grooving to the beat of our own success. Cheers!
Aashna’s Take
I had the opportunity to attend GMI’s Online Career Summit 2024, and I must say that it was a cutting-edge experience that helped shape my professional trajectory in the music industry. This summit was more than just another virtual event; it was a vital stepping stone that equipped me with the courage and understanding to transition from a foundation in psychology and liberal arts to the exciting world of music. I found myself immersed in a session that struck a profound chord within me.
As I delved into discussions on the intersection of cross-disciplinary skills and the art of realism in the music industry, a familiar sense of purpose rekindled within. You see, my journey into music has been a tale of resilience — a path once diverted by societal pressures and differing opinions. Yet, here I am, embracing my true calling, propelled by the belief that adaptability, continuous learning, and a strong community are the pillars to artistic growth. Let me share how this summit reignited my passion and guided my path forward.
One of the key takeaways from the summit was the importance of preparation and self-awareness in pursuing a career in the music industry. The workshops, especially the one on building portfolios and resumes, emphasized the need to clearly define what we are looking for and what unique value we can offer. We learned that a portfolio is more than just a collection of works, a showcase of creativity, a visual representation of our brand. Unlike a resume, which is a straightforward account of our experiences, a portfolio allows us to present ourselves dynamically, using visuals and content that resonate with potential collaborators and employers.
The sessions underscored that different tools serve different purposes in this industry. For instance, press kits are tailored for journalists and fans, while portfolios are ideal for producers and creators looking to hire. Websites and social media platforms help us reach broader audiences and explain our artistic journey to fans. This nuanced understanding of presentation is fundamental in a field where branding and image play pivotal roles. The panel discussions were equally enlightening, featuring representatives from esteemed music business companies like Believe, AWAL, and TuneCore.
These professionals shared invaluable insights and answered fundamental questions about career progression and industry dynamics. I was particularly struck by their candid advice on when to pivot in one’s music career — a decision that requires courage and strategic thinking.
A standout moment for me was the coffee chat session with Neon Culture. Engaging with Prarthana and Vishruti was incredibly humbling; they embody the values and mission that resonate deeply with my aspirations. I’m thrilled to join them as a summer intern and contribute to their vision of nurturing artists into export-ready musicians. What made this summit exceptional was the genuine sense of community and support. The moderators skilfully navigated conversations, fostering connections and creating a platform for meaningful exchanges. Networking felt less like a task and more like forging genuine bonds with industry professionals who are eager to share their knowledge and experiences.
Through these interactions, I realized that success in the music industry requires more than just talent — it demands resilience, adaptability, and a strong sense of community. I learned the importance of setting clear goals, seeking mentorship, and celebrating small achievements along the way. The industry thrives on collaboration, and a collective effort towards growth is paramount.
The Global Music Institute Online Career Summit 2024 was not just a series of workshops and discussions; it was a catalyst for personal and professional growth. I’m grateful to Jay and the entire team for organizing such an enriching event that has equipped me with the tools and the mindset needed to navigate this dynamic industry.
As I embark on this exciting journey, I carry with me the lessons learned and look forward to applying them in real-world scenarios. Here’s to continuous growth, meaningful connections, and a future filled with music!
GMI is creating a fast paced, diverse, and multi-faceted approach toward music education in India with their innovative programs & events that create a backlink of networking opportunities. For aspiring musicians, keep an eye out for future GMI stuff; their next event could just be what you need to kickstart your journey in the music industry!