Name: Matt Ziegler
Majors: Music Business and Marketing
Minor: Communication and Media
Hometown: Niskayuna, NY
Graduation Year: 2020
Fun Facts:
- I have been playing piano since 1st grade.
- I’m a die-hard New York Jets fan (sorry, I know I’m a little out of place here).
- My favorite bands are U2 and Muse.
Can you tell us a little about the music business program?
The music business program is designed to guide students through all aspects of multiple career paths in the music industry, including management, concert promotion, performing, and more. As a music business major, you are part of both the School of Business and Leadership and the School of Music. You take a lot of business classes like accounting and marketing, but you’re also involved in an intensive music program similar to what music education or therapy majors go through. This allows you to hone your music skills while learning about the music industry.
What’s the coolest class you’ve taken in your major(s)?
My favorite class so far has been Intro to Recording, taught by Roy Stein and Dave Drago. In this class we learned about the basics of studio recording, and collaborated on music recording projects to make songs. We spent a lot of time in the recording studio making music together, and learning how to mix and master that music was a lot of fun.
What kind of activities/jobs/internships do students in the program participate in?
Many students in this major are involved in bands on campus. A couple bands currently active on campus are Walrus Junction, Circuit Juicebox, Nobody’s Marigold, and Baker Street, just to name a few. These bands tend to play out often around Rochester and sometimes even on campus. Another avenue to get involved is to work with Naz Recordz, which is the record label on campus. It’s great practical studio experience! Also, the music business program requires you to complete an internship, and has sent students around Rochester to local music venues like the Rochester Philharmonic Orchestra, as well as to larger cities like New York City.
What’s your favorite thing about being a music business student at Naz?
My favorite part about being a music business student at Naz is the community that I am involved with because of my major. Like many of the other majors at Naz, we all know each other and stick together, and having a group of people around you like that can be very beneficial when college gets tough. Having people to turn to is always a good thing.
Any advice for incoming freshman in your department?
My biggest piece of advice would be to be patient. As with any major, things can get overwhelming at first, but making yourself a daily schedule can be a great way to stay organized, be productive, and get everything done. Also, you will have a lot of opportunities thrown your way, both on and off campus. Take on whatever opportunities you can because you never know where they will lead you. If you find yourself overbooked, get rid of something, but until then maximize your experience however you can.