The SHOF Master Session provided students with practical insights into navigating the music industry. By combining creativity with strategic planning, building relationships, and leveraging modern tools, aspiring artists can work towards achieving their goals. The event underscored the importance of dedication, adaptability, and continuous learning in the ever-evolving world of music.
The session included live performances by students, who showcased their original songs. The panelists provided constructive feedback, offering suggestions to help the students refine their work. Throughout the feedback sessions, the panelists emphasized the importance of clarity in songwriting, effective self-expression, and the technical aspects of music production. The students expressed appreciation for the opportunity to learn directly from industry professionals. The chance to receive personalized feedback on their work was particularly valuable!
About the Panelists
Maria Christensen, best known for co-writing Jennifer Lopez’s hit “Waiting for Tonight,” shared her experiences in songwriting and the importance of mentorship. She recounted how working with established writers early in her career helped her hone her skills. Maria emphasized that crafting a strong song is fundamental. “It’s all about the song,” she said. “If you have the song, you have what it takes.” She encouraged students to focus on developing their songwriting abilities and to seek guidance from mentors who can provide valuable insights.Alexx Antaeus, a GRAMMY Award-winning producer, discussed the necessity of combining creativity with strategic thinking. He highlighted the importance of self-promotion and adaptability in the modern music landscape. “Think of yourself as both an artist and the CEO of your company,” Alexx advised. He urged students to actively build their fan base using social media platforms, emphasizing that it’s crucial to start promoting oneself even before releasing music. Alexx also spoke about perseverance, reminding students that success may not come overnight but can be achieved through continuous effort and learning.
Will Weinbach shared his unique path from being a nationally ranked tennis player to becoming a music producer and edm dj with a significant social media following. He underscored the importance of following one’s passion. “If you love music, it won’t feel like work,” Will said. He highlighted the role of consistency in building an audience and encouraged students to collaborate with others to expand their network and learn new skills.
Amit Harris, who manages Will’s career and helped take LinkedIn from a small social media startup to an international powerhouse, provided insights into the business side of the music industry. He stressed the importance of building relationships and maintaining professionalism.
“Be nice to everybody—you don’t know who’s standing next to you,” Amit remarked. He advised students to understand the basics of contracts and rights to protect their interests and advance their careers.
Evan Keiser, co-founder of Vault Nightlife, spoke about leveraging modern tools and platforms to innovate within the industry. He encouraged students to embrace digital technology for creating and promoting music. “You have an amazing opportunity to use the tools around you and continue to innovate,” Evan stated. He emphasized finding a unique sound and building genuine connections with the audience.