Nov 13–Dec 15

The Business Challenge is a 4-week program for musicians who want to learn and explore the business and career skills you need as the CEO of your life! Jump into grant writing, marketing, starting a business, audience development and more. 

During the challenge happening Nov 13-Dec 15 you will:

►  delve into key areas including developing an entrepreneurial mindset like branding, marketing, copywriting and more  (Week #1) 

► hone your networking strategies and audience building (Week #2)

►  navigate the money side of things like business entities, budgeting techniques, fundraising and grants (Week #3) 

► learn what steps to take if you want to start a business, studio, platform or chamber series  (Week #4) 

► reflect on your experience and make a plan for moving forward (Week #5) 

The Business Challenge will give you a structured and joyful exploration of the business essentials that will empower your journey in the music industry!

LIVE EVENTS 

▷ Introduction: Run YOU Like a Business - Building a Better Career

Nov 13, 7pm ET 

Aubrey Bergauer, hailed as “the Steve Jobs of classical music” (Observer) speaks with Thrive host Ted Nelson about the reality of being a modern musician and why business skills are essential. 

▷ Congrats, You're a Brand with Ixi Chen

Nov 14, 7pm ET

As an artist, you communicate with unique, special voice, and as such - you're automatically a brand. Thrive host Ixi Chen unpacks what this means, and good news, it doesn't have to be scary! 
 

▷The Art of Copywriting with Tiffany Valvo

Nov 29, 7pm ET

Communication is KEY. And we learn in school to write stilted stuff that doesn't CONNECT to our audience! Get rid of unnecessary words and learn how to truly connect with your readers! Your Thrive host Tiffany Valvo gives you the top tips on how to write more effectively.  

▷ Developing an Audience with Ben Mitchell

Dec 7, 12pm ET

This workshop with Kaleidoscope founder and president Ben Mitchell will leave you with the basics of building a base of true fans, who have connected with and believe in your mission and product! 
  

▷Starting a Chamber Group with Nick Photinos 

Dec 11, 7pm ET

The founding cellist of Eighth Blackbird and current chamber music professor at CCM talks to you about the key elements of starting a successful chamber ensemble!  

▷ Musical Storefronts: A Case Study in Partnerships, Programming & Fundraising with Kate Sheeran

Dec 13, 7pm ET

How do we form partnerships, program and fundraise for success? Kate Sheeran, the Executive Director of the Kaufmann Center in NYC and former dean of the San Francisco Conservatory helps you understand how all the pieces of an organization fit together and how to make your projects more viable. 

▷ Q&A
Mon, Dec 17, 7pm ET

HOW DOES IT WORK?

► First, you get access to our online platform where you get videos and PDF downloads 

► A new lesson is delivered every Monday, Wednesday, Friday during the challenge 

 ► You get links to all of the live events, which are recorded to watch later if you can’t make it live

► If you get behind, no need to worry. You can access replays and all the materials until the end of December

If you're ready to end your year strong and gain. more knowledge to help you not only as your own musicpreneur, but as a citizen of our field, then let's do this!