Centennial College's new Music Industry Arts and Performance program hits the right notes

TORONTO, May 9, 2013 /CNW/ - Centennial College is launching a three-year diploma program in Music Industry Arts and Performance (MIAP), offering a unique opportunity for students who want to turn a passion for popular music, world music or indigenous music into an exciting and sustainable career.

Unlike other music programs rooted in classical or jazz training, Centennial's program is more accessible and prepares students for a wide variety of music-related careers. Graduates will be versatile, culturally aware musicians and singers with the technological and business savvy necessary to work in the music industry.

All candidates must have experience as instrumentalists or vocalists, and must audition to enter the program. Coursework will nurture musicality and creativity, raise awareness of a variety of music cultures, build knowledge of music technologies, and develop business and entrepreneurial skills.

Professional musicians will mentor students during private music lessons and ensemble rehearsals. In the third year, students will choose between the music creation and business stream, or the music creation and technology stream. A six-week placement in the final semester will provide real-world work experience.

"No other music program offers the same blend of performance, creative, contextual, business and technology courses," says faculty member Jesse Feyen. "There are very few resources out there geared to helping musicians take control of their own careers and find a sustainable role in the music industry."

Feyen, a 15-year veteran of the Canadian music scene, leads the MIAP program. He has performed internationally as a soloist and in a variety of popular music groups on drums, keyboards, guitar and vocals. He also holds a PhD in ethnomusicology and is a leading expert on Black Canadian sacred and gospel music.

The MIAP program is offered at Centennial's Centre for Creative Communications in East York, which provides opportunities for collaboration between students of the music, film, broadcasting, journalism, advertising and other programs.

Graduates will be prepared to work in music-related fields such as live/studio sound engineering, music management, concert/festival promotion, music marketing and social media, music publishing, arts organizations and more.

The MIAP program is accepting applications now for classes commencing this fall. Go to www.centennialcollege.ca.

SOURCE: Centennial College

Media contact: Mark Toljagic, Communications Officer, Centennial College, 416-289-5000, ext. 7142/[email protected]