As I’ve been working on a pedagogical approach for emerging arts entrepreneurs, I’ve immersed myself in literature and resources on creative thinking and creative problem solving. What keeps striking me is the stark difference between creativity as applied in the development of complex ideas and the creative process in the making of art. The former lends itself, at least to a great degree, to techniques, processes and formulae, while the making of art does not. One is rational, the other un-rational. When emerging arts entrepreneurs are … [Read more...]

As I interact more with arts entrepreneurship professionals, especially those in music (my home field), I am appalled at how often and consistently these professionals are asked to defend their discipline. What could be more important today than equipping our students with skills that will enable them to create a new musical landscape, one that is infused with youthful energy and vitality? Perhaps the most intractable and, in my opinion, ridiculous argument against the inclusion of entrepreneurship education in the college curriculum comes … [Read more...]

As the "economic rationale" for supporting and funding the arts has fallen into disuse, another has risen, and one of much more substance, that of "building social capital." The "economic rationale" was bound to have a short life, as it never factored in opportunity costs, e.g. what if a sports arena had been built downtown instead of a performing arts center, wouldn't the restaurants, hotel and parking income and taxes have been as great, if not greater? The arts sector voices repeatedly proclaimed that the arts stimulate tourism and … [Read more...]

In a recent class I was teaching on music entrepreneurship, during an idea/feedback section of the class, I became mystified at many students' inability to express in words the importance of music. Their ideas were wonderful: full of social impact, caring and dedication, but their ability to communicate effectively about the "why" of them was severely limited. I concede that this is no easy task. Those to whom we speak come from varied backgrounds, and while one set of well-constructed remarks may touch one segment of the group, it may also … [Read more...]

Dear Taylor, Last Monday, at the end of the class on entrepreneurship you asked a difficult question, how do I develop ideas? I have thought long and hard about this and have come up with suggestions for you - and others. And after I developed these suggestions, I realized that they can work whether you are seeking to develop a new idea (venture) or a new path for your career. Of course these could be the same thing!   So here goes: 1. Zero in on your passion. Spend some time on this. What do you truly love about what you are … [Read more...]

Two recent experiences have triggered my thinking in regard to one of the central questions facing higher education music institutions today: how to revise the curriculum, so that students are prepared to survive and thrive in the new and future world of music.   Both experiences were encouraging as these individuals, both in leadership positions, understand and accept the fact that things have changed -- dramatically, and understand that these changes have not occurred overnight, but have been in the making for decades.  These … [Read more...]

In my most recent post I commented on the difference (s) between leadership and entrepreneurship.  While I didn't state it explicitly, I implied that leadership sits on a platform of altruism, while entrepreneurship may, or may not.  Social entrepreneurism appears altruistic, but what can be called commercial altruism may not. I've become increasingly concerned, as programs in arts leadership have burgeoned, that the activities undertaken and the curriculum taught is not consistently focused on altruistic outcomes.  … [Read more...]

I'm often asked the question, so what's the difference between leadership and entrepreneurship?   On face value, a pretty simple question to answer, but when put in the arts world and higher education contexts, pretty complex. Leadership implies taking action that positively enhances the arts, which entrepreneurship involves the creation of an enterprise or venture.  That's the simple answer (from my viewpoint).  Where it gets more interesting is when it is spun into various contexts. Within the past several years, as the … [Read more...]

I recently gave a talk at the National Orchestral Institute at the University of Maryland in College Park.  My topic focused on those skills that orchestral musicians will need (now need!) in order to succeed and thrive in the future.  I am sure this list of skills would not be a surprise to readers.  What impressed me is just how intelligent and dedicated these young people were.  And building on my experience in teaching arts entrepreneurship at Drexel, where I found much the same intelligence and motivation, I am now … [Read more...]