The last two years have been a time of unparalleled
growth for MEIEA. Under the leadership of past President
Dr. Rebecca Chappell and a dynamic board the organization
has made great strides. I am fortunate to have been given
the opportunity to work with an extraordinary group of colleagues
that are dedicated to advancing the cause of music industry
education and the mission of the association. I’m
very optimistic about the future of MEIEA.
Our growth directly parallels the increase of music industry
programs across the country. The dramatic changes in the
music business are creating unique opportunities for entrepreneurially-minded
musicians and in response numerous institutions are making
substantial commitments to new programs. "Entrepreneurship"
is the current buzz word at many music schools. This November
the MEIEA Board will hold its fall meeting in Salt Lake
City to coincide with the College Music Society’s
National Conference and the annual meeting of the National
Association of Schools of Music. We have been working with
NASM for four years, co-authoring a document on music industry
education. Both CMS and NASM will feature a number of sessions
on music industry education. MEIEA members are involved
in many of these. We hope to build important relationships
that week.
Speaking of conferences, it’s not too early to start
making plans to attend the 2008 MEIEA International Conference,
March 28-29, hosted by Five-Towns College in Long Island,
NY. With the close proximity to New York City and the energy
and enthusiasm of conference chair Barry Sosnick, it’s
certain to be an exceptional event. The conference website
is now up and running.
Congratulations to Dr. Clyde Rolston of Belmont University,
recipient of the 2007 MEIEA Senior Faculty Research Grant,
and to Prof. Storm Gloor of the University of Colorado-Denver,
recipient of the 2007 MEIEA Junior Faculty Research Grant.
These prestigious awards foster important research in the
music industry vital to the advancement of our profession.
We all benefit.
Finally, I want to extend a special welcome to our eleven
new member institutions representing 75 faculty and over
950 students! I look forward to visiting with many of you
at the Conference.
Rey Sanchez
MEIEA President
