ASU’s Popular Music 2024 Industry Career Conference

"Learn from today - Build tomorrow's Music Industry"

The Popular Music Program at Arizona State University will be bringing together both local and domestic music industry professionals to our state of the art facilities in Downtown Phoenix to engage our student body and the cultural community we are embedded in. This event is focused both on engaging with the industry as it exists today and how we as future leaders can form and shape the industry of tomorrow.

ASU Popular Music Program

The Popular Music Program at ASU is a contemporary, industry focused degree program that prepares students for today's music industry by creating multi-disciplinary creative professionals that are entrepreneurial, collaborative and lifelong learners. Rooted in the vision and charter of ASU and the New American University, we measure ourselves not by whom we exclude, but by whom we include and how they succeed.

Location

ASU’s newest downtown building, Fusion on First, is a state of the art facility which brings Music, Fashion and Entrepreneurship and Innovation together under one roof, nestled in the cultural hub of the burgeoning arts scene in Downtown Phoenix.

The Popular Music program and conference are strategically positioned in the heart of the action, right off of Roosevelt Row and among Phoenix’s premier venues, restaurants and art hubs.

Conference Schedule

What to expect

Network with industry professionals from TikTok, Def Jam and TIDAL Music, with special presentations from Grammy and Emmy nominees.

In a commitment to education, we are offering complimentary entry to all students across universities, community colleges and high schools in Arizona. Discover a unique networking and knowledge-sharing opportunity in the heart of Phoenix that is open to the public and widely advertised through media partners and digital channels.

Our goal is to provide an inclusive experience that fosters growth and learning for the next generation.

Industry professionals

Erin Barra, director of ASU Popular Music Program, executive director of Beats By Girlz, writer, producer 
Jesús Triviño, senior director of Industry Relations (general market) & Global Latin at TIDAL 
Marcos Mares, Latin Grammy nominated "Best New Artist" 
Tuo Clark, SVP of A&R Def Jam 
Patrick Ermlich, general manager of Gramaphone Media, artist coach 
C. Samuel Peña, assistant director and clinical assistant professor of ASU Popular Music Program, founder of AZ Beat Lab 
Oswin Benjamin, Grammy nominated artist 
Dwayne Wright, renowned bassists and Dove award winning producer 
Dani Pinkus White, content director of Universal Music Group's Creative Solutions Team (1824)
Eric Medina, music supervisor
George Mathews, CEO/founder of Smash Coast Music
Matt Baquet, Ranch House Media / Best Life Presents
Neveen Albediwa, public relations and event manager
Steven Totten, director of marketing, Visit Phoenix
Jashua Carro, house composer at Gearbox Software, artist, percussionist, sound designer, producer, teacher, composer
Elyssa Bustamante, event producer, host, DJ and founder of the Funky Latina Music Festival
Alexa Cha, senior content specialist of Universal Music Group (1824)
Jeremy Most, Grammy-nominated producer and multi-instrumentalist

and more.

Panels and conversations

The Music Industry is an ever evolving and interconnected ecosystem. Conference panels and conversations are focused on engaging the community through education and dialogue, providing opportunities for both learning, conversation and deep listening. 

Masterclasses

Watch the experts at work while they give you a glimpse into their professions and practices. True understanding comes through action and the conference Masterclasses invite you into the process.

Sessions

One-on-one and small group mentoring sessions, studio sessions in the program's state of the art recording suites, and opportunities to have your material heard and critiqued by publishers and A&R give you the chance to create both music and connections.

Performances and jams

Catch performances throughout the day both in Fusion on First and at the Crescent Ballroom which is a stones throw away featuring students and faculty from the Popular Music Program. Singer-Songwriters, full bands, live film scoring and tech jams.

Conference schedule

The conference schedule coming soon.

Audience and tickets

The conference is open to the public. General Admission is $100.

Free admission to all students and educators.

Valley Bar Showcase

Join us for an unforgettable evening of musical celebration at the official MICC Kick-Off Party at Valley Bar from 7-10 p.m. on Friday, March 22 with live performances by Oswin Benjamin and Latin Grammy-nominated Marco Mares, alongside the incredible talent of our very own students from the Popular Music Program. Doors open at 6pm.

Don't miss out on an unforgettable start to our conference!  Pre Party Tickets

Networking lunch

There will be an outdoor networking lunch from 12 p.m.–2 p.m. with performances at Civic Space Park and food and drink will be available for purchase.

Unlock the full conference experience with the ASU Special Events App! Stay updated on agenda, speakers, giveaways, and more – all in one convenient place.