Jessica Mack (2022)
Work: Social Media and Merch Manager 10,000 Maniacs. Digital Marketing Coordinator at Chautauqua Opera Company and Conservatory.
“I feel the Music Industry program at SUNY Fredonia not only helped me create a strong foundation of usable skills, but created solid connections with those in the industry, including young professionals like myself.”
Aidan Licker (2017)
Work: Tour Manager for Super American, Hot Mulligan, Mom Jeans, Free Throw, and Sincere Engineer. Touring guitarist for Super American
“The Fredonia Music Business program provided the foundation for my career, equipping me with invaluable knowledge in areas such as copyright, contracts, royalties, and licensing, which continue to serve me in my current role. Beyond academics, my involvement in activities like station managing Fredonia Radio Systems, hosting the Local Lo-Down, and co-founding Last Call Entertainment helped me hone essential project management skills, which I continue to refine every day.”
Dan Doyle (2022)
Work: Tour Manager, Merch Manager, and Driver for bands such as Cliffdiver, Doll Skin, Carpool, and Pinkshift. Booking and Stagehand for After Dark Presents
“I had so much fun at Fredonia and learned so much. My advice to students looking to get involved is to put yourself out there as much as possible and don’t be afraid to make mistakes or ask for help. The Music Industry program teaches you the nuances of the business and connects you with people, but what you do outside of the classroom builds meaningful connections and helps you reach your goals. I love what Last Call has been doing and hope to see Fredonia’s music scene continue to grow and reclaim its place as a must-stop destination for touring bands.”
Jackie O’Mara (2014)
Work: Previous Production Assistant for: All Time Low, Lady A, Tove Lo, Alanis Morrisette, and Jon Pardi. Currently Production Assistant for Miranda Lambert
“The lessons at Fredonia that have stuck with me the most throughout my career is how important building connections are. Always ask - the worst anyone could say is no! I’ve learned a lot, met a ton of people, and have gotten almost all the jobs I’ve had just by networking and being kind to everyone I interact with on and off the road. The more genuine the outreach is the better. Make friends first, then that will naturally turn into opportunities and referrals.”
Evan Donnelly (2023)
Work: Broadcast Art Director and Video Editor
“The Music Industry Program taught me that persistence is the key to understanding the constant motion of an ever evolving industry. Find your niche by realizing what truly makes you enjoy your work and specialize in it”
Cascio Fonesca (2023)
Work: Volunteer & Staffing Coordinator at Bethel Woods for the Arts, site of the original 1969 Woodstock Festival
“Through the Music Industry major’s student internship requirements, I was fortunate enough to make the connection that landed me an intern role at Bethel Woods in 2021, slowly working my way up the Operational ladder to join in a full-time capacity in January of 2025.”
Karalyn Hope (2022)
Work: touring/freelance professional with a focus on photo/video/merch/vip
“Fredonia taught me and gave me connections, friendships, and lessons that I will forever hold close to me as myself and others make their way through the ever changing industry. The opportunities that I had and made for myself were unforgettable as I honed in on photography and videography. I’ve learned to always ask, make sure my brand and work is always updated and shared, and to make genuine friendships that might also lead to work.”
Rachel Lombardo (2012)
Work: Electric City as their Artist Hospitality
“The SUNY Fredonia Music Business program was integral to my understanding of how the industry operates, as well as opening the door for connections. You will always run into somebody who is a fellow alum!”
Rick Coates (2013)
Work: Musician/Merchandise Manager/Operations Supervisor
“The Music Industry at SUNY Fredonia taught me that you can’t expect anything handed to you in this industry. You’ve gotta grind and cut your teeth to get where you want to be. Only a handful of each graduating class actually put in the effort it takes to make a career in the music industry possible. Don’t even let off the gas and let your work speak for itself. Work Hard, Play Hard, Work Harder.”
Mike Tomasulo (2018)
Work: Tour Manager, Merchandise Manager, Production Manager, amongst other side roles for several bands.
“Perhaps the greatest take away from the program was not the classes themselves, but rather the initial industry networking that takes place amongst students of varying backgrounds. Working amongst your peers to discover each other's talents and career focus early on was the greatest takeaway for me personally. Over the course of 4 years, you grow together as a team to help accomplish the class assignments which try to best prepare students for real world situations.”
Michelle Cope
“Fredonia’s music industry program provided me with an in-depth and hands-on experience in areas of copyright, contracts, publishing, and more. It provided the opportunities necessary to create and foster connections in the business, and getting me too the career I have today.”
Michelle works for PS Business Management handling all finances related to an artist. Her day-to-day ob consists of making budgets for tours and promotional runs, aiding in starting artists companies, and collecting and commissioning royalties. Although her field primarily had to do with finance, having a well-rounded understanding of the industry has been the key to her success.
Megan Stade
“Professionalism, organization, and multitasking are key. These are skills tested every day in the music industry program.”
Megan graduated in the spring of 2017 with a B.S. in Music Industry and works as an Executive Assistant at Reiff & Associates, an International Entertainment Insurance Brokerage Firm. Megan regards networking highly. She keeps in contact with many Fredonia Alumni who are also working in New York City. She said, “Once we know we’ve all come from the same roots, we automatically support and open up to one another personally and professionally, even if we have never met.”
Gabby Carr
"The major thing that I tell people about the program is that it can really be anything that you make it, it’s really up to you how involved you want to be or what you want to learn. I was really interested in developing my skills as a musician and learning practical business skills to help me in the industry."
Gabby graduated in 2017 with a B.S. in Music Industry and two minors in Jazz Studies and Communication. She gained more leadership experience through the Music Industry Club and the Student Record Label. Gabby was able to apply that to everything she did throughout her time at Fredonia. The knowledge Gabby has attained from the music industry program in copyright law and contracts has been useful in so many different scenarios, whether it be for her own music, an internship, or just working in a restaurant. Gabby believes the program will help to understand how multifaceted the industry is, the multiple areas you need to know, and that you might realistically have a job for something you’re not an expert in.