An Entrepreneurial Music Industry Education in Secondary Schooling: The Emerging Professional Learning Model

Abstract

There is widespread agreement that entrepreneurial skills are crucial for young people today, yet there are few studies of high school students engaging in entrepreneurship education that might prepare them for music industry careers. This study has been developed in response to these challenges. It explores a group of high school students (fifteen to seventeen years) who alongside their teacher, have co-designed, developed, and driven a new business venture, Youth Music Industries (YMI) since 2010. The curriculum was designed to give students a real business situation for developing their project management skills and a broader understanding of working in the music industry. The resulting model and design principles speak to an ongoing challenge that has been identified in music education, and creative industries more generally. These principles offer a way forward for other music and creative industries educators or researchers interested in developing models of, and designs for, nurturing an entrepreneurial mindset.

Suggestions for Incorporating Entrepreneurship Education in the Classical Performance Studio

“…In a proposed model for entrepreneurship education, Boyle (2007) includes opportunities for students to meet with entrepreneurs, giving the students a chance to interact, ask questions, and spend time together. Kelman (2015) emphasizes the importance of providing exposure for students to real entrepreneurs. Seikkula-Leino et.…”