Hey! My name’s Sarah Czwartacky and I had no idea what I wanted to study in college until I actually started applying. I’ve known that the music industry was something I wanted to be a part of for a long time, but I never thought of it as even remotely realistic until I realized how many things I COULD study and still make it.

I found a number of music business programs in my college hunting, and I was absolutely THRILLED. I had no idea that such a thing existed and when I read about them, they seemed PERFECT. However, like Natalie said about them when I read them. However, like Natalie said, music industry success is hugely based on networking. I decided that a music business major, while probably a very useful insight into “the biz” might limit where I could go. So, I decided to look into the communications field instead. I found a lot of programs in that realm too, but I currently study at Ithaca College’s Park School of Communications and I couldn’t be happier. I’m majoring in Communication Management and Design and minoring in Integrated Marketing Communications. Mostly, those are just fancy words for how to communicate in a business, how to plan and publicize events and work with PR and advertising. I figured that an all encompassing communications curriculum could get me the skills I need to get where I want to be!

I love my program and think it gives a LOT of options even i the music industry falls through for me. However, I find that in addition to my classes and major/minor, getting involved in the community and with the campus radio stations and promotions teams has given me a leg-up in using my skills. I currently work as a DJ, Assistant Music Director and promotions member for the radio station and I’ll hopefully be interning for the area’s promoter/booker next semester. So, make sure that you don’t just look at your program, but get involved! I’m currently trying to plan my first concert right now and I conducted my first bunch of in person and phone interviews recently!

Sorry for the length of this!