Student Record Label

The student record label is a non-traditional course in which students are given the opportunity to work directly with a band to develop the essential skills to succeed in the music industry. The course is run entirely by students with guidance from platinum selling record producer and manager, Armand Petri. Students are given the chance to take on a position of a professional record label in which they are completely responsible for their duties.

Each position is filled on a volunteer basis by the students, everything from band manager to website developer, merchandiser to radio promoter and so on. Check out the “jobs” tab for a detailed list of all positions available to students currently enrolled in the course.

Many great opportunities are available through this course, explore the site and learn more about this exciting teaching experience!

 Job descriptions   |   Testimonials

 

Spring Project 2010: Recording Session with Tina Marie Williams
Singer/songwriter Tina Marie Williams was joined by Victor DeLorenzo of the Violent Femmes and John Lombardo and Mary Ramsey, '95, of 10,000 Maniacs with SUNY Fredonia faculty and students for a recording session in the Mason Hall sound recording technology studios April 13, 2010. The session and interviews were recorded by SUNY Fredonia Communication students.

Job Descriptions:

Product Manager- Product Managers coordinate the class operations, organize and implement the tasks of the label and are responsible for all of the departments completing their work.

Liaison- The Liaison is responsible for communication between the artist and the label. He/she also acts, in some respects, as a manager making sure that the artists have what they need from the label.  

Product Development - The Product Development department is responsible for cultivating the image of the artist. It is up to this department to select and execute the artist’s non-musical artistic direction through photography, merchandise, the official website and other facets.

Graphic Design- The graphic design team creates promotional images (such as album covers and logos) that will represent the artist as well as the label.

Photography- The Photography team is responsible for obtaining, editing, and preparing live and promotional photographs of the artist. Members of this team may be responsible for taking pictures, as well as being present at photo shoots.

Web Design - The Web Design team develops, maintains and updates the artist’s official website. Members of this team also collect and translate the class’ ideas into an online presence.  

Merchandise - The Merchandise team is responsible for designing, pricing, and selling the artist’s merchandise.

Public Relations - The Public Relations department is responsible for creating and organizing a media campaign to generate a rich fan base as well as a positive image for the artist through print and online sources.

Radio - The Radio team is responsible for obtaining radio play for the artist as well as following up with stations to receive feedback, and tracking information on the artist’s track(s). This also includes working to build connections with radio stations for  prolonged relationships.

Promotion/Booking - The Promotion and Booking team is responsible for booking shows and working directly with venue owners, promoters and other bands to create concert opportunities for the artist. This also includes promoting events through print and online sources.

Street Team - The Street Team is responsible for maintaining and coordinating a local fan base, running the Street Team Social Media group, and promoting upcoming events..

Social Media - The Social Media Team is responsible for the artist’s media campaign on all relevant social networking sites as well as researching new social networking possibilities.

Electronic Press Kit Team- The Electronic Press Kit team is responsible for the artistic direction and content of the artist’s Electronic Press Kit.This includes creating, updating and distributing the EPK to all potential connections.

Testimonials

“This course allowed me to explore the music industry in ways not available through anything else I’ve been involved in. I was able to volunteer for whichever position suited me the best; giving me the opportunity to hone my skills to a higher level. I felt like a business partner to the record label band, So Far So Good, rather than just a student.”
-Justin Ostrowski

"Student record label is the most hands-on experience we get within the music industry major. With the knowledge I gained from this class, I was able to put together a 17 day east coast tour for my own band. The topics we learn in class definitely have real world applications."
-Richard Coates

"My experience with Fredonia's Student Record Label was not only an incredible learning experience, but extremely gratifying. The opportunity to work together in developing our band’s presence as well as our own skills was incomparable. As a first year law student, I already feel my involvement with Student Record Label (and all its hard-working members) is helping to supplement my academic and professional success."
-Alexia Mickles

“I found the Student Record Label to be an immensely useful learning experience.  In the class I learned real life skills such as networking and radio promotion, which I have utilized outside of school to help with my band. The class gives students a dynamic look at what to expect working in the music industry.”
-Max Vanliew

“The Student Record Label class at SUNY Fredonia is unlike any other class I have taken in my four years here. Instead of being graded with tests or papers, you are graded on whether or not you get your job done. You are asked to work alongside your peers and actually manage and promote a real band. Not only does this prepare us for our future careers, but it helped us make great contacts for when we graduated. The real world experiences I had in this class will be one of the best things I take out of my education here at Fredonia.”
-Jonathan  Higgins

“The Student Record Label class was really helpful for me to get a taste of what it’s like to actually work within the music industry. Doing hands on work with a real band in the real world was a great experience. Your grade is based on the work you do, much like a performance evaluation at a job. Before the SRL class, I only had an idea of what working with a band is like, but now I have that experience and feel prepared to take my skills off campus and into the world.”
-Phillip Bowen