Behind Music Industry Studies: An Interview with Program Director Benom Plumb
Photo taken by Austin Nie: Benom Plumb teaches students how to set up merchandise for Pac Ave Records showcase.
A conversation with the program director of Music Industry Studies regarding his background, gaining industry experience, and decision-making.
The Music Industry Studies program, one of the most unique and creative degrees within University of the Pacific’s Conservatory of Music, transcends the traditional study of music at a university. Unlike many music business degrees across the country, the music industry studies degree does not require students to audition or have musical experience to earn a spot in the program. Rather, this field of study focuses on networking, hands-on experience, and professional development opportunities in a variety of students’ areas of interest.
As the first collegiate program of its kind in Northern California, Music Industry Studies was established around 2014-2015 and is a branch of the Music Management program, a similar music program here at Pacific. The music management degree does require students to audition, as it relies more on knowledge of music performance and recording production, combining intensive studies of music with publishing and business fundamentals.
Although Music Industry Studies does not require an audition for admission, students have plenty of opportunities to thrive creatively and musically. With ample resources for students such as the Owen Hall Recording Studio, Faye Spanos Concert Hall, and the student-run record label called Pac Ave Records, Music Industry students are set up for success in this program.
I had the privilege of speaking with the Music Industry Studies Program Director and Associate Professor, Benom Plumb. I started off by asking how he became interested in working in the music industry. “The only thing I was interested in was music,” he stated. Plumb also mentioned that music ran in his family and his great uncle Neely Plumb, a famous musician and record producer, served as inspiration to him. “My dad always told me these cool stories about Uncle Neely and a lot of his adventures in the music industry. So I thought, ‘I'll just try to do something in music, maybe follow in Uncle Neely’s footsteps and work on the business side.’”
We then discussed the turning point or moment he realized he wanted to take this path. “When I discovered and understood what music publishing was, like, a lightbulb went off. I was like ‘that’s what I’ve always wanted to do.’ When I found the thing for me that could use my creative talents and abilities in a way I had always wanted to, that was when it was confirmed for me.”
As for what knowledge or skills Plumb hopes Music Industry students leave the program with, he uses the analogy of a buffet with a menu of experiences students can try. “Most students come in not knowing, sort of like I was, and that’s the right answer. That’s okay.” With so many different areas of the music industry, he explains that he wants students to have the opportunity to learn about them all and “have that lightbulb moment like I did.”
Some additional skills that Plumb states are extremely important to have in this industry can be found in classes like Follow the Money, which is taught in the Music Industry curriculum. It is meant to help students gain skills in entrepreneurship and financial literacy, which are essential qualities, especially for students who hope to become artists or producers. “It’s very helpful because they are able to connect the certain players in the industry and calculate how the money flows between them.”
When asked what advice he would give to students who are considering this program or pursuing a career in the music industry, he states, “Do not wait to get a part-time gig in the industry or an internship. I encourage students to seek out part-time jobs and internships first, even just working box office at a venue. The best way for our students to network is to get a job in the industry.” In fact, the Music Industry Studies program actually requires students to do internships, allowing them to earn credits for their degree while also holding them accountable for gaining real-world experience and skills. Further, Plumb encourages students to figure out what sort of lifestyle they want for themselves. “Early on, start thinking about, how do you want to live? Where do you want to be?” In this ever-changing industry, with big cities known for having major music scenes, such as Los Angeles, New York, Nashville, Miami, Atlanta, etc., it helps to gain some insight early on of what you connect with the most or what you are most drawn to.
Lastly, I asked what the most rewarding part of teaching in this field has been for him. “What keeps me going is whenever I get to build a relationship, mentor a student, and then they go out into the world and do all kinds of cool stuff, and then they come back to campus to encourage and mentor the next generation of students. Like those full circle moments, that is what keeps me going.”
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