Building Skills for Music Industry Careers Beyond Performance
Clinic Synopsis:
Industry leaders from Yamaha, Sweetwater, and Music Will explore academic and professional pathways to non-performance careers in music. Aligned with the NAMM Foundation’s Careers in Music initiative, this panel highlights how educators can guide students to study music while developing essential industry skills. Panelists will share insights from manufacturing, retail/eCommerce, and nonprofit sectors, demonstrating the diverse career opportunities available in the music industry.
Carolyn Grant
- Biographical Information
Carolyn Grant is NAMM's Director of Market Development, where she leads a dedicated team focused on initiatives such as Consider a Career in Music, the national Best Communities for Music Education program, and the NAMM Show's GenNext and Educator Experience professional development tracks. Her passion for music and its transformative power drives her mission to create opportunities and resources for students and professionals committed to a life in music and the creative industries.
Born in Washington, D.C., and raised in the rich cultures of both the United States and Guatemala, Carolyn discovered her love for dance, music, and academics at an early age. After beginning her career in the field of French language and literature, her undeniable passion for music led her to join the NAMM Museum of Making Music, a spotlight program of The NAMM Foundation. By 2001, Carolyn had risen to the role of executive director. Under her guidance, the NAMM Museum has flourished with captivating exhibitions, live performances, and innovative educational programming that resonates with both youth and adults.
Heather Mansell - Biographical Information
Heather Mansell is the Manager, Segment Marketing, Education at Yamaha Corporation of America. With over 25 years in the music industry, Heather has developed expertise in retail, product management, and marketing. Beginning her career at Shar Music and progressing through roles at Yamaha Canada and Yamaha Corporation of America, Heather has been an influential figure in music education. She has championed significant initiatives like the award-winning '40 Under 40' in Education, which celebrates pioneering early-career music educators, in a campaign reaching over eighty million readers. An advocate for arts education, Heather actively promotes the importance of music in schools and communities, supporting policies and partnerships that expand student participation. Recognized for her leadership by receiving the inaugural ‘Women of NAMM’ professional development scholarship in 2020, Heather continues to drive change and works to engage the next generation of music leaders. She brings her comprehensive experience and passion for advocacy to her new role as a board member and Vice President of the Guitar & Accessories Marketing Association (GAMA), focusing on expanding guitar education and programs.
Bryan Powell - Biographical Information
Dr. Bryan Powell is Associate Professor of Music Education and Music Technology, and a Coordinator for the Recording Arts and Production degree at Montclair State University. Bryan teaches classes in popular music, modern band, and music technology, and directs the Montclair State popular music ensemble. Bryan is also the Chief Program Officer for Music Will and former Director of Programs for Amp Up NYC, a partnership between Berklee College of Music and Little Kids Rock. A former NYC public school music teacher, Bryan is the founding co-editor of the Journal of Popular Music Education, co-author of Popular Music Pedagogies: A Practical Guide for Music Teachers (Routledge), series co-editor for Contemporary Music Making and Learning (Intellect Books), and editor of The Modern Band Handbook (OUP). Bryan was the director of the 2022 NAfME All-National Honor Ensemble for Modern Band, and director of the 2023 NAfME All-Eastern Division Honor Ensemble for Modern Band. He serves as the Executive Director of the Association for Popular Music Education and is the Chair for the International Society for Music Education’s Popular Music Education Special Research Interest Group.
Jennifer Witt - Biographical Information
Jennifer Witt is the Band & Orchestra Marketing Manager at Sweetwater, one of the nation's largest music technology and instrument retailers. In her role, she develops strategic initiatives to expand Sweetwater’s presence in the band and orchestra category, fostering relationships with music educators, students, and industry professionals. She plays a key role in partnerships, such as Sweetwater’s collaboration with Music for All, aimed at strengthening music education programs nationwide.
Over the course of her thirty-year career in marketing, media relations, and non-profit leadership, Jennifer has developed marketing campaigns and strategy for a broad range of industries, including foodservice, office furniture, public and transportation seating, as well as arts outreach organizations and places of worship.
Before transitioning fully into music industry marketing, Jennifer also had an extensive background in music education. Until 2023, she served as an Adjunct Professor of Flute at Mount Saint Mary’s University and worked as a Flute Instructor and Marching Band Clinician at Penn Harris Madison Schools. Her hands-on experience in the classroom gives her a unique perspective in her marketing work, allowing her to authentically connect with music educators and students.
Her passion for music and education continues to drive her work at Sweetwater, where she is committed to ensuring that musicians and educators have the resources they need to inspire the next generation of performers.
Back