Skip to main content

Search NYU Steinhardt

J-Term in Nashville With Music Business Junior Aidan Mailley

Posted
Music Business Jr in Nashville for J-Term, Aidan Mailley

The best part about the Music Business J-Term program in Nashville?

For me, it’s been how much time we have spent at Universal Music’s East Iris Studios. Signing up for the program, I was worried the studio and studio experience was overhyped by previous students. However, I’ve truly been blown away by the facilities and the incredible people who work here.

Workshops, classes, or projects that stand out?

Guest speaker producer Daniel Tashian. Hearing about the incredible artists he has worked with, like Kacey Musgraves, was great; but my biggest takeaway had more to do with his philosophy on having a fulfilling career in music. He was such a wealth of information and inspiration.

What is a typical day like?

A typical day: on the bus to East Iris at 9:15 am. Stay at the studio until about 6 pm. We move between rooms at the studio often and spend half of the day working with our groups on a recording project and the other half with a guest speaker or field trip. Time flies in the studio and our professors have done a great job breaking up each day. Once the day is over, some of the students in my group and I will head downtown or to East Nashville to hear some live music or just head back to the hotel.

Opportunities in Nashville not found in New York?

The program offers a unique opportunity to spend time together as a class. In New York, we see classmates once a week, but here we share three meals a day with a small group, which gives us time to really get to know each other. 

Anything surprise you about the program or Nashville?

This is my first time coming to Nashville, and the city itself has really surprised me. While it's certainly a smaller city than I am used to, there is still plenty going on, and some areas I’ve found are extremely exciting to explore.

How does the experience in Nashville complement your studies in Music Business?

For me, this program seems to be the perfect mix of classroom-style learning and hands-on experiences.

One stand out takeaway?

My key takeaway is how important it is to pursue more than one path simultaneously in the music industry. Everyone (who is currently succeeding) in Nashville, that we interacted with, is talented in more ways than one. They use their diverse interests and strengths to set them apart.

Related Programs

Music Business

Study with industry leaders and learn the necessary skills to thrive in a fast-paced industry.

Read More

Music Technology

Develop your expertise in an academic program that emphasizes creative experimentation and the integration of musical and technical skills.

Read More

Related Departments

Music and Performing Arts Professions

Discover programs in education, composition, technology, business, theatre, administration, therapy, performance, and dance.

Read More