Music Curation

Akshay Ahuja | Founder | Big Band Theory

What is Music Curation?

A Career in Music Curation is very intriguing. Internet is brimming with pages on How to get into Music Curation, while one should first understand What is a Career in Music Curation. The internet is a great source of information on Music Curation, but it is second best to learning about the same from a real professional.

Founder Akshay Ahuja invested 3 years & 6 months in Music Curation. Founder Akshay Ahuja defines Music Curation as:

A music curator helps an artist with the business aspect of his/her work. Curation involves going to different venues and taking care of the live music that happens there during events. A curator understands what kind of artist would gel with what kind of venue.

How Founder Akshay Ahuja got into Music Curation?

I did my schooling from PineHall School Dehradun after which I did my graduation from Chandigarh in Bachelor of Business. Soon after that I was placed in Google where I worked for four years and learned a lot of digital marketing and strategy building there. Soon after that I formed the company The Big Band Theory.

Founder Akshay Ahuja's Talk on Music Curation

The Journey of a Music Curator: Akshay Ahuja's Path to Creative Entrepreneurship Akshay Ahuja’s journey into the world of music curation represents the fusion of passion, strategy, and creativity. Growing up in Dehradun and initially stepping into the corporate world with a degree in business from Chandigarh, Akshay discovered his true calling in music. After a successful stint at Google, he founded Big Band Theory in 2015, a company dedicated to music consultancy and curation. This article will delve into his insights, experiences, and the multifaceted world of music curation that he now thrives in. What Is Music Curation? Music curation is a specialized field that blends artistic sensibility with strategic business acumen. As a music curator, one’s role involves connecting artists with appropriate venues, creating immersive live music experiences, and recognizing the nuances that make music selections relevant to specific spaces. Curators like Akshay not only understand the artistic elements but also the business side of music, ensuring that both artists and venues can focus on their strengths. Successful curation requires a deep comprehension of the ambiance, the audience’s preferences, and the overall dynamics of live performances. Education Music Business Understanding the music business is critical for anyone looking to excel in the field. Akshay emphasizes that this concept has gained traction globally and significantly in India, where it encompasses various elements, from the popularity of specific artists to the commercial aspects of music. Engaging with resources on the music business can provide valuable insights into how different factors contribute to success in curation and artist promotion. Reading up on market trends, especially those highlighted annually by KPMG, can help curators make informed decisions about their strategies and selections. KPMG Trends The KPMG report on the trends of the entertainment industry serves as a vital tool for curators in India. This annual publication offers crucial data about the revenue streams and dynamics of the music industry, helping curators understand what types of performances are trending and which revenue channels are expanding. Akshay has found these insights particularly beneficial for navigating the ever-changing landscape of music curation in India, relying on such detailed analyses to guide his business decisions. Youtube Tutorials Akshay also highlights the importance of online learning, particularly through YouTube tutorials. These resources provide flexibility and a range of perspectives that curators can explore at their own pace. From international artists to local musicians, many share their expertise and experiences online, offering invaluable lessons on the practical aspects of music management. This easy access to knowledge can significantly enhance a curator's skill set and industry understanding. Conferences Attending industry conferences is another valuable avenue for education. Akshay notes that the collaborative networking opportunities and insightful discussions with others in the field often lead to unexpected learning. Being present in such environments enables curators to absorb diverse viewpoints, enriching their understanding of the music landscape and the various roles people play in it. Management Effective management skills are paramount for success in music curation. Akshay mentions that while a formal degree may not be strictly necessary, experience and exposure to the operational demands of the role are essential. Handling aspects like schedule adherence, logistical arrangements, and artist relations requires adept management abilities. Working in a hands-on capacity teaches curators to juggle multiple responsibilities seamlessly, a key component of the job. Skills Multitasking One of the essential skills for a music curator is the ability to multitask. Akshay exemplifies this by detailing how a curator's day can involve managing artists, coordinating with venues, and ensuring sound checks are completed on time. The ability to juggle these tasks effectively is crucial in maintaining the flow of an event and ensuring that everything runs smoothly. Spontaneous Being spontaneous is another critical skill for curators. Decisions often need to be made on the fly, especially when unforeseen issues arise—such as last-minute changes in line-ups or technical difficulties. Akshay explains that quick thinking and adaptability allow curators to maintain high standards of service and ensure that performances meet audience expectations. Keen Observer A successful curator also needs to be a keen observer. Akshay emphasizes the importance of paying attention to audience reactions and understanding the atmosphere of a venue. By observing these small details, curators can make more informed decisions about which artists and types of music will resonate with the audience, thus enhancing overall experience. Hustler The life of a curator requires a tenacious hustler mentality. According to Akshay, a curator must be proactive, finding innovative ways to promote events and secure bookings. This entrepreneurial spirit, combined with a strong understanding of the market, is essential for standing out in the competitive music industry. Geek Technical knowledge is invaluable to a curator. Akshay stresses that being a "geek" about sound components and equipment enables curators to ensure high-quality performances. This depth of understanding fosters effective communication with sound engineers and helps preemptively address any potential issues that may arise during performances. Passion Passion for music is the driving force behind Akshay's work, serving as the foundation for his success in this field. Without genuine enthusiasm, curators might find it difficult to navigate challenges and remain motivated. A curator's passion directly influences their work quality and their ability to create meaningful connections between artists and audiences. Visionary Lastly, the ability to think like a visionary is crucial. Akshay believes that having a clear sense of purpose helps curators to navigate their careers successfully. With a well-defined vision, they can guide their programming choices and business strategies, ultimately leading to a successful brand identity. Positives Personality Development Akshay highlights that music curation leads to comprehensive personality development. Interacting with diverse individuals—from artists to venue owners—allows curators to assimilate various perspectives and insights, enriching their personal and professional lives. Awareness Of The Business Working in music curation enhances awareness of the business side of the industry. As curators engage with different stakeholders, they gain a greater understanding of market dynamics and customer preferences. This awareness is critical for developing successful promotional strategies and business models. Learning From Your Failures Failure is an inherent part of the journey, and Akshay views it as an opportunity for growth. Each setback provides valuable lessons that can shape future strategies. Curators who embrace their failures are often better positioned to innovate and find effective solutions. Freedom One of the noteworthy positives of being a curator is the freedom it affords. As Akshay describes, successful curation can lead to significant trust from venues, allowing curators greater creative control over the events they design. This autonomy can foster a more fulfilling work experience. Recognition Achieving recognition is a tremendous motivator for curators. Akshay shares how hearing positive feedback about Big Band Theory acts as a validation of his hard work and dedication. This recognition fuels the desire to keep improving and expanding the business. Challenges Understanding the Vision One of the primary challenges in music curation is understanding the vision behind an event or an artist. Without clarity on the desired outcome, curators might find it difficult to execute successfully. Establishing a precise and shared vision is crucial for long-term success. Building a Team Building a cohesive and skilled team is essential for any successful music business. Akshay stresses that a strong team allows tasks to be divided based on each member's strengths, promoting efficiency and improving overall event quality. Collaborating with talented individuals in various roles can significantly enhance the curation process. Lack Of Financing Financial constraints are a constant challenge for startups like Big Band Theory. Akshay points out that sound financial planning is necessary, as a wrong financial decision can derail an entire project. Thus, managing finances wisely is vital for sustained growth. Concept Understanding Effectively communicating and understanding the core concept of a music curation business can be challenging. Akshay emphasizes that both curators and clients must align their understanding of what the business represents to avoid misunderstandings and ensure successful collaborations. A Day Of Music Curation A typical day in Akshay's life as a music curator can be quite hectic, particularly on busy weekends. Early mornings often begin with calls from artists, venues, or sound vendors while still groggy from sleep. The primary task involves ensuring that artists arrive on time, check into hotels, and make it to sound checks as scheduled. If all goes according to plan, curators then prepare for the performance itself, managing logistics to create seamless experiences for everyone involved. Despite the unpredictability of each event, the thrill of live music and the joy it brings drive Akshay’s motivation. In conclusion, Akshay Ahuja’s journey through music curation exemplifies the blend of passion, strategy, and hard work required in this vibrant field. The role of a curator is not merely about selecting music; it is about building connections, fostering creativity, and embracing the evolving landscape of the music industry. As the music scene continues to thrive and transform, professionals like Akshay illustrate the importance of adaptability, vision, and dedication to making meaningful and memorable experiences for artists and audiences alike.

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How to get into

Music Curation?

If you are want to get into Music Curation, start by investing in a Career Plan.

The 14 hour process, guided by a LifePage Career Advisor, will help you introspect and check whether your interest in Music Curation is merely an infatuation or is it truly something you wish to do for the rest of your life.

Next, your Career Advisor will help you document how you can get into Music Curation, what education and skills you need to succeed in Music Curation, and what positives and challenges you will face in Music Curation.

Finally, you will get a Career Plan stating which Courses, Certifications, Trainings and other Items you need to do in the next 7 years to become world’s best in Music Curation.

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14 hour personalized guidance program

Your LifePage Career Advisor facilitates your guided introspection so that you systematically explore various Career options to arrive at a well thought out Career choice.

Next: your Advisor helps you figure out how you will get into your chosen Career and how will you develop the skills needed for success in your Chosen Career.

LifePage Plan will not stop at saying "to become an Architect study Architecture". It will guide you on which Certifications, Trainings and Other items you need to do along with your Architecture education to become the world's best Architect.

Links for this Talk

Founder Akshay Ahuja's LifePage:

[LifePage]
https://www.lifepage.in/page/akshayahuja

LifePage Career Talk on Music Curation

[Career]
https://www.lifepage.in/careers/music-curation

[Full Talk]
https://lifepage.app.link/20170920-0001

[Trailer]
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NHFAvT2H4KI

(Music Curation, Akshay Ahuja, The Big Band Theory, Achiever, Events, Gigs, Manager)

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