Clive Davis Institute Future Music Moguls

ABOUT THE PROGRAM

The Clive Davis Institute Spring Future Music Moguls Saturday workshop is FREE of charge and is designed to introduce a select group of talented high school students in 9th - 11th grade to all aspects of the contemporary music business. Tisch recruits and encourages applications from students from all backgrounds, including those from lower socio-economic backgrounds and those from groups underrepresented within the music industry. 

Students who participate in Future Music Moguls not only learn about the creative process behind making songs, but they're also exposed to the exciting behind-the-scenes business decisions that help music wind up in the ears of audiences around the world. With a strong emphasis on current issues and rising trends in the distribution and delivery of music, students learn about music entrepreneurship and are exposed to career guidance that can be applied to a wide range of future activities, music related or otherwise. 

QUALITIES OF AN IDEAL CANDIDATE

Participants in the workshop develop the leadership skills necessary for success in any field by engaging in exercises and practices in concept development and execution, decision-making and consensus building, collaboration and communication, and are expected to adhere to industry standards of punctuality and professionalism.

Qualities of an ideal candidate may include:

  • a strong interest and/or participation in the music industry
  • high academic achievement
  • a strong ability to communicate and willingness to collaborate
  • innovative or forward-thinking
  • a self-starter, drive and passion
  • competency and maturity
  • a firm commitment to completing the entire workshop

I participated in both the FMM and SHS programs at the Clive Davis Institute (CDI). My experiences at CDI were amazing. I left both programs with a clear understanding of 1) how the music industry works and 2) the various creative processes involved in music creation. The professors were great because they were also mentors. Their advice was some of the best that I have received. I also believe the utilization of guest speakers during both programs was extremely beneficial. These were opportunities to study people who were active in the industry and to network. The guest speakers included music publishers, A+R’s, managers, etc. Some of my best memories were made at CDI. I remember on the last day of the program being spontaneously invited into an engineering session with Jim Anderson, the man whose Grammy was displayed outside of the room. That is the magic of CDI. Profound experiences manifesting out of nowhere.

— Derek Uceta, Future Music Moguls, 2023

Instructors

Our Future Music Moguls courses are taught by working industry leaders and mentors.

Devon Baran

Devon Baran

Music Production Instructor

Devon Baran, professionally known as Von, is the owner and operator of Vondom Labs LLC. Specializing in alternative production methods, immersive live events and guerrilla marketing brand tactics Von spearheads the intersection of art and tech. She's music directed NAMILA’s AW2020 NYFW show, led inclusive programming initiatives for Milk Media, was featured as an artist to watch in Playboy’s Halloween issue & has been covered in Vice, NYLON, INDIE Magazine, Noctis & more. Von is the co-founder and host of BLOODY MARY, the first party series to merge performance art with live boxing. Working with artists like Pussy Riot, UNIIQU3, Virgen Maria & more Von brings the intersection of live events, talents from femme creatives and interactive visual technology to the forefront of pop culture.

Halima Edozie-Akinlade

Halima Edozie-Akinlade

Music Production Instructor

Halima is a London and Lagos-bred producer/artist/songwriter. Having grown up on Pop punk, RnB, Neo Soul, Pop and spending her childhood in various countries, her sound & style is nostalgic and eclectic. Halima’s singles, released on her label One Percent Genius, have made waves across streaming platforms, garnering over 10 million cumulative streams and landing on playlists like Spotify’s Pollen, Apple Music’s Feels and Pitchfork’s What’s Good. The single ‘Ford Cardinal’ has been featured on the FADER’s “Songs You Need In Your Life” as well as airing on BBC Sounds radio. ‘Holding Me’ was featured on BBC Introducing Mix Tape with Tom Robinson and BBC Radio 1 Extra with Jamz Supernova. In 2021, halima released her first EP XYZ, which was featured on BBC1 by Rakeem Omar. 

Andre Howard

Andre Howard

Music Business Instructor

Andre Howard began his career in the A&R department of Def Jam segueing into artist management working for Family Tree Entertainment & Violator alongside artists like Fantasia, Missy Elliott, Pharoahe Monch, Busta Rhymes and many more. He then founded his own Agency (The Media Music Inc.) with a focus on helping artist management & marketing teams. During this time, he worked with Shady/Aftermath, Reebok/RBK, ESPN Games, HBO, and more, seeking product placement, synch/licensing opportunities, producing & distributing music, etc. Andre later returned to Universal Music working in eCommerce doing metadata management - which led him to Republic Records where he became an in-house Product Manager for the label’s visual projects. A highlight was working on Jack Johnson's “From Here To Now To You” which became the first “visual” album of its kind. Andre recently led digital efforts at eOne where he worked on a multitude of projects including Brandy’s recent album “b7”, which debuted at the top of the Billboard Indy charts.

Currently as VP, Digital + Commerce at ADA/WMG, I provide our partners with expertise and guidance to build their digital marketing narrative(s) and ultimately drive a larger volume of fan acquisition, discovery, engagement and streaming. He also works hand-in-hand with the Warner Music commercial teams and alongside DSP’s to present our Hip-Hop & R&B repertoire and position ADA as best-in-class in a genre that’s dominating pop culture.

Important Dates

Spring 2025

This program meets weekly on Saturdays, February 1, 2025 through May 10, 2025.

More dates and deadlines are available on the Tisch Special Programs Admissions Calendar.

How to Apply

Please read through the Spring Future Artists Application Requirements page to learn how to apply. You may be contacted for additional application materials.

The spring 2025 application is closed.

Effective May 2023, NYU no longer requires COVID-19 vaccinations. However, staying up to date with COVID-19 vaccinations, including booster shots, remains strongly recommended for the health and safety of the student and the campus community—and students are welcome to wear masks anytime they choose. More information about COVID-19 protocols at NYU, including updates, is available on the NYU COVID-19 Information website.

If you have any questions about the program or the application process, please contact the Clive Davis Institute at 212.992.8400 or tisch.recorded.music@nyu.edu.