by Eftihia Arkoudis, D.M.A., Thaddaeus Bourne, D.M.A., & José Valentino Ruiz, Ph.D. Success is a tricky beast. You work hard, climb the ladder—whether it’s made of corporate rungs or the wild vines of entrepreneurship—and suddenly, you’re the tallest poppy in the field. Cue the shears. This little phenomenon, known as Tall Poppy Syndrome (TPS), is when folks try to chop you down not because you’re failing, but because you’re winning. It’s the workplace equivalent of crabs in a bucket, except with more passive-aggressive emails and fewer claws. For [...]

by José Valentino Ruiz, Ph.D. Abstract This editorial argues that blending robust musicianship with business savvy in music education creates confident, adaptable pros who thrive in today’s creative arts economy, all while keeping it real. Keywords: musicianship, music business education, experiential learning, self-efficacy, digital tools Providing the Context The music industry’s a rollercoaster—streaming wars, viral TikTok beats, and more side hustles than you can count. Yet, many music business programs remain locked in a static model, emphasizing contracts, copyright law, and marketing strategies while sidelining the very heart [...]

By José Valentino Ruiz, Ph.D. Abstract This editorial celebrates the surge of creative entrepreneurs launching ventures in music, design, and innovation, while offering a practical toolkit to address their widespread lack of financial literacy—focusing on budgeting, investing, and decision-making—to ensure sustainable success. Keywords: financial literacy, creative entrepreneurs, budgeting, investing, decision-making, sustainability, arts business The Creative Boom and the Financial Blind Spot As a creative entrepreneur who’s navigated the wild terrain of music ventures and arts-based businesses, I’m energized by the explosion of independent creators taking charge of their [...]

by José Valentino Ruiz, Ph.D. & Derris Lee, M.M. Three Keys to Impact In a recent conversation with a colleague, we stumbled onto a truth that’s been hiding in plain sight: access to resources—be it scholarships, community programs, or organizational support—isn’t the bottleneck we often assume it to be. The real challenge lies in the disconnect between those resources and the people they’re meant to serve. Counties, nonprofits, and creative industries are flush with opportunities, yet too many remain underutilized—not for lack of intent, but for lack of [...]

By Hannah Chuckas, José Valentino Ruiz, Ph.D., Corey Burton, M.M. Abstract This article explores the evolving financial landscape of the music industry, analyzing how artists generate revenue through live performances, digital streaming, and merchandise sales while highlighting strategies for maximizing profitability and sustaining long-term careers. Keywords: music industry, artist revenue, streaming, live performances, merchandise sales, financial planning, audience engagement Concerts: A High-Risk, High-Reward Business Model The music industry has undergone a significant transformation in recent decades, shifting from record sales as the primary revenue stream to a diversified [...]

by Emilie Park, José Valentino Ruiz, & Corey Burton Abstract This article explores how budgeting constraints influence the success and profitability of music events, examining key challenges, strategies for maximizing revenue, the role of sponsorships, and emerging trends in event planning, while offering practical advice for aspiring music event planners. Keywords: Music Event Planning, Budgeting, Profitability, Sponsorships, Revenue Streams, Sustainability, Emerging Trends. Key Budgeting Challenges and Event Size Considerations Music event management is a complex task, requiring meticulous planning, resource allocation, and an understanding of financial risks and [...]

by José Valentino Ruiz, Ph.D.; Theresse Racpan; Aishani Lahiri; and Eftihia Arkoudis, D.M.A. Abstract This editorial explores the intersection of artificial intelligence and music, examining its impact on authenticity, audience engagement, artistic integrity, copyright law, labeling standards, music careers, genre evolution, and cultural identity, while emphasizing the need for ethical frameworks that ensure AI serves as a tool for innovation rather than a replacement for human creativity. Keywords: artificial intelligence, music industry, authenticity, creativity, copyright, transparency, genre evolution, ethics, artistic integrity, AI-generated music Authenticity and Audience Engagement The [...]

By José Valentino Ruiz, Ph.D. & Thaddaeus Bourne, D.M.A. Abstract This editorial discusses how arts entrepreneurship serves as a powerful mechanism for community development, bridging economic, educational, and cultural gaps through strategic partnerships and creative initiatives. By fostering accessibility, mentorship, and sustainable models, arts entrepreneurs empower underserved communities, drive economic growth, and advocate for long-term arts-based policy solutions. Keywords: Arts entrepreneurship, community development, economic sustainability, creative industries, arts education, cultural policy, public engagement. Breaking the Myth When people talk about entrepreneurship, they often think of tech startups, business [...]