Business of Music Seminar

A one-week intensive course on breaking into the international music industry.

Download Full Schedule (PDF)
David Junk

David Junk

Former CEO of Universal Music Russia, David promoted global stars like Mariah Carey, Elton John, U2, Sting, and Bon Jovi. He signed breakthrough Russian acts including t.A.T.u. and Alsou.

As VP of Eastern Europe, he launched Universal’s Kyiv office and created influential music television in Ukraine. Later, he expanded Gibson Brands into Russia and opened Moscow’s first Gibson showroom.

David is a founding member of the Russian Music Industry Association and served on the U.S. Ambassador’s Task Force on IP Rights. He is the author of Rockin’ the Kremlin (Rowman & Littlefield, July 2024).

Aika Alemi

Aika Alemi

Aika Alemi is a creative leader, artist, business coach, and founder of Born Nomad. Her 10-step “Business of Creation” methodology has helped over 3,500 creatives launch their own brands and enterprises.

She currently serves as Director of the Born Nomad Creative Incubator and chairs the Creative Industries Alliance Qazaqstan. Aika contributes to Elle and Forbes Kazakhstan and has organized over 50 major events, including the Central Asia Creative Incubator and the Responsible Fashion Series Silk Road.

Aika was a finalist for the International Woolmark Prize 2017 (Europe) and named Best Mentor in the EBRD Women Entrepreneurs Programme 2018. She holds an MBA from Duke University and speaks nine languages including Kazakh, English, French, Spanish, Russian, and German.

Seminar Schedule

Day 1: Introduction to the Global Music Industry

  • Overview of the modern music business: labels, publishing, streaming, touring
  • Key markets: U.S., UK, Europe, Latin America, Asia, and Africa
  • Major vs. independent labels
  • Case Study: BTS (South Korea) – Breaking into the U.S.
  • Panel: Understanding Publishing & Copyrights

Day 2: The Artist's Journey – Breaking into the Industry

  • Discovery via social media, streaming, A&R
  • Branding and image in global success
  • Independent vs. signed artists
  • Case Study: Shakira – Latin to Global Pop Star
  • Workshop: Building an artist brand
  • Panel: Role of the Artist Manager

Day 3: The Producer & Songwriter – Crafting Global Hits

  • Cross-border song production & collaboration
  • Royalties, publishing, sync deals for producers
  • Case Study: Max Martin (Sweden)
  • Guest Speaker: International music producer
  • Panel: Album production & budgeting

Day 4: Digital & Streaming Revolution

  • Spotify, Apple Music, YouTube – global reach
  • Playlists, algorithms, TikTok, Instagram
  • Case Study: Rosalía (Spain)
  • Panel: Streaming & social media impact
  • Panel: Music video production & strategy

Day 5: Expanding Global Reach & Language in Music

  • Touring internationally
  • Understanding contracts & rights
  • Case Study: Daddy Yankee – Globalization of Reggaeton
  • Workshop: International strategy
  • Panel: The Importance of Singing in English

Day 6: Music as a National Export – Swedish & Kazakhstan Models

  • Swedish music export success
  • Developing Kazakhstan’s music strategy
  • Role of government, education, infrastructure
  • Breakout: History of Pop in USSR & Kazakhstan

Day 7: Final Project & Industry Networking

  • Group presentations: International artist career plan
  • Live feedback from industry professionals
  • Networking event with execs, managers, artists