Joshua Swiger is a Professor of Music Industry at WVU. His background in the industry goes back to when he was a teenager, playing in a rock band and buying his own equipment and learning the process.
Professor Swiger completed his undergraduate degree in Computer Science. He was able to combine what he had learned through his undergraduate studies with the work he had done in the music industry, to now teach students to understand what it's like to work in the music industry from a tech-driven side.
Swiger has experience in managing and working for a small label. Due to costs being tight he often had to switch between roles of manager, promotor, and social media manager within the label. He was able to translate his experiences to the Mon Hills music label, a student ran label and the professional development wing of the music industry program at WVU.
We're here to experiment because when we get out of the real world, some of those failures can lead to probably some financial implications. So let's test the waters here. But at the same time, let's put out good music and use those skill sets to be able to allow students to be successful. So when they do get it in the real world, they already have a resume of experience. Joshua Swiger
Students who have worked with Mon Hill Records have gone on to work for companies such as Warner and BMI. The value Professor Swiger has been able to provide for the students includes creating and environment where real-world consequences are incorporated into the work. It's not like a traditional assignment that is turned in and graded. Many people are relying on you to do your job.
Professor Swiger prepares his students to work remotely. As the industry has evolved and most workers have transitioned to remote work. The master’s programs prepare students for just that.
So when you think of an online program, you're going to be doing everything online. You might be doing it that way for the rest of your life, depending on how you're going to work in the industry. So I think that that value, that connection, is beneficial because we're kind of already setting you up a little bit of how the labels in the professional world are already trending in that direction. Joshua Swiger
Music Business and Industry, M.A.
Whether you own a music business, want to advance in the music industry or are looking for a pathway to teaching music in higher ed, this fully online master's degree will give you invaluable knowledge and skills to be a visionary leader in the music industry. Learn more about our online program.
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Erik Rudolph
Marketing Assistant Student Worker
Erik is a senior advertising student with a minor in communications, he also is a part of the MSJ 4+1 program at WVU. He is currently the marketing assistant student worker for the WVU Marketing Communications Graduate Programs. Erik loves the sport of boxing and works closely with a local boxing promotion in Morgantown, Real Fight Promotions, as a color commentator and a social media manager.