Non Profit Venture Capital?

I know, I know, by definition non-profits can’t have venture capital.  That unique form of financing that understands you may not turn a profit at first, but they have faith that one day your product or idea will and big.  These venture capitalists are usually investing in is a new idea or technology capable of opening a new stream of yet untapped market revenue.  So why is it so difficult to …

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Grant Games

I was talking to some musicians the other day who are interested in starting a small chamber group.  They were asking me about my experience starting a chamber orchestra and the resulting non profit.  In particular, they wanted to know about funding; how to go about it and where to find grants.  So I told them the honest truth; that since they would be a new organization it was doubtful they …

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A Classical Music Warrior

I do more than my fair share of complaining about orchestra managers in these writings, but I certainly don’t think all managers are bad.  There are excellent managers out there and even a few warriors among an overwhelming flock of sheep.  But one thing that really gets me going is when I talk to orchestra managers (especially executives) about the qualities that characterize a good leader.  Invariably this conversation has one of two possible outcomes; either I make a new friend or I make someone upset.

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More on “Professional” Nomenclature

Last week I posted a Reader Response that stemmed from a reader’s email inquiry about what characteristics differentiate between who is a professional musician and who isn’t.  The article generated some interesting responses and a few additional questions.  “I believe any neologisms would just call attention to the whole dilemma rather than giving the affected people a straightforward way to refer to them when asked.” –  Eric Bruskin, Pennsylvania “A professional …

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Reader Response: Klaus Heymann Interview

Frequent reader and theatre manager guru Joe Patti wrote in with some reflections on the Klaus Heymann Interview.  In particular, what struck him was the segment of the interview where Klaus suggests that arts administration programs should provide much more practical experience for their students.  But instead of just writing to me about it, he wrote an entire article about it at his theatre management blog.  Joe starts off his blog …

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