Thursday – Entrepreneurial mindset and tools
Following a brief welcome, The Savvy Musician in ACTION begins with a series of exercises and games that cultivate entrepreneurial attitudes and skills like collaboration, leadership, value creation, brainstorming, creativity and innovation.
Attendees offer 60-second elevator pitches describing arts-based businesses for-profit or nonprofit, with potential to generate revenue and impact. Participants vote on their favorites and form teams that design these enterprises throughout the retreat.
Thursday night ends with a concert by our Chamber Music Competition winner, featuring outstanding performance and innovative event design.
Friday – Building a business that works
Following a few short powerhouse presentations, teams work collaboratively to develop their venture.
Throughout the day, breakout sessions highlight essential topics like business model design, competitive research, customer research and financial considerations. Each participant attends one of these sessions and is charged with teaching their team lessons learned and applying principles to the business.
Mentors circulate throughout the day to help teams strengthen their concept and model. In the afternoon, an Expert Expo features stations devoted to various topics where participants can seek additional guidance.
Friday night concludes with a faculty concert.
Saturday – Comprehensive marketing campaign
Whole group presentations are followed by teamwork and breakout sessions. Topics of the day include branding, permission, social media, website and viral marketing.
In the late afternoon, participants are taught how to create a killer presentation in preparation for Sunday’s competition. After examining what to include, how to integrate technology and what makes a pitch effective, teams have the rest of the day to perfect their business model, marketing campaign and presentation.
Sunday – Competition and next steps
During The Savvy Musician Arts Venture Challenge, teams give five-minute presentations followed by Q & A from the jury. Judges provide feedback and announce winners. Participants, faculty and judges enjoy a banquet lunch together.
In the afternoon, the entire group reflects on lessons learned and how to apply principles to careers and organizations. The Savvy Musician in ACTION concludes with a full group discussion and optional networking event.