News Release

News Release MEDIA INQUIRIES ONLY Contact: Jessica Novak Office of Marketing and Communications 440.525.7278	Music Department at Lakeland Date Posted: Monday, August 18, 2008 Topic: Unique music class features industry survival expert speakers
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Course will teach strategies to survive the music industry Music education will hum a different tune this semester at Lakeland Community College. "Survival in the music industry" is aimed at those who have a passion for music and the music industry, and/or possibly looking to break into it. The class is lead by instructor George Gecik, who taught guitar at the School of Fine Arts in Willoughby for 22 years. He also taught classical guitar at Youngstown State for 15 years. Along with teaching, Gecik supervised daily operations as well as developed marketing plans, web site content, and promotional campaigns specifically for music industry professionals at Special Productions, Inc., an entertainment agency he founded in 1989 and sold in 2005. In addition, he conceived, produced and edited promotional music videos for the company's bands and DJ's. "Many people took lessons as a kid, played in bands, and are still "closet" musicians who chose another career path but secretly still yearn to be in the music professions," said Gecik. He holds a bachelor's degree in music from Kent State and is a few courses from completing a master’s degree in music from Youngstown State University. Featured guest speakers throughout the semester include: Khaled Tabbrara – Member of the popular Youngstown Indie Group that has performed in 18 states and does all their marketing through the internet. William Laufer – Owned a recording studio, produced recordings and recently wrote, produced and directed a successful independent film titled Christmas at Maxwell’s. Tom Arko – President of Eighth Day Sound, one of the top sounds reinforcement companies in the business. Current clients include Madonna, Prince, Tom Jones, Jewel, 50 Cent, Tom Petty, The Who, and many more. Avery Friedman – National attorney who represents many people in the entertainment field. Friedman has worked with Casey Casem, Dione DiMucci, and many others. He has his own local radio show as well as a weekly show on CNN. Norm Strelka – Owned and ran Westgate Music and the local band Bottom Line. Ray Calabrese – Worked locally for Progress Records and on the West Coast doing national promotion for recording companies with radio stations. Mike Moritz – Music Director of the Youngstown Playhouse, owner of Kontinuous Jams Media Group, and produces commercials for local TV and radio stations. Classes will be held on Tuesdays, beginning August 26 at 7:15 P.M. To register call, 440- 525-7000 and mention course number 11848, or register online at lakelandcc.edu.