Music University isn’t only for musicians. If you are a music fan, you should there. Here are six reasons why you should get in on the action on Oct. 4-5.

1) If you are passionate about wanting a stronger music scene in Des Moines, then participate in the process. As a fan, your voice and opinions are important. We want to hear from you in the Community Forum, during which we’ll be discussing how nonprofits and organizations can best aid the community to make the music community better for everyone… not just musicians.

2) You know those documentaries you watch and the interviews you read with your favorite bands? Well, at Music University you get the opportunity to experience those live. Matisyahu, Bob Mould, and Dum Dum Girls will all be sharing behind the scenes stories and dropping all sorts of interesting knowledge about their music careers.

3) I’m sure you are aware of all the awesome music videos coming out of Des Moines lately. Come see them on the big screen at the Varsity Theater for the Music Video Screening at Varsity Theater.

4) If your day job involves marketing, websites, fundraising or event planning,  be sure to attend the following panels for inspiration:

• Paying For Your Project: Exploring Funding Opportunities from Traditional To Cutting Edge
• Website Demolition Derby: Does Your Site Cut It?
• Marketing on a Shoestring: Promote Like a Pro with an Indie Budget
• Producing a Proper Show (And Not Losing Money)
• Social Media Advertising: Why It Pays to Play with Social Ads

5) Everyone can benefit from a surge of creative inspiration. And that’s ultimately what you are going to get out of attending Music University. Come mingle with Des Moines’ creative community, your favorite musicians and industry professionals from across the nation to take advantage of  infinite opportunities for creative inspiration, professional connections and an all-around fun weekend.

6) Performances! As a music fan, you are well versed in standing in a crowd and experiencing live music. You can do this at the Music University showcases at Des Moines Social Club’s Basement Bar at 5:30pm and Vaudeville Mews at 9:30pm on Saturday. Plus, there will be acoustic performances by Dum Dum Girls and Matisyahu on Sunday.

Here are a few other Music University suggestions for non-musicians.

9:00 a.m. – 9:45 a.m. – Community Forum: How Nonprofits Can Support Independent Musicians in the New Industry – Share your input as a music fan on what you think organizations like the DMMC should be doing to improve our music scene.

10:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m. – Songwriting Workshop with Bob Mould – Seriously, do I need to even convince you why to attend this workshop? You get to experience an inside look at Bob Mould’s songwriting process!

1:15 p.m. – 2:15 p.m. – Conversation with Dum Dum Girls AND 2:30 p.m. – 3:30 p.m. – A Conversation with Bob Mold – It’s like watching your favorite music documentary, but live and in person. (this is a bit repetitive to #2, is there something else we could say?)

3:45 p.m. – 4:45 p.m. – The Fundamentals: Marketing, Recording, Touring, Distribution – Every curious how your favorite bands get started and everything that goes into being a musician? Attend this panel to find out.

What are you waiting for? Download a PDF of the Music University schedule, and register today!

Jill Haverkamp, On Pitch
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