Downtown Music Hosting Virtual 'Summer School' Classes in Lieu of Traditional Internships

With COVID-19 continuing to spread throughout the U.S., in-person internships won’t be happening on a wide scale his summer, robbing students and post-grads of valuable on-the-job training and networking opportunities. To fill the gap, companies in various industries are now offering virtual continuing education programs for the next generation of business leaders.

On the music side, Downtown Music Holdings is doing its part by offering “Downtown Summer School,” a free week-long initiative unveiled Tuesday (June 30). The global program will offer a range of free virtual classes on the music business, featuring input from executives at Downtown and beyond.

Slated for the week of July 27, the program will offer participants the opportunity to take remote classes on a number of music-related topics, including "How Unsigned Acts Distribute, Monetize and Promote their Music Today," "Crafting Hit Songs Around the World," "Music on Screen," "Diverse Career Paths into the Music Industry" and "The Future of Music Streaming." Each day will consist of both a morning and afternoon session -- beginning at 12 p.m. EST and 3 p.m. EST, respectively -- featuring panel discussions with executives from Downtown divisions such as Songtrust, CD Baby and FUGA, as well as executives from outside companies including Warner Records, Suntrust and Beatstars. (Downtown notes that the schedule and lineup are subject to change.)

Though the program is primarily targeted at high school and college students as well as recent graduates, it’s being made available to anyone with access to a computer, thereby broadening the scope of Downtown’s traditional in-person internship programs.

"We’re excited to reimagine our internship program for a virtual audience this year and fuel the next generation of music business leaders and creative entrepreneurs,” said Downtown Music Holdings CEO Justin Kalifowitz in a statement. “We have an opportunity to reach a wider audience and educate more students than ever before. A major part of our vision for a more equitable and innovative music ecosystem is cultivating talent and demonstrating our appreciation for the business side of music. Downtown Summer School will help participants understand the building blocks of the industry so we can continue to support a thriving creative class, now and in the future.”

Those interested are encouraged to sign up here by July 22.