Curated panels about working in the Music industry in partnership with the Brooklyn Public Library.
Remember - your local library is so much more than just books
Beyond the Glass Ceiling: Women in Music 2025
Tue, Oct 28 2025 | 6:00 pm – 8:00 pm | Library for Arts & Culture
The journey of a successful career in the music industry has always been a long and winding road, but like many other male-dominated industries, there have always been extra obstacles and challenges for women.
In this candid panel discussion, women from various sectors of the music industry will share their own experiences, exploring their unique professional trajectories, from their first steps into the industry to their current roles. Our panelists will share unfiltered stories about the significant challenges they've faced, the pivotal moments that shaped their careers, and the resilience it took to overcome obstacles. We'll also dive into the ongoing hurdles and biases that women still navigate in the music business in 2025, regardless of their position.
This is more than a conversation; it's a raw and honest look at the journey, offering invaluable insights and inspiration for anyone aspiring to build a career in music.
Moderated by Marissa DeVito with panelists Carolyn Ortiz, Sarah Page, Drea Jackson & Victoria Roe.
The Balanced Musician: Expanding Your Reach While Staying Grounded
Tue, Jun 17 2025 | 6:00 pm – 7:30 pm | Library for Arts & Culture
Building on the insights from Part I, this second session of our two-part series for independent artists explores how to grow your music career without losing your balance.
In this session, we’ll dive into:
Digital distribution and how to maximize streaming platforms
Direct-to-fan sales and monetization strategies
When to go DIY—and when to bring in support (from managers to AI tools)
Booking live shows, planning tours, and using livestreams to expand your audience
Continuing our focus on mental health, resilience, and artist support networks
Hear from digital marketing pros, live performance experts, and music promoters—all ready to share practical tools to help you reach more fans and build a sustainable career.
Whether or not you attended Part I, this session offers a valuable next step for artists ready to grow their audience, optimize income streams, and stay grounded in their creative journey.
Moderated by Marissa DeVito with panelists Carolyn Ortiz, Albert Cooke, Eliza Spear , Jennifer Sellers and Caiaffa.
The Balanced Musician: Sustainability, Strategy, and Self-Care
Thu, Jun 5 2025 | 6:00 pm – 7:30 pm | Library for Arts & Culture
Making music is one thing—making a living from it is another.
In the first session of this engaging panel series, a seasoned independent musician and a group of music industry professionals will share real-world insights on how to build a sustainable, fulfilling career as an indie artist.
Topics we'll explore:
Defining your own version of success
Balancing creativity with business—and avoiding burnout
Funding options and effective strategies
Authentic marketing in the digital age
The importance of mental and emotional wellness
Whether you're just starting out or looking to level up, this session offers practical guidance to help you thrive on your indie music journey.
Perfect for independent artists looking to define success on their own terms and thrive in today’s competitive music industry.
Moderated by Marissa DeVito with panelists Carolyn Ortiz, Albert Cooke, Eliza Spear, Drew De Leon & Jenna LoMonaco.
The Balanced Musician: Sustainability, Strategy, and Self-Care
Thu, Jun 5 2025 | 6:00 pm – 7:30 pm | Library for Arts & Culture
Making music is one thing—making a living from it is another.
In the first session of this engaging panel series, a seasoned independent musician and a group of music industry professionals will share real-world insights on how to build a sustainable, fulfilling career as an indie artist.
Topics we'll explore:
Defining your own version of success
Balancing creativity with business—and avoiding burnout
Funding options and effective strategies
Authentic marketing in the digital age
The importance of mental and emotional wellness
Whether you're just starting out or looking to level up, this session offers practical guidance to help you thrive on your indie music journey.
Perfect for independent artists looking to define success on their own terms and thrive in today’s competitive music industry.
Moderated by Marissa DeVito with panelists Carolyn Ortiz, Albert Cooke, Eliza Spear, Drew De Leon & Jenna LoMonaco.
Working in the Music Industry: AI in Music - The Future of Careers and the Industry
Thu, Jun 5 2025 | 6:00 pm – 7:30 pm | Library for Arts & Culture
In this panel, experts from diverse fields within the music industry will explore how Artificial Intelligence is reshaping careers and the industry at large—from music creation and production to promotion and legal challenges. Whether you're an artist, producer, graphic designer, marketer, or simply curious about the evolving landscape, this event will offer valuable insights into the future of the music industry.
Moderated by Marissa DeVito with panelists Lynn Gonzalez - Partner, Granderson Des Rochers, Mike Greene - VP, Artist & Label Services – ADA (Alternative Distribution Alliance), Meredith Truax - Photographer, Producer, and Archivist, Michael Pelczynski - Co-founder, Chief Strategy & Impact Officer -- Voice-Swap AI
June 24th, 2024: Working in the Music Industry – Streaming Services
Mon, Jun 24 2024 | 6:00 pm – 7:30 pm | Central Library, Dweck Center
An exclusive inside look at the streaming landscape, where a panel of seasoned music industry professionals will share valuable insights on the various types of roles and what it's like to work at a streaming service. From understanding streaming platforms to decoding industry trends, this event offers a unique opportunity to gain firsthand knowledge from experts who have thrived in the ever-evolving world of music streaming.
Featured Panelists:
Drea Jackson - (Moderator) Senior Manager, Artist Relations | SoundCloud
Xavier “X” Jernigan - AI DJ x Head of Cultural Partnerships | Spotify
Cree - Audiomack Artist relations
Forrest Durrell Product Marketing Manager | TIDAL
Melanie McClain Founder | Blurred Lines
Curated by Marissa DeVito
So You Want to Work in Hip-Hop?
Part of Brooklyn Public Library's Hip-Hop 50 celebration!
Tue, Jun 20 2023 | 6:00 pm – 7:30 pm | Central Library, Dweck Center
Panelists:
Imani Brown
Allison Schlueter
Deryck Vanderbilt-Nicholson
Nordia West
Drea Jackson
Curated by Marissa DeVito