ASMAC Board member John Hinchey visits Tennessee State University

by John Hinchey

On 5 February 2025, ASMAC Board member John Hinchey was invited by Mark Crawford to speak to his Music Seminar Class at Tennessee State University (@tennstateu), Commercial Music Program. Also invited to speak was Dave Tough from Belmont University and Mike Windish from Windish Entertainment. The class was approximately one hour long.

It was an unexpected treat to see Mike Windish who I’ve worked with in the past. Mike spoke about the opportunities his company provides to students in the theme park and cruise ship sector. 

I was next on the agenda. Having Mike speak about theme parks was a perfect setup for me as that is where I started my career as a musician and arranger. After briefly introducing myself, I talked about the importance of networking to a career in the music and entertainment industry.

Using my career as an example, I showed how you never know who is going to recommend you for your next job or step in your career. In many if not most situations you are working as part of a creative team. How you interact with these individuals is key to not only the project at hand but very often to your next job or opportunity.

Learning what other creatives (directors, choreographers, lighting designers, video editors, costumers, set designers, etc) do and how your work interacts with theirs is an important skill. Showing respect for what they do by providing them with what they need, when they need it helps build relationships, which lead to more opportunities.

Also I talked about broadening your skill set to increase your potential for more work. I used the example of how being an expert in Sibelius and Dorico notation software has gotten me work not only in music prep but as an arranger and trombone player.

I spoke of how professional organizations like the American Society of Music Arrangers and Composers (ASMAC) can provide networking and educational opportunities. Then I went into details on ASMAC, who we are and what we offer, webinars, the mentorship program, the student chapters, and competitions. 

Dave Tough talked about content creation, publishing, sync placement, music supervision and using AI as a tool for song writers. It was my first time meeting David and he did a great presentation.

All in all it went by quickly and I think it was well received. I spoke to a couple of students after who where interested in arranging and brass playing.

–John Hinchey