Kara DioGuardi, songwriter and former judge on TV’s American Idol, and Bill Flanagan, a veteran music journalist who has spent the last 15 years as an executive at both MTV and VH1, will sit down with John Covach, director for the University of Rochester’s Institute for Popular Music (IPM) for a behind-the-scenes look at their careers on Wednesday, April 22 and Wednesday, April 29.
Both talks are part of the IPM’s “In Conversation” series, which explores the lives of popular recording artists, the music industry, and the creative process. The events are free and open to the public. In addition to her talk on campus, DioGuardi will teach a songwriting workshop for University of Rochester students at the Eastman School of Music.
“It is crucial for students to hear about the way the music business really works from successful people who have seen it from the inside,” said Covach, founding director of the IPM, the Mercer Brugler Distinguished Teaching Professor of Music in the College music department, and a professor of music theory at the University’s Eastman School of Music.
“In Conversation” is one of two lecture series presented by the IPM, which was established in 2012 to encourage and support the study and performance of popular music through lectures, books, articles, and concerts. Over the past three years, the institute’s offerings have expanded to include virtual conferences and workshops, as well as the “In Conversation” series, which has featured talks with artists like John Densmore from The Doors.
Upcoming Event Information:
“In Conversation” with Kara DioGuardi
Wednesday, April 22, 7:30 p.m., Strong Auditorium, River Campus
DioGuardi’s talk will provide a look into her career as a songwriter, producer, music executive and television personality whose songs have appeared on more than 160 million albums. Earlier that day, DioGuardi will teach a songwriting workshop for University of Rochester students at 3:30 p.m. in 1 Messinger Hall at the Eastman School of Music. Interested local songwriters are invited to attend and observe.
“In Conversation” with Bill Flanagan
Wednesday, April 29, 7:30 p.m., Dewey 2-162, River Campus
Television producer and author Bill Flanagan is executive vice president of the Viacom Music Group and editorial director of MTV Networks. Flanagan was one of the producers of “The Concert for New York City” after the 9/11 attacks; “The Beatles Revolution” for ABC; and “Elvis Lives” for NBC.
FOR MORE INFORMATION: High-res photos of DioGuardi and Flanagan are available by request. For more information about the events or general questions, contact Elaine Stroh in the College music department at estroh@ur.rochester.edu.
