Success in the music business has many integrated parts. While it is imperative to know your craft, you are also well-served to have a competent understanding of music history, excellence, and innovation. But to be ultimately successful, a firm understanding of leadership is mandatory. I am a believer that leadership is a philosophy of life and that we demonstrate it though our everyday actions.
True leaders in any industry leave subtle clues for subordinates in hopes that they may actively recognize their philosophy of leadership and learn from it. True leaders are more invested in the advancement of others then they are interested in advancement of themselves. They care more about leaving a legacy of leadership than simply selling a product.
Leaders knowingly hoist a heavy load, and they don’t rest until they believe in their hearts (not their heads) that they have done everything possible to advance an issue or a cause.
A great example of this ideal would be the members of the steering committee of S.W.I.M. This team understands the meaning of passion, purpose, and leadership. S.W.I.M. is made up of Robin Walenta, the president of West Music (and the first chairwoman of NAMM); Crystal Morris, president & CEO of Gator Co.; and DeDe Heid, executive vice president of Heid Music.
S.W.I.M.’s Mission is Timely, as Well as Focused.
S.W.I.M. stands for Smart Women in Music, and Robin and the leadership team of S.W.I.M. intend to shatter forever the glass ceiling woman have historically encountered in business, so that women, like men, are measured on their abilities and leadership skills. Being the father of a daughter who is entering the music business, I champion this philosophy 100 percent.
Robin Walenta will have a chance to reinforce S.W.I.M.’s important message when she moderates an all-female panel of music retail leaders and NAMM Dealer of the Year winners. This NAMM U session focuses on the state of the music industry and the opportunities these female leaders believe are emerging trends, as they also share lessons they have learned along their collective roads to success. Gayle Beacock, Cindy Cook, Tracy Leenman, and Lori Supinie (NAMM’s first Dealer of the Year winner) join Robin in sharing their wisdom. The event is Friday at 1 p.m. in the NAMM Idea Center.
History reflects that smart women have been unique leaders in the fields of music and business for a while, and there is celebration aplenty at this year’s NAMM TEC awards. This year, the unparalleled Joni Mitchell will receive the coveted Les Paul Innovation Award. Few artists, male or female, have enjoyed Joni’s considerable success, and fewer have been as prolific in their quality compositions.
Joni has always been bold. Not only is she a great singer-songwriter and painter, she has even tackled the role of music producer long before it was accepted as a norm for female artists. Always surrounding herself with world-class musicians, Joni has never been afraid to be thought-provoking with her lyrics or use unusual tunings to showcase a melody. Joni is not only a music legend; she is also a musical pioneer.
But what about other successful women in business? Well, few businessmen have achieved the iconic musical success of Dolly Parton, much less own their own amusement park. If you are a subscriber to Netflix, then you are no stranger to “Heartstrings,” Dolly Parton’s new collection of stories based on her song lyrics.
Dolly is the executive producer, and the quality of “Heartstrings” is exactly what you would expect from an iconic star. These Hallmark style episodes are fresh, captivating films, and every episode has a different top tier cast. The excellence in the film production reflects the quality for which Dolly Parton has come to be known. The scripts are well written and tackle todays tough issues.
With every episode, Dolly shows us why she is so revered as a leader. Dolly’s ease in film production harkens back to the success of her “9 to 5” days. What else would you expect from a woman who in that movie says, “If you don’t stop; I’m gonna get my gun and change you from a rooster to a hen – in one shot.”
Like Joni Mitchell, Dolly Parton is a game-changing artist and a leader in moving the cause of women forward. The retail music business has so many wonderful and inspiring women leaders. Of course, I’m partial to my daughter’s boss, Christie Carter of Carter Vintage Guitars. Her nickname is “The Red Velvet Hammer.” I have a sneaking suspicion there is probably a tale behind a nickname like that. Barbara Wight COO of Taylor Guitars is also certainly one of the more respected woman in all aspects of business, including a stint with John Deere.
But since we are celebrating the respect for smart women in music, I have to mention a woman who’s had a great impact on my career: Mary Luehrsen of the NAMM foundation. I have worked with Mary since 2008 on the NAMM fly-in, and few I know represent the passionate dedication and tenacity of Mary. Well, now that I think about it, there is that fireball Susan Lipp of Full Compass, another pioneer.
In Closing…
Today, women are the leaders in music. You need look no further than last year’s Grammy Awards or this year’s CMAs to see who is taking home the awards. Brandi Carlile and Kacey Musgraves are among the leaders every time. In my store, girls are the first to sign up and lead the way.
Ok boys, the message is clear: Catch up, or move over. But whatever you do, show respect.
Menzie Pittman is the owner and director of education at Contemporary Music Center in Virginia (CMC). Following a performance and teaching career spanning more than 32 years, he founded CMC in 1989 and continues to perform, teach, and oversee daily operations. He has 50 years of musical experience as a drummer and drum instructor. Menzie is a frequent speaker at NAMM’s Idea Center, and a freelance writer for MMR’s “Small Business Matters” column.
