Multi-stylistic Violinist, Versatile Instructor, Arts Advocate, and Bloomingtonian! Critically acclaimed violinist and Jacobs alumna Sara Caswell is defining what it means to be a multi-stylistic musician. Her solo and ensemble performing have led her around the world—from university concert halls, to jazz clubs, bluegrass gatherings, and everything in between. Her teaching includes equally varied arenas… Read more »
Entrepreneur of the Month
Kim Carballo: October Entrepreneur of the Month
Pianist, Entrepreneur, Vocal Coach, and Mentor Meet Kim Carballo, Project Jumpstart’s October Entrepreneur of the Month! As a first-rate pianist and innovative project director, opera coach Kim Carballo offers important insights into building a not-for-profit arts organization and career preparation in the 21st century. Kim founded Reimagining Opera for Kids (ROK), a Bloomington-based opera company that serves the community… Read more »
Ching-Yi Lin: September Entrepreneur of the Month
Violinist and Innovative Teacher (and Jacobs School alumnus!) Meet Ching-Yi Lin, Project Jumpstart’s September Entrepreneur of the Month! Ching-Yi Lin spent her formative musical life as a talented performer focused on a concert career. While studying at IU, her entrepreneurial spirit was ignited while working with Mimi Zweig and Brenda Brenner, co-directors the Jacobs School’s… Read more »
Matthew VanBesien: August Entrepreneur of the Month
President and Executive Director of the New York Philharmonic (and Jacobs School alumnus!) A native of St. Louis, Missouri, Matthew VanBesien earned a bachelor of music degree in French horn performance from the Jacobs School of Music. He performed with the Louisiana Philharmonic Orchestra in New Orleans from 1992 to 2000 and then completed the… Read more »
Béla Fleck: April Entrepreneur of the Month
Banjo Performer and Entrepreneur Last fall, Project Jumpstart had the honor of hosting a Meet & Greet with Béla Fleck at the MAC lobby. Click here to watch the multiple Grammy Award winner perform and share his words of wisdom with Jacobs School students. “If your vision is the practice room, then it’s not such an interesting vision… Read more »
Jeff Nelsen: March Entrepreneur of the Month
Hornist and Entrepreneur With a wide-ranging career as an internationally acclaimed hornist, pedagogue, entrepreneur and professional advisor, world-renowned Jacobs School of Music professor Jeff Nelsen is Project Jumpstart’s Entrepreneur of the Month. His enterprising activities connect with an amazing cross-section of the music industry. Jeff is one of the many pig-farm-raised Canadian magician horn players… Read more »
William Harvey: February Entrepreneur of the Month
Alumnus William Harvey arrived in Bloomington in 1997 to study violin with the legendary Mimi Zweig. Little did he know then that his studies and training would propel him into an extraordinary and groundbreaking career that includes world-wide accolades for his cultural diplomacy, a not-for-profit organization Cultures in Harmony, and innovative teaching position in Kabul, Afghanistan. The… Read more »
Melissa Snoza: January Entrepreneur of the Month
Executive director of the Fifth House Ensemble, virtuoso flutist, and passionate advocate for chamber music, Melissa is an active educator who serves as Adjunct Professor of Flute at Carthage College, teaches a music entrepreneurship course at DePaul University, and maintains a private studio. Read Melissa’s bio here >> Project Jumpstart interviewed Melissa about her career as… Read more »
Frederic Chiu: December Entrepreneur of the Month
A sought-after pianist, teacher, and gifted entrepreneur, Frederic Chiu has embarked on a career that matches his virtuosic performances with highly innovative projects. Since completing a BM in piano at the Jacobs School with Professor Karen Shaw and a Master’s Degree at the Juilliard School with Abbey Simon, his performing career has taken him to many… Read more »
Diana Smith Nixon: November Entrepreneur of the Month
For our inaugural (November, 2013) Entrepreneur of the Month feature, Project Jumpstart interviewed JSoM alumna Diana Smith Nixon, who started her online business here in Bloomington while still at IU. She is now founder of Mpingo Studios, on the board of directors of Roundabout Opera for Kids, and initiated Tunaweza Kimuziki (Swahili for “Through Music All is… Read more »