For a job that revolves around publicity and performance, being a musician can be isolating. Music is seen by many as a hobby, not a career, and industry jobs are looked down upon because they’re rarely a lucrative choice. Luckily for SCC’s music community, the Survive with Music and Entertainment (SME) Club is a place just for student musicians. The club meets at 6 p.m. every Thursday in Room 806 of the Music Building, or on Zoom for those who can’t make it in person. Here, students can make connections and learn important skills to beat the starving-artist stereotype.

In the first few weeks of winter quarter, the SME club has hosted a diverse range of guest speakers. On Jan. 12, Music Tech faculty member Matt Jorgensen shared his expertise in making industry connections, and on Jan. 17, SCC Music graduate Racheal MacQuarrie gave an introduction to the unique opportunities provided by the Recording Academy’s GRAMMY U program. If you missed out on these events, there are always more to come! On Feb. 2, piano tuner Nathan Jensen, who keeps SCC’s pianos working and sounding great, will give an inside look at what this specialized job is really like.

Keep an eye on the Music Department’s Instagram and Facebook pages for future events. Whether you aspire to be a piano player or a piano tuner, if you’re a student looking to start or further your career in the music industry, SCC’s Survive with Music and Entertainment Club is here for you.