Peggy Monastra is the Director of Promotion at G. Schirmer Music Publishers. Prior to coming to G. Shirmer, she worked in the music division of the Library of Congress.
Peggy Monastra, Director of Promotions for G. Schirmer Music Publishers, offers advice to individuals entering the music industry. She suggests hearing as much live music in one's interest area as possible. It helps to familiarize yourself with the preferred area of the music industry that interests you. Monastra points out that successful individuals choose careers in music that match their passions. However, she notes it is also important to remain flexible when seeking employment in the music industry. Monastra shares some personal goals of becoming an artistic director. She also mentions an important point to keep in mind, many careers take up copious amounts of time. She believes the more successful people are single and devoted to their jobs. Balancing a career in the music business with a family isn't easy.
Peggy Monastra, Director of Promotions for G. Schirmer Music Publishers, talks about her diverse background. She went to school for music therapy, piano pedagogy, and musicology. Monastra also played, and continues to play, the piano and harpsichord. As a student, she was always interested in composers. Also in this segment, Monastra explains how she became interested in contemporary music. She worked in the music division at the Library of Congress. Her work on recently donated composer collections, such as the Aaron Copland collection, made her realize that she enjoyed making history, not studying it. Her move to New York is covered as well. Monastra also shares some advice on getting a job. She suggests having a musical background and having strong writing skills.
Peggy Monastra, Director of Promotions for G. Schirmer Music Publishers, talks about the day-to-day activities of a music publisher. Music publishers seek out repertoire that fits a certain programming need for the client. They also spend time sending scores and CDs to clients. Monastra also shares that publishers are often partners in developing consortiums between opera companies or orchestras. Negotiating commission contracts, developing a new production budget, working with composers, and setting up meetings are included as well.
Peggy Monastra, Director of Promotions for G. Schirmer Music Publishers, talks about the levels of education and backgrounds needed for publishing work.
