Dr. Brandon Bell, Ms. Laura Dunaway, Dr. Brady Spitz
Brandon Bell is general manager of DACAMERA, Houston’s premiere presenter of chamber music and jazz. A native of Buffalo, New York, Bell holds degrees in percussion performance from the Peabody Institute of The Johns Hopkins University (B.M.) and the Shepherd School of Music at Rice University (M.M. and D.M.A.).
Laura Dunaway founded Innovative Performing Artists in 2016, collaborating with exceptional artists to offer tailored booking and creative services. She currently works with the roster of MKI Artists, and has held roles with Park Avenue Artists, United Talent Agency, Alliance Artist Management, Vantage Artists, and ICM Artists across her 20+ year career. Laura graduated from The Peabody Institute (M.M.) and The University of Miami (B.M) in percussion performance.
Brady Spitz is Assistant Professor and Coordinator of Percussion at Appalachian State University in Boone, NC. He is also Principal Percussionist of the Western Piedmont Symphony. He holds degrees in percussion performance from the University of North Texas (B.M.), Louisiana State University (M.M.), and the Shepherd School of Music at Rice University (D.M.A).
Laura Dunaway founded Innovative Performing Artists in 2016, collaborating with exceptional artists to offer tailored booking and creative services. She currently works with the roster of MKI Artists, and has held roles with Park Avenue Artists, United Talent Agency, Alliance Artist Management, Vantage Artists, and ICM Artists across her 20+ year career. Laura graduated from The Peabody Institute (M.M.) and The University of Miami (B.M) in percussion performance.
Brady Spitz is Assistant Professor and Coordinator of Percussion at Appalachian State University in Boone, NC. He is also Principal Percussionist of the Western Piedmont Symphony. He holds degrees in percussion performance from the University of North Texas (B.M.), Louisiana State University (M.M.), and the Shepherd School of Music at Rice University (D.M.A).
Finding Pathways for Performances: A Discussion From the Perspective of Management and Presenters
Session Description:
Professional percussionists from every genre and in every stage of their careers can struggle with how to establish strong professional relationships among management, arts presenters, and community stakeholders. Our panel will speak about preparing stand-out electronic press kits and riders, building a successful network of relationships within your arts community, and highlighting how you can attract positive attention in a crowded field.
This session will present pragmatic advice on building a successful performance career told from the perspective of music presenters and artist management. Led by Dr. Brady Spitz, this panel will feature Dr. Brandon Bell, General Manager of DACAMERA Chamber Music and Jazz, and Ms. Laura Dunaway, Artist Manager and Booking Agent with MKI Artists, speaking about how to get your creative projects from the rehearsal hall to the stage.
As a case study, we will present DACAMERA’s commission and premiere of Kendrick Scott’s 2023 work "Unearthed"
Session Category:
- Education
- |
- Panel Discussion
Date:
Thursday, November 13, 2025
Time:
4:00 PM
Location:
Room 209
Session Type:
Panel Discussion
Session Format:
Live
