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Dave Gerhart
Dr. Dave Gerhart is Artist Relations Partner for Yamaha Corporation of America and a former Lecturer of Percussion at the Bob Cole Conservatory of Music at CSU Long Beach. A nationally recognized performer, composer, and educator, he holds a D.M.A. in Percussion Performance from USC, M.M. degrees in Percussion Performance and Instrumental Conducting, and a B.M. in Music Education from CSU Long Beach. He has been featured on recordings with the Robin Cox Ensemble, Steven Hartke, and Gabriela Ortiz. As a freelance musician, he has performed under Gustavo Dudamel, Zubin Mehta, Carl St. Clair, Enrique Diemecke, and Mehli Mehta, and with Yo‑Yo Ma, Bobby McFerrin, Michael Kamen, Liam Teague, Yefim Bronfman, Ray Holman, Robert Greenidge, and the Blue Man Group. Dr. Gerhart has served on the Percussive Arts Society Board of Advisors, as California PAS Chapter Vice President, and has published numerous compositions for percussion and steel drum orchestra.

Beyond the Performance: Developing the Skills That Make You Marketable

Education
Professional DevelopmentLive

In today’s fast‑moving and competitive music landscape, being a great performer or educator is no longer enough. You must also be marketable. This session explores how musicians and music educators can strengthen their career opportunities by developing a clear personal brand, building a strategic online presence, and approaching their profession with an entrepreneurial mindset. The session will examine the foundations of personal branding, including understanding what you want to be known for, identifying what makes you unique, and defining the value you bring to students, colleagues, or audiences. The session will also highlight the importance of controlling your digital footprint across websites, email, and social platforms to ensure your message is consistent, memorable, and aligned with your long‑term goals.

Participants will learn practical strategies for crafting professional materials such as résumés, bios, headshots, and electronic press kits, as well as tips for navigating interviews and presenting themselves confidently. The session will also explore how musicians can expand beyond traditional roles by leveraging skills they already possess, including communication, collaboration, organization, and creativity, to open new doors in teaching, performing, and arts leadership. Whether you are preparing for your next job search, aiming to elevate your professional profile, or simply seeking ways to stand out in a crowded field, this presentation will equip you with actionable tools to take ownership of your career and create the opportunities you envision.