Congratulations to 2012's New Venture Challenge Winners!

First Prize: $2,000: Emily Wozniak and Sound ExChange

Sound ExChange is a student-run organization at the Eastman School of Music that responds creatively to the following question: how can classical music thrive in contemporary culture? Sound ExChange explores alternative ways of presenting classical music with the hope of enhancing the traditional concert experience and engaging new audiences. We believe music is not only relevant to society; it is essential to our well-being. This ensemble is dedicated to exploring what the current generation of musicians can do to contribute to the vitality of classical music.

The goal of Sound ExChange is to offer a new experience with classical music by breaking down the barrier that normally exists between the audience and performers. At our concerts the audience members are encouraged to sit within the orchestra, which allows them to connect with musicians and be immersed in the sound. Sound ExChange seeks to demonstrate the relevance and impact of classical music to new listeners and to facilitate a social and intellectual exchange between the audience and musicians.

Second Prize: $500: Kelly Kasle and Harmony, Heal-It Health Music Cream

Music Cream is a patented transdermal othomolecular formulation of 20+ natural ingredients each capable of inhibiting multiple chronic inflammatory pathways. It works at the Extra Cellular Matrix level via a normalization process whereby inflammatory processes are surppressed and anti-inflammatory processes are enhanced. The formulation include curcumin, wasabi, resveratrol, EGCG from green tea, vitamin D, and several essential oils. In addition, it is free of harmful opiates, steroids, NSAIDs and other harmful chemicals.

Independed laboratory studies have shown Music Cream to be as effective as the strongest steroid on the market for reducing inflammation and relieving pain.

Description of Contest

The Eastman New Venture Challenge is a contest to encourage new thinking and innovative ideas in music. It gives students the opportunity to develop a project proposal that could result in the launch of a new entrepreneurial initiative.

Entries may be from individuals or teams of up to three students. Entrants must create and present a project proposal that demonstrates creativity and potential for success. The proposals will be evaluated in a preliminary round by a panel of judges who are experts in the field. Two to four student entries will be invited to participate in the final round where each initiative will be evaluated on both the written proposal and an oral presentation. Successful entrants will have demonstrated creativity, innovation, uniqueness, and added value to the music field. Project Proposals will be returned to all entrants with comments and suggestions from the judges.

New Venture Challenge 2012 Information

Documents

All materials must be submitted by 4 pm on the due date to the Institute for Music Leadership Office (first floor of the Miller Center).

The following documents outline the contest and provide all necessary information. However, potential applicants are strongly encouraged to attend the information sessions as further contest details and information about business planning will be discussed.

Questions? Contact Professor Ramon Ricker in the IML office.

Awards

First prize: $2,000*; Second prize: $500*

Seed money for development of your venture along with advisory support from Eastman's Center for Music Innovation and Engagement to help bring your idea to fruition. Prize money is intended to offset documented costs directly associated with winning projects.

*Prize money may be taxable. Entrants should consult their tax advisor.

What to Submit

A project proposal (suggested 3-5 pages in length) that includes:
Summary of Proposed Project
Description of Company/Organization/Venture
Product or Service
Market Analysis
Strategy and Implementation
Management Team
Financial Plan

What is Entrepreneurship in Music?

The Ewing Marion Kauffman Foundation grant to the University of Rochester began a dialogue among the Schools within the University that resulted in a much broader definition of entrepreneurship than is usually found in business. "The transformation of an idea into an enterprise that generates value," is a description that encompasses all areas of study and is the definition in use at the Eastman School.

Important Dates

Aug'12

Stay Tuned for next year's New Venture Challenge! Keep your business ideas flowing, and maybe YOU can be next years challenge winner!

Eligibility

The contest is open to all students who are enrolled full-time in an Eastman degree program and are in good academic standing.
Entries can be by individuals or teams of up to three members.
Project Proposals must be original work.