ArtsQuest is excited to announce the return of the Musikfest Music Industry Conference Aug. 2–4. Taking place in Bethlehem during Musikfest, the nation’s largest free, ungated music festival, the conference invites attendees to immerse themselves in a city transformed by live music and entertainment. Experience the future of the industry, connect with fellow professionals and amplify your passion for music, all while being steps away from hundreds of live performances happening across the festival.

For three days, music educators, artists, students and industry leaders come together for an unforgettable celebration of creativity, collaboration and innovation at the Musikfest Music Industry Conference presented by The Foundry Recording Studio. Dive into interactive sessions, cutting-edge technology demonstrations, inspiring keynote speakers and real-world insights designed to bridge the worlds of music education and today’s evolving industry.

“The return of the Music Industry Conference to Musikfest continues to build momentum with the addition of world class speakers addressing timely, cutting-edge topics,” said Patrick Brogan, ArtsQuest Chief Programming Officer. “For decades, Musikfest has brought the most diverse array of music to the Lehigh Valley; this event builds upon that with the diversity of thought leaders in the music field who will be present to share and collaborate. Music industry students, educators, performers, artists and fans alike will find topics that fascinate and inspire throughout the conference in this convening on the music industry in Bethlehem this summer.”

“We’re incredibly excited to be the presenting sponsor of the 2026 Musikfest Music Industry Conference!” said Jason Wegfahrt, Studio Director/Engineer at The Foundry Recording Studio. “We believe the Lehigh Valley can become a nationally recognized home for music recording and creation because of the people here and the depth of talent within our community. That belief is why we built a recording facility with eight studios, committed to serving as a people-first, professional resource center for musicians, engineers and producers across our region. Partnering with ArtsQuest through this conference feels like a natural extension of why The Foundry exists, and we’re grateful to be a part of something that brings attention and support to our local music community.”

Get your tickets atartsquest.org/musikfest-music-industry-conference/. Early bird pricing is available through March 1.

Students can receive a discounted rate by emailing a photo of their school ID to gobert@artsquest.org. Single-day passes are available only on Monday, Aug. 3, and Tuesday, Aug. 4. For the full experience, buy a three-day pass to access all conference sessions plus a special kick-off event on Sunday introducing Musikfest and allowing attendees an opportunity to network before the conference sessions begin on Monday.

ArtsQuest is building on the success of the conference’s 2024 debut with new interactive programs, a larger scope of presenters and even more opportunities for attendees to learn, perform and connect.

• Selected youth and emerging bands (ages 10-adult) can receive coaching, perform on an official Musikfest stage and receive live feedback from talent buyers, agents and producers through the new Band Showcase Program.

• Network in the Green Room Mentorship Lounge for one-on-one and small group mentorship with industry veterans, modeled after NAMM’s “Networking with the Pros.”

Over 30 panels and presentations will connect music education with the professional music industry. Musikfest Music Industry Conference Strands include:

• Production & Live Events Operations: sound engineering, lighting design, backstage roles, tour logistics, safety, union work and production tech.

• Performance & Artist Development: branding, booking, stamina, creative process, mental health, coaching and cross-genre collaboration.

• Music Business & Entrepreneurship: marketing, contracts, startups, financial literacy, talent buying, digital strategy and EPKs.

• Innovation & Future Trends: AI in music, Web3, inclusive design, hybrid engagement, music ed reform and social entrepreneurship.

• Modern Music Education: Teaching methods and approaches that integrate production, performance, business and innovation within contemporary music education programs.

Featured Presenters include:

•Keynote Speaker, Dr. David Cutler, acclaimed author of “The Savvy Musician” and “The Savvy Music Teacher”. Cutler is one of the world’s most influential voices on arts entrepreneurship; he balances a vibrant career as a multi-genre musician, speaker, author, consultant and Yamaha Master Educator.

• The Museum of Music Technology Powered by EMEAPP will present how electronic instruments, live production and classroom integration are transforming the sound of tomorrow.

• Underground Music Collective will teach attendees how to build their authentic artist brand and stand out in today’s music landscape.

• Jeremy dePrisco will continue the discussion about AI in music that started at the 2024 Musikfest Music Industry Conference, examining what has happened in the field since the last conference and the many arguments for and against AI music tools.

• Kevin Longwill and Luis Aguilar of Abington School District will present Amplifying Young Artist Integrating Artist Development into School Music Programs.

• And so much more! See the full list of panels and presenters artsquest.org/music-industry-conference-presenters/.

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