Barry Heyman
Entertainment Attoney; Program Coordinator MEIS              
Heyman Law; Five Towns College

Barry Heyman is an attorney practicing music, entertainment, intellectual property (copyrights and trademarks), and new media law for over 20 years. Barry began his career in the entertainment industry in 1992 working in the copyright department at PolyGram Records, handling mechanical and sample licensing for its subsidiaries Def Jam and Mercury Records. He then became in-house counsel for Eagle Rock Entertainment (Eagle Vision, Spitfire Records, and Eagle Records).  In 2004, Barry founded Heyman Law where he is the principal attorney. Barry’s clients include creative talent ranging from songwriters, recording and performing artists, to musicians, actors, spokespersons, social media influencers, DJs, authors, and designers.  Other clients include entrepreneurs, startups, talent management companies, record and publishing companies, entertainment and media companies, events companies, marketing and public relations firms.  Barry is widely regarded as a knowledge leader and regularly speak on panels at music industry conferences. In addition to his law practice, Barry has held several teaching positions at academic institutions, including serving as the inaugural Chairperson of the Music and Entertainment Business Program at the Institute of Audio Research (IAR), the world’s oldest audio engineering school. In his role at IAR, he launched the music business program and also taught a variety of music industry courses.  Over the course of his career, he has served as an adjunct professor also teaching at New York University, The Hartt School of the University of Hartford, and is presently the Program Coordinator of the Music Entertainment Industry Studies at Five Towns College.

Dr. Richard Burgess
President & CEO
American Association of Independent Music

President and CEO for the American Association of Independent Music (A2IM), Dr. Richard James Burgess MBE has produced, recorded, and performed on many gold, platinum, and multi-platinum albums. He was previously head of business at Smithsonian Folkways Recordings where he produced Jazz: The Smithsonian Anthology, chronicling the history of jazz and The Smithsonian Anthology of Hip-Hop and Rap. In 2024, he was elected as a Board Member for the Copyright Alliance in a continued effort to preserve and advocate for the arts, intellectual property and fair compensation for authors and creators. His career path includes studio musician, touring musician, recording artist, producer, manager, and label owner. He is known for his pioneering work with synthesizers, computers, sampling, EDM, New Romantics, early house music, as the inventor of the SDSV drum synthesizer and for coining the music genre terms EDM and New Romantic. His latest books are, The Art of Music Production: The Theory and Practice, 4th Edition and The History of Music Production (Oxford University Press). Burgess has been listed multiple times as a Power Player and an Independent Power Player by Billboard and has received awards from Music Week, the British Arts Council, the Greater London Arts Association, the Park Lane Group, and the British Council for Education. He was awarded an MBE (Member of the Order of the British Empire) in the Queen’s New Year’s Honors list 2022.

Erin Nourijanian        
Vice President, Marketing      
UBS Arena (Oak View Group)        

Erin Nourijanian is a seasoned professional with a remarkable track record in marketing and entertainment for over a decade. As Vice President at UBS Arena, Erin has played a pivotal role in shaping marketing strategies for the newest and award-winning arena in the New York Metropolitan area, located at Belmont Park. Before her role at UBS Arena, Erin was the Senior Director of Marketing at NYCB LIVE, home of The Nassau Veterans Memorial Coliseum. Here, she led the transformation of the arena’s branding following extensive renovations, culminating in the venue’s receipt of the Discover Long Island’s Tourism Trailblazer Award. Before venturing into the arena world, Erin held the position of Director of Marketing at Webster Hall, an iconic historical club venue known worldwide. Under her guidance, the venue won Pollstar’s 2016 Nightclub of the Year award, solidifying its status as the #1 club-sized venue in New York. Erin’s journey in marketing began with her work in radio marketing and promotions with JVC Broadcasting & Connoisseur Media. Her passion for exploration took her to Armenia in 2013, where she contributed to the Armenian Benevolent Union’s YSIP work program. Erin’s dedication to education is equally impressive. She earned her Bachelor’s in Business from Five Towns College and pursued further studies, completing her Masters in Marketing at the Zicklin School of Business at CUNY Baruch. She has studied elementary Spanish, Armenian, and French. In addition to her professional and academic pursuits, Erin is an Adjunct Professor at her alumnus Five Towns College and has had the privilege of guest speaking at other esteemed institutions. Erin is also a sitting member of the Forbes Communications Council.

Michael Lau
COO for CRM, National Chair for AIMP CollectivRights Management and the Association of Independent Music Publishers (AIMP)

Michael is the Chairperson of the National Association of Independent Music Publishers (AIMP) and serves as President of its New York chapter. He is also a professor at Berklee College of Music, where he developed and teaches a course on advanced music publishing administration and royalties. With a 34-year career in the music industry, Michael’s roles have spanned composer, music supervisor, score producer, rights management expert, and founder of a publishing company.

In addition to his work at AIMP and Berklee, Michael sits on multiple advisory boards in the music technology sector and serves on the Operations Advisory Committee of the Mechanical Licensing Collective (MLC). Alongside other prominent industry veterans, he is currently launching a new rights management investment firm, CollectivRights Management. Previously, Michael was a co-founder and former COO of Round Hill Music. Prior to Round Hill, he held various roles at Warner Chappell Music, including Senior Director of Creative Information Technology and Marketing Development.

Michael has also served as a creative consultant to notable estates, including Ray Charles Entertainment and Four Jays Music (Harry Warren). Early in his career, he was a music supervisor (1994 and 1998 CBS Winter Olympics broadcasts), producer, and editor for the entire run of Courage the Cowardly Dog as well as several interactive series for Warner Bros. Animation. He is a graduate of Berklee College of Music.

Sharon Tapper
Executive Director
Music Managers Forum- US         

Sharon Tapper is the Executive Director of the Music Managers Forum-US, the leading trade association for artist managers and self-managed artists in the United States. Serving the music community by providing educational resources, networking opportunities and advocacy efforts on behalf of managers, self-managed artists, and the music community at large that supports them. The MMF-US is part of a larger global network, the International Music Managers Forum (IMMF) – an organization that connects more that sixty-five Music Manager Forums around the world (inc. Europe, Latin America, Asia, Africa, Australia, and New Zealand).  Prior to joining the MMF-US Tapper worked in London as the Assistant Manager at Sarm West Studios, before relocating to the U.S. where in Los Angeles she worked at both Left Bank Management and Gallin Morey Management. Shortly after moving to New York she transitioned into music publishing becoming the third U.S. employee at Kobalt Music Publishing and their VP Creative for eight years. Following that she was hired to be the SVP Music Publishing at Razor & Tie Music Publishing. Tapper was elected to serve multiple terms totaling fourteen years as Governor & Secretary of the NY Chapter of the GRAMMY’s, serving six consecutive terms as Co-Chair of their Advocacy Committee, on which she continues to diligently serve. She also served four years on the NY Chapter of the Association of Independent Music Publishers (AIMP). For ten years she Co-Funded and ran the New York City Creative Community (NYC3).

Lou Plaia
A & R Director: North America
Sentric Music         

Lou Plaia is currently the A&R Director for Sentric Music, a global, award-winning independent music publisher that offers rights management services and sync licensing opportunities to over 400,000 songwriters and represents more than 4 million songs. Plaia’s main role at Sentric is to sign talent to their roster.

Plaia also launched Hot Rats Entertainment in January 2022 and manages the Long Island based female-fronted metalcore band, Deadlands.

Plaia is also an Adjunct Professor at Five Towns College in New York where he teaches classes on Artist Management and Concert Production & Promotion.

In 2006, Plaia created ReverbNation and “disrupted” the music business by offering ALL artists the promotional tools, distribution, publishing administration, and opportunities that were previously only available to artists who were signed to record labels. Within a few years, ReverbNation became the largest DIY Artist Services Platform for musicians in the world, with more than 5 million artists/bands using the platform. In November 2021, after 15 years, Plaia sold the company to BandLab.

From 2002-2005, Plaia was the Head of Marketing and Artist Development for Atlantic Records imprint, Lava Records. And from 1990-2002, Plaia was VP of Strategic Marketing at Atlantic Records. In those roles, he worked in some capacity with Kid Rock, Trans-Siberian Orchestra, Matchbox Twenty, Simple Plan, Jewel, Hootie & the Blowfish, Stone Temple Pilots, Collective Soul, Brandy, Lil’ Kim, O.A.R., Skindred, George Carlin, Mike Stern and many others.

Vanessa Silberman
Owner / A&R / Record Producer
A Diamond Heart Production           

A Diamond Heart Production is an Artist Development Label, Recording, Music, and Publishing Company founded by Vanessa Silberman in 2014. Known for its artist-first ethos, the company offers comprehensive support, from production, recording, and mixing to artist development, release planning, booking and tour strategy, marketing, branding, career development, and much more. With an impressive catalog of over 100 releases, the label blends a classic, artist-friendly, community-driven spirit with a modern digital approach. Named by Alternative Press as one of the “11 LGBTQIA+ and Women-Owned Labels Changing the Music Industry,” A Diamond Heart Production has expanded its reach by launching four sub-labels, fostering a diverse and inclusive music landscape.

Jonathan Wax
Owner
4×4 Artist Management  

Jonathan Wax is the founder of 4×4 Artist Management, a Long Island-based boutique firm specializing in music management and marketing. He began his career by helping launch his brother, singer/songwriter Mikey Wax. Together, they achieved success through grassroots strategies and innovative promotions, eventually securing both a label and publishing deal. Jonathan has since represented numerous talented artists, securing millions of online streams and followers for his clients, along with dozens of major placements in TV, film, and advertising, national press and radio airplay, and tours around the globe. The focus has always been, and always will be, on fostering strong fan connections. Wax was also the host of the former web series “”The Record,”” produced by United Stations Radio Networks, where he interviewed artists such as Howie D of the Backstreet Boys and The Fratellis, among many others.

Jordan Kruger
Digital Rights Management Specialist           
TuneCore       

Jordan Kugler has been active in the music business since 15, when he first began releasing mixes online, and DJ’ing live parties. He was hired by ONErpm, a Record Label and Artist Services Firm, before graduating from Five Towns College, to join their Direct-To-Fan team. There he rose from Intern to YouTube Specialist, where he oversaw a multi-channel network of 600+ artists, while also helping to develop the company’s Publishing and Educational products. He currently works at TuneCore, where he is helping grow their Artist Services Products across YouTube while maintaining the companies Social Partner Agreements

Erica Ramon    
Founder & CEO              
Eminor, Inc.           

Erica Ramon is an accomplished creative consultant and marketing strategist with two decades of experience. Recognized for expertise in artist management, A&R, licensing, brand strategy, business development, integrated marketing and the live sector with a comprehensive understanding of the changing state of the industry. She brings her passion, client-tailored and strategic approach to every project ranging from curating and producing iconic events, to providing a 360-degree business strategy, focusing on creative and artist development, branding and partnerships; live event production; touring and merchandising. With a passion for music, people and pace, Erica works hand in hand with clients to foster relationships that expand creative output, build lifelong audiences, produce once in a lifetime experiences and more. For more information visit www.ericaramon.com.

Karen Bella
Performing & Recording Artist

Karen Bella, is a NYC & Long Island-based performing and recording artist, who crosses genres in her songwriting, while having a strong foundation in the “”classics.””  Her hard work, beautiful voice, and experience with live performances, all attribute to turning all eyes and ears in the room to her when she’s on stage. Bella began studying music performance and acting in elementary school.  She started booking recording sessions by 9 years old and was writing songs at age 12.  After attending Five Towns College, she pursued music full-time, releasing her first album, Ordinary Girl in 2013, Karen Bella, self-titled EP (produced by Josh Dion) in 2020, and the single, “”Rise Up,”” (produced by Dion) in 2023,  which currently has over 64.8k streams on Spotify.  She continues to perform throughout the tri-state area playing such notable venues as the Rockwood Music Hall, The Bitter End, the Landmark Theater in Port Washington, Great South Bay Music Festival and the Philadelphia Music Festival, Spotlight at The Paramount (opening for Hannah Wicklund) and is currently working on the follow up releases for 2025.  In October 2023, Karen had a show-stopping performance at The Bitter End in NYC, with musicians, David Cook (Taylor Swift, Maren Morris), Josh Dion (Bill Evans, John Scofield) , Brian Killeen, and Teddy Kumpel (Joe Jackson).

From a recent interview, Bella expressed that, “I’m lucky that I get to share my love for Folk, Rock, R&B, Pop, and Country music to its fullest.  My shows and albums represent these little chapters of my life and give the fans and audience a glimpse into my heart and mind.  My goal as a songwriter is to have a positive effect on the listener, because music has been a miraculous coping mechanism for me, helping all of us to fight the sadness and anxiety that follow traumatic life events.”  Bella was named a Sam Ash “Spotlight Artist in 2019,” becoming an official Fishman-endorsed artist (2019).  She was also a Yamaha Guitar Ambassador in 2022 and in the same year she became an Elixir Strings Artist.  In June 2022 and April of 2023, Bella was chosen to perform at NAMM (National Association of Music Merchants) in Anaheim, CA.    Most recently, she was nominated as Best Singer From Long Island 2023, by the Town of Bethpage.  The self-titled EP, Karen Bella, charted #30 in the Folk Alliance International Charts and received commercial airplay in 2022.  The single, “”Indio,”” charted #2 on the World Indie Music Charts in 2023, including more than 32k streams on Spotify.

Randi Giebel  
Licensed Mental Health Counselor
Five Towns College         

Randi Giebel is a Licensed Mental Health Counselor (LMHC).  She has been working in the field for over twenty years. Giebel has been working at Five Towns College Counseling Center for about six years now as well as maintaining a private practice.

Suzanne Fattorini, LMSW       
CEO, Licensed Therapist        
The Rock/Star Advocate, LLC   

Suz is a licensed therapist and founder of The Rock/Star Advocate, guiding creative professionals to find career success through a growth mindset. Her passion is helping creatives find a better work/life balance through better understanding their own productivity rhythms and career goals. You can learn more about her work on her podcast, Redefine the Hustle, available on all podcast platforms.

Marni Wandner
Integrative Health Coach | Executive Coach
Marni Wandner Coaching         

Marni Wandner is a board certified integrative health coach and holistic executive coach working primarily with music industry professionals. Her background is 22 years of experience as an executive and entrepreneur in the music business. She uses coaching psychology, nervous system regulation techniques, nutrition, neuroplasticity exercises and a system based on the Chinese Five Elements to help her clients with stress management, burnout prevention and recovery, resilience building, productivity and more. Marni offers one-on-one coaching as well as workshops and group sessions.

Michael Heyliger
Owner
Mike Joseph Coaching      

Mike has over thirty years of experience in the music industry; including retail and client management, sales and marketing, physical and digital distribution, CRM and PR. He was cited by Billboard Magazine in 2020 for their “”Pride List”” of influential LGBTQIA+ music executives. He is the creator, host and producer of the podcast “”Detoxicity””, which focuses a lens of progressive masculinity. Founder of the mental health initiative Mindful Vinyl, which releases albums on green vinyl to benefit mental health awareness. Most recently, Mike gained a coaching certification and started Mike Joseph Coaching, LLC.

Grammy Award-winning, multi-platinum super music producer Jerry ‘Wonda’ Duplessis is one of the most highly regarded and musically adept producers to emerge from the hip-hop era since the early 1990’s. Today he is an entrepreneur and philanthropist whose stellar music career includes three Grammy Awards and over 16 nominations, a publishing catalog of 300+ titles, and 300+ million single and album copies sold.

The self-taught musician has produced hits in every genre of music including hip hop, pop, R & B, reggae, world, and rock. He has worked with musical greats including The Fugees, Whitney Houston, Rihanna, Shakira, Melissa Etheridge, Carlos Santana, Mary J. Blige, Beyoncé, Mick Jagger, Bono, Eric Clapton, John Legend, Michael Jackson, and Justin Bieber, among many others.

His 2006 hit “Hips Don’t Lie” with Shakira and Wyclef Jean broke music records globally and is regarded as one of the best songs of all time. Jerry has also produced songs for feature films including the Golden Globe-nominated “Million Voices” for Hotel Rwanda and scored ten films and documentaries.

Jerry currently serves as a Governor of the New York Chapter of the Recording Academy (the Grammy’s) and Co-Chair of its Producers & Engineers Wing. His philanthropic work includes being a Goodwill Ambassador to Haiti, recognized for advocating, promoting, and supporting the country and its people globally on projects for humanitarian relief, education, health, sustainable business, and community development. He is also known for his extensive work surrounding education, affordable housing, Haiti relief, and mental health.

Jerry’s global vision continues to inspire. He is a stalwart in the New Jersey State and Newark community where he has worked on youth arts and entrepreneur initiatives, for which he was awarded the Impact Award by Rutgers University and honored at many other events. Jerry is also a member of the Board of Directors for the Newark Symphony Hall, Backline and the Vassar Haiti Project.

Krysti O’Rourke
Director of Career Services  
Five Towns College          

Krysti O’Rourke’s background in higher education, private business and the public sector proves to be the perfect fit for her leadership role in Career Services.  O’Rourke holds a Bachelor’s degree from Ithaca College, and a Master’s degree in Public Administration from Long Island University- CW Post Campus. As an adjunct instructor for 15 + years  (graduate and undergraduate courses), her job as was complimented by being hired for assignments as a research associate for the LIU Center on Aging, the LIU Center for Management Analysis, and the Town of Huntington’s Youth Bureau. O’Rourke’s experience as an Associate Manager for a successful employment agency, a Placement Coordinator for a home health care agency and her involvement in a variety of public training programs has added to her value in developing employer relationships and creating programs to assist the job seeker.  Working with commitment, she has placed hundreds of students in successful internships and jobs, and is constantly finding opportunities at top companies in the entertainment industry.   She participates in events for The Melville Chamber of Commerce, Grammy U, AES, MNYCYPOA, CCC-LI and the W.O.M.E.N. group of the Melville Chamber as well as a variety of events in entertainment.  She leads her staff to create and conduct workshops in professional development and continues to work collaboratively with Student Activities to conduct “home grown” programs such as a Professional Dining Etiquette Series, Super Successful Alumni Panels, and auditions for our performers with major entertainment companies.

David Levy       
VP, Revenue Growth & Income Tracking       
Primary Wave             

During his time at Primary Wave, David has seen the company grow from 20 acquired catalogs to 150+. He has been instrumental in ensuring all revenue is collected for these catalogs and ensuring all avenues are paying the company for these timeless songs. He is focused on using analytics and data to ensure all catalogs are being administered by the right partner for those specific songs. David has previously worked in the royalties department at Entertainment One where he was responsible for mechanical royalties for all of eOne’s in-house and acquired labels. In that time, he worked with clients such as Dr. Dre, The Game, Wu-Tang Clan, and DJ Khaled. He has been able to take his passion for music and data analysis and turn it into a career in the industry that he has always been passionate about. David graduated from Five Towns College cum laude with a Bachelor’s Degree in Business Management with a concentration in Music Business. During college, David also spent time at Primary Wave as a publishing intern.

Asjai Lou
Casting Director
Asjai Lou Casting

Born into showbiz royalty, Asjai Lou was destined for the entertainment industry. With a jazz musician father on Broadway, a TV executive mother, and a godfather who headed Universal Pictures, Asjai’s upbringing between LA and NYC gave her a unique perspective on the world of talent.Starting her career casting music videos for artists like Kanye West, Kelis, and Lil Kim, Asjai quickly honed her skills in spotting captivating personalities. This led her to become the casting mastermind behind iconic reality shows like American Idol, Big Brother, Real Housewives of Atlanta, and Ready To Love.However, Asjai’s true talent lies in “”real people casting,”” where she effortlessly connects everyday people with incredible opportunities in commercials for top brands like McDonald’s, Nike, and T-Mobile. Some of her discoveries have even graced the screens during the Super Bowl and Olympics!Now, Asjai is generously sharing her expertise with aspiring casting professionals through her new internship program and her groundbreaking reality TV casting pro directory, coming to bookstores and online this September! It’s the ultimate guide for anyone looking to break into the exciting world of casting.Asjai’s journey proves that with passion, perseverance, and a touch of Hollywood magic, you can turn your dreams into reality!

Ryan MacTaggart
SVP Artist Development & Lifestyle Marketing
300 Entertainment

Based in New York, NY, Ryan MacTaggart is the Senior Vice President of Artist Development & Lifestyle Marketing at 300 Entertainment, where he leads innovative marketing strategies for the label’s diverse roster of artists. With over two decades of experience in the music and entertainment industries, Ryan brings a wealth of expertise in brand partnerships, social media marketing, and artist development. He has worked closely with artists ranging from Megan Thee Stallion to Tee Grizzley, helping them build their brands and expand their reach through strategic partnerships and immersive marketing.Ryan’s background includes a Bachelor of Applied Science in Music Business from Five Towns College, and he has held key roles at 300 Entertainment, where he oversees all aspects of tour marketing, special events, and cross-industry collaborations. His deep knowledge of both the music and lifestyle sectors has led to successful partnerships with major sports leagues, brands, and cultural influencers, bridging the gap between music, fashion, and sports. A seasoned leader, Ryan continues to push the boundaries of artist development, creating opportunities that drive both artistic and commercial success.

Francisco (Cisco) Hernandez      
Director, A&R Research           
Republic Records, Universal Music Group     

Francisco Hernandez, also known as Cisco, is currently the Director of A&R research at Republic Records, the #1 record label in the music industry. He’s responsible for identifying and signing new artists for the company. Prior to his current role, Cisco worked in the stream team at Republic, overseeing the digital advertising strategy for the artists signed to the label.  He started his music career at RCA, where he began in the radio promotion department, focusing on pop and rock music. After that he moved to The Orchard where he focused in building marketing campaigns for the company’s catalog.