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Concert Coordinator for Pittsburgh Winery is a 2015 SAEM Graduate Tuesday, November 1, 2016

Pictured is Rachel Travisano, SAEM alumna and concert coordinator for Pittsburgh Winery. | Photo by Shayna Mendez

Meet Rachel Travisano

Job title: Concert Coordinator
Employer: Pittsburgh Winery
Degree earned: Bachelor of Science in Sports, Arts, and Entertainment Management
Graduated: December 2015
College activities: Member of SAEM Club and Vice President of Music Association Club
Scholarship from Point Park: Presidential Scholarship
Hometown: Oakmont, Pa.
High school: Riverview Junior-Senior High School
Now living in: Lawrenceville section of Pittsburgh
Hobbies/interests: Trying new restaurants, going to concerts, cooking, reading and exploring the city
LinkedIn: Rachel Travisano

"Rachel is extremely passionate about the music industry and has remained enthusiastic about our venue since day one of her internship. Point Park's courses, along with the opportunities she had outside of the classroom, successfully prepared Rachel for her full-time role here at the Pittsburgh Winery."

-- Syma, owner, Pittsburgh Winery
"I learned so much in my SAEM classes that can be directly applied to my current position."

-- Rachel Travisano

Why did you decide to come to Point Park?

I have always been interested in music and I loved going to concerts in high school. I took a Sports and Entertainment Management class at Riverview High School and Professor Ed Traversari came in and spoke about Point Park's sports, arts and entertainment management program. Right away, I knew I wanted to go there and get involved.

Tell us about the work you do as concert coordinator for Pittsburgh Winery.

Pittsburgh Winery is a full-time music venue and winery. Some weeks, we are booking shows up to five nights a week! During the day while I am working the tasting room, I assist with booking the bands. I gather information about the touring bands and list the events on the ticketing platform, ShowClix.

I also handle all social media and advertise the upcoming shows on local online newspapers. I am constantly communicating between the bands' managers, agents and labels to make sure everything goes smoothly on the day of show. Additionally, I bartend concerts and other private events in the evenings and help with events.

How have your SAEM classes helped you in this role?

I learned so much in my SAEM classes that can be directly applied to my current position. Specifically, my classes in Facility and Venue Design/Administration, Business of Live Entertainment, Business of Concert Promotion and Touring, and Marketing and Promotion have helped me the most.

In these classes, I learned how to target the right demographic for the show we are promoting and how to effectively advertise to that demographic. Also, I learned how to make good decisions, be professional and work with contracts, social media, venue operations and press releases.

List internship and career-related experiences you had as a Point Park student.

Visit Rachel's LinkedIn profile to view more of her internship and career-related experiences.

What were your favorite Point Park experiences?

One of my favorite Point Park experiences was having the opportunity to attend and volunteer at the Pollstar Live! Music Conference in Nashville in 2014 and 2015. I also loved working with Pioneer Records and observing recording sessions at Red Caiman Studios.

My Talent Management class at Stage AE with Amy Cooper, Steve Tanzilli and Greg Joseph was a favorite. I really enjoyed learning from outside professionals who are so involved in the industry such as Mark Fritzges and Jesse Naus, who taught my Recording Business class.

What are your career goals?

I really love working at Pittsburgh Winery. I started there as a music intern and then became concert coordinator. I have been given more and more responsibility, and I hope to continue growing with the company. I am really interested in the wine industry, and I learn something new every day. I want to become more knowledgeable about wine, and combine that with my music industry experience to do even more in the future at Pittsburgh Winery!

Is there anything else you'd like to add?

My advice to students is to get involved with all different areas of the business because you may be surprised what areas become interesting to you. At first, I was determined to work for a record label, but after I started working at Pittsburgh Winery I realized how much I love working for a small business where I can really make a big difference! Also, I recommend looking for not only internships, but also part-time industry jobs. There are lots of ways to get involved and make money at the same time!

Photo by Shayna Mendez, a senior photojournalism major

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