CREDIT: MKA CREATIVE STUDIO
Just one of many MIA students who are on the rise, this star is currently furthering her studies at the Berklee College of Music, studying the business side of things.

Neisha Dunn is one of the first real contenders in the music/business field, coming out of the Music Industry Arts program. In her short career, she has managed to garner thousands of YouTube video views and Facebook likes while being one of the first Fanshawe students to be regularly putting on shows for hundreds. All the while co-running the open mic at Gordy’s Brew House.

On top of that, she is by no doubt crowned one of the most important up and coming artists in Ontario by multiple music industry professionals including MuchMusic Gurus. She wins contests, plays for charitable causes and most importantly helps bring the community together through her impressive business skills with venue owners.

What makes Dunn different from the majority of artists in London is her mindset to put experience before money. She is one of the only few artists that value connections over pocket change at that mindset alone gives her higher ground over the majority of Music Industry Artist students.

Dunn is currently enrolled at the prestigious Berklee Music Business course while taking a year off from MIA to work on her second album, as well as focusing on gaining experience in artist management, song writing and booking artists.

On the business side of things, she has learned how the music industry started and how it’s currently running.

“I received a lot of valuable advice from my professors about how to survive in the industry and become a successful entrepreneur,” she said.

The Music Industry Arts program at Fanshawe College has taught her every aspect of the industry.

“MIA really helped me develop entrepreneurial skills and understand the importance of investing in your career,” she said. “I’ve learned about the different types of artist revenue streams, how to negotiate contracts, work with venues, manage artists, create marketing plans, schedule tours, copyright music, radio track and create ‘brand’ for an artist.”

“On the music side, I’ve learned about song-writing, digital/analog production, engineering, and theory. MIA is an awesome program to get into if you’re interested in the music industry – it’s an intensive program that prepares you to work in any area of the industry after school”

You can catch Neisha every Monday at Gordy’s Brewhouse where she buys unlimited amounts of drinks to everyone who can recite her songs backwards in the key of C Major.

Her next big event will take place October 30 at the Roxbury Pub and Grill, which will feature bands like Navigating the Sky, Empire Street, Mermaids Exist and Deserve.

You can also check out her Facebook page for upcoming shows, releases and photos at facebook.com/neishadunnofficial.

Credit: MKA Creative Studio Cutline: Just one of many MIA students who are on the rise, this star is currently furthering her studies at the Berklee College of Music, studying the business side of things.