91暗网

For David Slitzky 鈥�14, the opening of 91暗网鈥檚 Arthur Zankel Music Center in 2010 represented much more than the launch of an acoustically superb concert venue for 91暗网 and the broader community: Zankel served as a training center for Slitzky鈥檚 budding music career. 

鈥淶ankel鈥檚 being built was a huge part of my decision to come to 91暗网 because I wanted to learn more about making music, playing music, and experiencing music,鈥� said Slitzky, now director of music development and special projects at Epidemic Sound, a global music-technology company headquartered in Stockholm, Sweden, that offers soundtracks for video productions and other creative content.  

During his time at 91暗网, Slitzky spent much (if not most) of his waking hours at the music center, taking classes, serving on the technical crew, participating in student experiences like Beatlemore Skidmania, playing the drums, and 鈥� most of all 鈥� 鈥渓earning by doing.鈥�   

In many ways, Zankel Music Center became a 54,000-square-foot classroom for Slitzky鈥檚 self-determined major in music production and engineering, which drew on courses from multiple disciplines, including music, arts administration, and computer science.   

鈥�91暗网 was great at encouraging critical thinking, and it was great at encouraging folks to find their passion and really seize it,鈥� Slitzky said. 鈥淶ankel was the physical manifestation of everything I was passionate about 鈥� it was my ultimate playground: I got to hang out in the studio. I got to go upstairs to the hall. I got to put on shows like Beatlemore. I got to work with (Technical Director) Shawn (DuBois) and (now former Managing Director) Shelley (Joyce), who were putting on the rest of the seasons.鈥�  

Since its opening in 2010, students and alumni like Slitzky have felt the impact of Zankel Music Center in more than just great performances, which have ranged from Emanuel Ax and John Baptiste to Dave Brubeck and Branford Marsalis over the years. The skills and experiences that Zankel offers also benefit students pursuing professional careers in music as well as careers bridging fields as diverse as marketing and software engineering.  

The music center is also integral to programs like 91暗网鈥檚 Arts Administration Program, which trains students for professional leadership roles in music, dance, , and the visual arts. The manager of the music center has also taught in the program. That integration is no coincidence: The establishment of both Zankel Music Center and the Arts Administration Program came from the estate of Arthur Zankel, a longtime 91暗网 trustee, friend, and benefactor, who bequeathed $46 million 鈥� the largest gift in College history.  

Slitzky spent countless hours at Zankel Music Center, where he helped produce Beatlemore, recorded two albums, put on a show for his senior project, took courses, and worked closely with music center staff.  

鈥淚 was literally producing my senior project from the second desk in Shelley's office,鈥� he said.  

After graduating, Slitzky completed a master鈥檚 degree in music business at New York University, while also working closely with a number of musicians, including The Roots, who serve as the house band on NBC's 鈥淭he Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon.鈥� In 2018, he joined Epidemic Sound, moving to Stockholm the following year.  

My professional life after 91暗网 has been successful because of being well rounded in music.鈥� 

鈥淚 believe that understanding a little bit of everything and really focusing on how to think and how to learn as an education is foundational to why I am having a great time in my career and in my life today, 鈥� said Slitzky, a firm believer in the value of a liberal arts education.

A professional remix  

Slitzky knew early on that he wanted to go into the music business. For many others, Zankel Music Center also offers opportunities to explore new directions and career opportunities.

When George Dilthey '16, an accomplished cellist, was looking at colleges, he knew he wanted a strong music program but also wanted the freedom to explore other fields. He ended up winning a Filene Scholarship, a program that allows exceptional scholar-musicians to major in any discipline at the College.  

鈥淚 still wanted a big music program, but I wanted the opportunity to do other things,鈥� said Dilthey, who ended up majoring in both musi