FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
May 9, 2014
Alain Barker
BLOOMINGTON, Ind. – The Indiana University Jacobs School of Music is pleased to announce the appointment of Alain Barker as director of entrepreneurship and career development, and lecturer, effective July 1, 2014.
Barker has been serving as the interim director of entrepreneurship and career development since September 2013.
His responsibilities include the supervision of Project Jumpstart, a student-centered, student-driven entrepreneurial leadership program that connects Jacobs School students to the music profession through high-impact workshops, special projects, mentorship activities, lectures and short courses.
"In his role as interim director, Alain has distinguished himself through his dedication, creativity, foresight, leadership and vision," said Jacobs Dean Gwyn Richards. "There is a sense of excitement about the years to come as faculty, staff and students eagerly await the realization of his plan for the future. What he develops will have a lasting impact on the education of our students."
"I’m thrilled and honored to be given an opportunity to lead a program that prepares students for their professional lives," said Barker. "And I look forward to working closely with the Jacobs School faculty to provide a new generation of musicians with the tools and experience they need to succeed."
Barker's additional activities include career advising for individual students, emerging ensembles and student groups, and fostering student participation in campus-wide entrepreneurial activities.
Beginning this fall, Project Jumpstart will partner with the IU Kelley School of Business to introduce a certificate in entrepreneurship to undergraduate Jacobs School of Music students.
"Alain Barker is an outstanding choice for this position, as his innovative leadership will vault this program to new heights," said Donald F. Kuratko, executive and academic director of the Johnson Center for Entrepreneurship & Innovation at the Kelley School. "I am truly excited to work with him in bringing an entrepreneurial mindset to our extremely talented Jacobs School students."
Barker participated in the launching of Project Jumpstart in 2010, under the guidance of career specialist Angela Beeching. Jacobs School alumni Peter Thoresen and Lindsay Medina further developed the program prior to Barker’s appointment.
About Barker
Barker, who received both a master of music and a doctor of music degree from the Jacobs School of Music, has a career that spans three continents—Africa, Europe and North America—and brings to his work a broad understanding of cultural, social and economic issues within the arts.
In 2004, he was appointed director of marketing and publicity at the Jacobs School, leading a team that handles more than 1,100 events each year, including a full opera and ballet season, a summer music festival and a broad spectrum of other musical events.
Highlights during Barker's tenure include the naming and branding of the Jacobs School of Music, a restructuring of media relations and marketing operations, development of multiple print and digital publications, the introduction of social media to school communications and the commissioning of a cultural and economic impact study of the Jacobs School within the State of Indiana.
From 1994 to 2004, Barker was executive director of the Bloomington Early Music Festival while the festival worked closely with local and regional organizations, university departments and professional ensembles to present a rich array of concerts, opera and educational programs.
He is a professional flutist who has taught at the Jacobs School as well as at schools and universities in England and South Africa. A partner in Aguavá New Music Studio, he has performed in recitals and music festivals in Bloomington, Chicago, Washington, New York, Mexico City, Medellien (Colombia) and Tel Aviv.
From 1991 to 1992, Barker performed as co-principal flute in the Orchestra of the Asturian Principality, in Oviedo, Spain, and from 1997 to 2004, he performed as principal flute in the Marion (Ind.) Philharmonic Orchestra.
Barker has a long-standing commitment of service to the Bloomington community and is currently a member of the City of Bloomington Arts Commission and the WFIU (Public Radio) Community Advisory Board. Previous service includes membership on the Buskirk-Chumley Theater Board of Directors and the IU Arts Coordinating Council.