Music Industry Leadership student Cory Lamz is “refocusing” his career as a music and culture print and multimedia journalist to focus more on the music industry from a legal viewpoint. In fact, Lamz is pursuing a dual-degree program in law and music industry – under the JD/MS Music Industry Leadership program.

Lamz said he chose Northeastern’s Music Industry Leadership program because, “I wanted to solidify my music business knowledge and skills and add more credibility to my professional background. I also wanted to learn to think more critically and proactively about the music industry than I had prior to enrolling in the program.” He said, “Northeastern University was one of only a handful of schools in the U.S. that offered a dual-degree program in law and music business when I was applying.”

The fact that CAMD offers the co-op program to graduate students was also a factor that led him to Northeastern. This summer, Lamz will go on a Music Industry Leadership co-op in Berlin, Germany, to work for a German nonprofit music industry organization. He is currently a part-time intern for Justice Elspeth Cypher of the Massachusetts Appeals Court.

Other industry professionals often inspire CAMD graduate students. Lamz said, “I’m really inspired by people in the industry who are constantly creating, who move the industry forward, or who challenge the status quo. Debate streaming all you want, I continue to be inspired by Daniel EK and the Spotify team for being so responsive to how and why people listen to music today and anticipating how they will do so tomorrow.” He is also inspired by artists such as Claire Boucher (aka Grimes) who wrote and produced her 2015 album, “Art Angels.” He said, “We don’t see a lot of artists who are entirely self-directed and independent.”

Lamz said the biggest issue in the music industry today is “…how to monetize content,” a subject talked about in Professor Richard Strasser’s class, “Management of Music Organizations.” Other issues he said are anticipating new technologies and how to use them in the music industry.

As a graduate student, Lamz finds it challenging to find time for yourself. “It’s so easy to get wrapped up in projects, readings, working, and exploring new ways of thinking that you forget to take care of yourself or give your brain a rest. I like to go to the Marino Center to unwind or turn off my phone for a bit to unplug. Both help to manage my stress levels a lot.”

His advice for students considering applying to the program is to completely understand the program and how that program can further that person’s career goals. “There are so many ways to customize the program to meet your own interests,” he said. As for current students, “CAMD has a lot of opportunities for students. I encourage students to seek these out or create your own! And, don’t be afraid to ask questions!”

Lamz is still an active journalist. He writes for Vanyaland, a Boston online music magazine. He has also written for the Northeastern University Law Journal, “Extra Legal.”

After graduation, Lamz hopes to work at a law firm that specializes in intellectual property and/or entertainment law. He would eventually like to work in-house for a music-related company. “Ultimately, I’d like to help shape music industry policy and be part of the team that moves the industry forward into a new frontier for artists and consumers.”