by Lauren Rosier
photo by Lauren Elle Jaye
The Entertainment Institute (TEI) is one of the most notable music education organizations in the industry today. Founded by Kevin Lyman, also the founder of the Vans Warped Tour, TEI brings together musicians and industry professionals for the ultimate music business education platform. I recently had the opportunity to speak with Matt Halpern of TEI (also formerly Animals As Leaders and The Underwater, currently Periphery) about his involvement with TEI and his experiences in the industry.
Back when he was still playing with Animals As Leaders, he was in the process of founding a company called Bandhappy. Bandhappy connected musicians and their fans through educational experiences, both online via video chat and in-person, at concerts and festivals.
The annual Vans Warped Tour was one of their biggest hubs for connecting musicians with their fans. “Kevin Lyman, Founder of the Vans Warped Tour, supported Bandhappy’s mission from day one, and gave us the great opportunity of facilitating our experiences on his tour,” Halpern explains. “At the same time, I was ramping things down with Bandhappy, Kevin was looking to ramp things up with The Entertainment Institute. Kevin, Jen [Kellogg, TEI co-founder], and myself are all extremely passionate about educating, so it made sense to team up and get to work. Now as founders, it’s our goal to foster as many inspiring and educational connections as we can.”
Between the three of them, TEI is a really team effort, and it’s based around a huge, mutual passion for educating. Initially, Hapern had music education circling the industry through Bandhappy, specifically with artists. Lyman has been speaking at schools, involved in various industry events, and working with musicians and fans for years. Kellogg, the other TEI co-founder, brings experience from being an adjunct instructor in Columbia College of Chicago’s music industry program, in addition to a veteran tour accountant, and creative genius.
Halpern has a true passion for educating, but also for inspiration. “Facilitating connections between people, where the end product is inspiration, is one of the coolest things you can do. That’s what drives all of us at TEI,” he reveals.
Halpern’s focus with TEI is a combination of business development and creative expansion. The goal for him is “to create meaningful connections between creatives and their fans” and “to help form a tight sense of community amongst like-minded individuals, and give them a place to share their passions without feeling vulnerable.”
Currently, he’s working on a new platform for TEI that will allow well-known creatives, such as musicians and artists, have direct access with their most dedicated fans. Halpern’s extensive experience in the music industry has obviously shaped how he’s managed his educational style.
“Chances are, I’ve been through it, and if I haven’t, I’m sure I know someone who has. It’s through the experience that I can provide better advice, and really tell people what NOT to do.”
