The evolution of the music industry has brought down global barriers and created greater creative innovation and agency. However, one barrier remaining is the lack of musical training for young people from less affluent communities, especially with classical instruments. This panel will explore the benefits – both for individual children and for society at large - of broadening access to music education among diverse populations and nurturing new creative voices. Featuring an innovative partnership between Warner Music Group and Harmony Program, a nonprofit music education organization, as well as a classical star who is inspiring the next generation of talent, this panel will discuss how artists, music companies, teachers and families can come together to create a richer artistic world.
Eliah Seton AB '04, MBA '09 is President of Independent Music & Creator Services at Warner Music Group. In his remit are the company’s many touchpoints servicing the independent music community, through ADA (Alternative Distribution Alliance), the Asylum Records label, and Level – WMG’s platform for unsigned artists. Previously, as President of ADA, Seton spearheaded the company’s transition beyond core distribution services into a digitally-savvy label services business with a worldwide footprint, and launched WMG’s Arts Music division, a repertoire center for classical, musical theatre, children’s music, and other fields outside the pop mainstream. Before that, Seton served as SVP, International Strategy & Operations, Warner Recorded Music, and prior to that in the Office of the CEO and on the Strategy & Business team. Seton, who was named on Billboard’s 2016 40 Under 40 list and the last three Indie Power Player lists, has an MBA from Harvard Business School and graduated from Harvard College. He’s on the board of the school’s Hasty Pudding Institute and of the NY music education nonprofit, Harmony Program. Seton resides in Brooklyn with his husband Jamie, their twins Cecily and Amias, and their dog Pepper.”