Operations profiles TN

Mark A. Blakeman

Vice President of Orchestra and Building Operations and General Manager
Nashville Symphony
Nashville, Tennessee
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Years in current position: 6
Years in the field: 9

Majors:
B.S. Music Business
M.B.A. Arts Administration 
Ed.D. Administration (not complete)

Additional Training:
Topic-specific training available through the League of American Orchestras, such as conflict resolution/negotiations, production courses, etc. I’ve also taken general training in management, modification of employee behavior and the like.

Career Path:
Director of Admissions, Music Conservatory at Oklahoma City University 
Director of the Performing Arts Academy at Oklahoma City University 
Operations Manager, Nashville Symphony
Director of Operations, Nashville Symphony 
General Manager, Nashville Symphony

What are the most surprising, interesting or challenging aspects of your day-to-day work?
My job is all about dealing with people—helping them to know and understand their jobs; to provide them with the tools, information, and resources they need to be successful in their jobs; and to assist in resolving conflict.

What inspired you to work for an orchestra?
Great music!

What was your first step toward an orchestra career?
I took a chance and accepted a job that didn’t quite pay the bills. It was a gamble, but I worked hard and it has paid off. I also found a great mentor in my boss, Alan Valentine.

What advice would you offer to someone considering the orchestra field?
Get a good, well-rounded education. In a smaller institution you will be required to wear many hats. Seek out education and opportunities that gives you a wide range of experiences early in your career.

Any other advice?
Do what you love.  Figure out what you are passionate for and follow that career path.  Being happy in what you do day-to-day is far more rewarding that a high-paying job that you might hate.

John (Danny) Covington

Chief Building Engineer
Nashville Symphony
Nashville, Tennessee
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Time in current position: 6 months
Years in the field: 11

Training:
Trade and technical school
Electrical apprenticeship
Tool and Die apprenticeship
HVAC trade school in the U.S. Air Force
Career Path:
Maintenance Engineer, Frist Center for the Visual Arts
Body Assembly Engineer, Nissan Motor Manufacturing Company

What are the most surprising, interesting or challenging aspects of your day-to-day work?
The ever-changing needs of the building.

What inspired you to work for an orchestra?
The beauty of our new building.

What were your first steps toward your career?
Skill training through apprenticeships and trade classes, but the bulk of the necessary work skills comes from on-the-job training.

Would you have done anything differently?
Today a degree is necessary in most management positions. I would have first obtained a degree in construction management and because you cannot learn hands-on skills in college, I would then go through an established electrical apprenticeship program to actually learn the trade.