Florida State University students recently learned firsthand how creative ideas become large-scale productions during a guest lecture tied to Morgan Freeman’s Symphonic Blues Experience.
The lecture featured Eric Meier, executive producer of the show, along with conductor Martin Gellner and blues musician Keith Johnson. The event on Oct. 3 brought together students from the College of Music, College of Fine Arts and College of Motion Picture Arts for a cross-disciplinary conversation on the business and artistic dimensions of touring productions.
“This was a chance for students to hear directly from people who’ve been where they are and are now where they want to be,” said Jordan Phillips, education and engagement manager for Opening Nights at FSU. “It was about giving students practical advice and connecting them with professionals who’ve turned creative ideas into viable careers.”
The speakers discussed topics ranging from intellectual property and funding models to the logistics of working with high-profile talent like Morgan Freeman. Meier emphasized the importance of building a production from the ground up — from securing capital to navigating rights and branding — and encouraged students to think entrepreneurially about their creative work.
“The business of music is ever changing as fueled by new genres, new technology, and ever-changing economic models,” Meier said. “To share and exchange ideas with the FSU students was a blast for us and hopefully valuable to them as they proceed with their education and career.”
Students reflected on the value of learning from professionals like Meier, noting how the event broadened their understanding of both the artistic and business sides of creative work. The discussion also highlighted the importance of partnerships between colleges and the FSU Career Center in enhancing student success and career readiness.
“The guest lecture event with Eric Meier was an eye-opening experience that I am glad to have been a part of,” said Josie Frein, a senior at the College of Music. “It was refreshing to hear that Mr. Meier began his journey in medical device sales and is now a producer of a major music tour. As a music therapy major, I am always interested in learning about the music business and its many facets. This event helped me realize career paths are not always conventional!”
Following the lecture, students attended the evening performance of Morgan Freeman’s Symphonic Blues Experience, which featured narration by Freeman, a blues band from Clarksdale, Miss., and the Tallahassee Symphony Orchestra.
Part of the educational mission of Opening Nights at FSU is to serve as a bridge between the arts and the academic community, offering students meaningful opportunities to connect with professional artists and industry leaders.
Through initiatives such as Opening Nights in Class, the program promotes interdisciplinary learning and career development by facilitating performances, lectures and workshops within classrooms and campus venues. Its mission is to enhance student experiences, align with the university’s strategic emphasis on student achievement, and broaden access to the arts both on campus and within the wider Tallahassee community.
“Opening Nights is more than a performance series; it exists to connect the artists we present with students both on and off the FSU campus,” said Kevin Maynard, executive director of Opening Nights at FSU. “Presentations like this highlight the many roles people play in the arts, reminding us that there is more to a performance than what happens on stage. These collaborations help shape the future of our students and the performing arts.”
For more information, visit openingnights.fsu.edu/education.
