Jonah Delso
BS music industry
Please introduce yourself and briefly tell us what you are working on now (name, graduation year, and current role in the industry).
My name is Jonah Delso, I graduated in June 2010 from the Music Industry Program. Currently, I work at Viacom Media Networks in NYC as a Senior Coordinator in Music & Media Licensing. Viacom is made up of multiple TV networks and new digital media platforms. My role is to oversee the clearances and delivery of rights for various TV productions (mainly MTV, VH1, and Logo programming). I work closely and communicate regularly with production teams, music supervisors, talent agents, and production attorneys to ensure the proper clearance and use of music, clips, and photos within our programming. I also freelance in music and audio production. I recently produced music for a national TV ad, and I’ve also scored a couple indie films. Additionally, I produce and perform music as a songwriter and with my band Goodnight Lights.
How does your experience within the Music Industry Program at Drexel compare to your actual experience now that you are out in the field?
While I graduated with a tech concentration, I was able to shift my career towards the “business side” with the help of a versatile background. My MIP classes and co-ops provided insight to help me perform in a business-oriented role, while also keeping my production chops handy. Clearing music for TV involves extensive knowledge of the major publishing and label worlds. It’s also important to understand key elements of video and audio production for communicating with production (and post-production) teams. The importance of a deadline definitely applies in all of my current work, and I certainly remember my MIP classes drilling this.
Have you had any “AHA “ moments that you would like to share, either during your Drexel days or post-graduation?
I always knew I’d be working in music, but once I got the bug for music clearance in TV there was no turning back. I got my start as an assistant to the Music Supervisor at NFL Films/NFL Network. It was super exciting to hear music that I cleared go live to air. Clearing high-profile music start-to- finish for millions of viewers definitely amplified my interest in the field. While at Drexel, I played a lot of local shows, but was suddenly thrown into a huge gig when I won a contest to open for Coldplay in 2008. I had huge support from my professors and friends, and felt really grateful to be acknowledged for my talents. After that, I made a commitment to myself to be more prepared for when opportunities like that are flung my way.
Can you talk about ways in which Drexel’s co-op program helped you to determine your career and professional goals? Where did you co-op and what was your experience like?
My first co-op was with a company called Indre Mobile Recording and Production. I interned for a hard-working independent producer who would record and mix concerts on-site, for DVD taping and live broadcast radio. While I learned how to signal-route a live mix from a stage PA, I was also able to develop my networking skills outside of Drexel. My second co-op was with Mad Dragon Records, where I was product manager during the release of The Swimmers’ album People are Soft. Aside from helping with the logistics of the release, I helped plan and direct their music video for “What Is This World Coming To.” These projects were 100% about teamwork and committing to a plan. I really enjoyed working with the band, their management, and the rest of the MAD Dragon team to orchestrate the release. After working both of these co-ops, I knew I had a passion for working with a team to accomplish a goal. These jobs helped develop my interest in music for video, a path I ultimately chose to follow.
How would you describe your growth as both a student, and as an active member of the music industry, from your start as a freshman to the current day?
As a freshman, I was open to anything. I didn’t know what I wanted. I just wanted to be involved. Being at Drexel (and in Philly) allowed me to do anything and everything I was interested in. I played in bands, produced music with friends, and I booked and promoted shows. Exploring all these fields helped me realize my strengths. Now, I understand the importance of doing one or two things really well. I’ve grown to love my work in the TV industry, but I also want to keep my options open as a musician and producer. I’ve learned to really value opportunities that are presented to me, and I try to make the most out of them by exceeding expectations whenever possible.
What are your plans for the future? What do you hope to accomplish in the next five years?
In the next five years, I hope to evolve my role at Viacom into a Manager or Director position. I enjoy the idea of leading a team of people to tackle massive clearance projects for complex media markets. At every job I’ve had, my goal is always to become irreplaceable. I take pride in knowing that people depend on me, but I’m always looking to expand that responsibility.
Were there any particular classes or professors that helped you to decide on your career path, or which you would recommend to future MIP students?
I thoroughly enjoyed Audio For Video and Scoring To Picture with Jim Klein, where I gained a strong appreciation for music in Film & TV. I remember feeling really challenged by Jim to come up with better work for each new assignment. Also, Lynne Riley’s Ear Training courses really helped me out. I knew I had a solid ear, but I had no formal music theory background as a freshman. Her courses helped me jump into composition and arrangement, and really helped me develop my musical ability. I wish I had taken my publishing and copyright classes more seriously back then! I definitely recommend students to learn more about current master/sync placements as they occur in the current TV/film/media world. Challenging yourself to take classes outside your comfort zone, whether it be production or business, can really help you down the road.
Any last words or take-aways you’d like to shout out to our prospective students and their parents about our program and your experience?
There is no one-size- fits-all path to a career in music business or production. Do not fear this! Marketing, advertising, TV, film, radio, technology… all of these trades rely on music as a necessary glue for business to thrive. During my 4 years at Drexel I would have never guessed that I’m doing what I do now. The MIP program provides training for building your own career, not one laid out by previous generations. They offer great opportunities, but you have to be willing to take risks, receive criticism, and self-improve. The professors are not just grading work; they’re introducing a vast network of new entrepreneurs to one another. If you have a positive attitude and show that you’re motivated to work, there is a lot to take away from the program for kick-starting a career of your own.