Sports, Arts, Entertainment & Music Business Program Blends On-Campus Experiences, Real-World Opportunities to Prepare Students for a Dynamic Industry

In Point Park University's Sports, Arts, Entertainment & Music Business (SAEM) program, students can expect an education that goes beyond textbooks, lectures and group projects. Students are immersed in their field of interest, building their skills through experiential learning opportunities that connect them with industry experts. 

"I appreciate Point Park's SAEM program for its emphasis on real-world learning, industry connections and the comprehensive skill set it offers," said Lydia Zarefoss '26, a Hershey High School graduate. "The program truly sets you up for professional success by blending classroom instruction with hands-on experiences like internships, projects and networking opportunities."

As director of operations for Point Park's student-run record label, Pioneer Records, Zarefoss can speak to the wealth of opportunities made available to students interested in breaking into the music and live entertainment business.

"From learning the latest industry trends to working directly with experts and peers on impactful initiatives, the SAEM program equips you with the knowledge, adaptability and confidence needed to thrive in competitive fields," she said. "It’s a launchpad for building meaningful careers in the dynamic worlds of sports, arts, entertainment and music."

Learn more about Zarefoss' experience in the SAEM program, as well as testimonials from SAEM students who had the opportunity to apply what they've learned in the classroom to a large-scale event as they traveled to the International Entertainment Buyers Association (IEBA) Conference in Nashville this year. 

Music Industry Experience, Right on Campus

Zarefoss, who is minoring in marketing, aspires to be a music festival producer. Pioneer Records was the first campus organization she joined during her freshman year. The record label centers experiential learning with its Pioneer Stars initiative, through which students select, develop and promote a slate of artists throughout the academic year.

The 2024-25 Pioneer Stars are:

• Alexis Zak '27, SAEM major 
• Lotus Headen '28, SAEM major
• Marshall Benton '27, musical theatre major

The Pioneer Stars and Pioneer Records staff will soon begin the recording process at Red Caiman Recording Studios, culminating with a release party and concert at Stage AE in mid-April. One of the performers will be selected to produce a music video through a collaboration with Point Park's Department of Cinema Arts. Another performer will be awarded a Gibson Guitar through Point Park's partnership with Gibson Gives. 

"I love that the Pioneer Stars program spotlights emerging talent and provides a starting point for students’ music careers," she said. "Artists gain exposure, guidance and real-world experience, while those volunteering or interning with the label get hands-on industry experience, building networks and skills that are vital to any entertainment career path. It’s a win-win that cultivates growth for everyone involved." 

Pioneer Records also gets involved in curating entertainment for campus and community events. Past Pioneer Stars have performed on campus for the University's Day of Giving and taken the stage at Picklesburgh, Pittsburgh's iconic pickle-themed festival. The label opened The Sound Vault, its campus headquarters, last year, which includes office and event space and a jam session room, stocked with instruments for students to play. 

"The Sound Vault is an exciting addition because it offers students a dedicated space to create, collaborate and perform," Zarefoss said. "It’s a hub where ideas come to life, and students can practice, record or simply connect with other artists. The energy and potential within the Sound Vault make it a game-changer for our campus community."

Overall, Zarefoss' involvement with the label has been a cornerstone of her college experience, turning her passion for the music industry into meaningful contributions on campus and throughout Downtown Pittsburgh.

"Pioneer Records has been instrumental in my growth," Zarefoss said. "As director of operations, I’ve had the chance to manage music releases, coordinate events and oversee collaborations, all while working alongside talented artists and peers. This role has strengthened my leadership, project management and marketing skills, giving me real-world experience that translates directly to a career in the entertainment industry. Pioneer Records has shaped my ability to thrive in fast-paced, creative environments and has prepared me to take on professional challenges with confidence." 

Real-World Opportunities, Made Possible by Industry-Experienced Faculty 

In addition to building students' foundational knowledge of the sports, arts, entertainment and music industries on campus and in the classroom, SAEM faculty connect students with events and contacts that help them build their resumes and networks long before they graduate. 

For example, Professor Ed Traversari, a veteran of the live entertainment industry in Pittsburgh, takes a group of students each fall to the International Entertainment Buyers Association (IEBA) Conference, where they can network with hundreds of working professionals, businesses and organizations related to the entertainment field.

This year, students had the chance to help staff the event as volunteers, handling tasks like guest registration, scanning and checking credentials and staffing after-parties and concerts at Brooklyn Bowl Nashville. They attended panel discussions and showcases, networked at events like Agents Alley and met other students from across the country pursuing similar degrees. They enjoyed a private tour of Gibson Garage and saw a performance by Tanglewood, featuring alumnus Evan Pearson on drums, at Miranda Lambert's bar and restaurant. 

 
"We also attended private sessions with active professionals in the entertainment business, including Brian Drusky of Drusky Entertainment, Kristine Marshall of Sixthman and Casey Brosten of Independent Artists Group," said Haley Spahr '25, an East Liverpool High School graduate. "Through these sessions, I discovered new interests in various career paths, as well as activism within the industry, which I plan to become involved with in the future. We attended an alumni dinner at Acme Feed and Seed where we networked with 30 SAEM graduates who are now working in Nashville. Speaking with them was an opportunity I’m incredibly grateful for, and I’ll carry the content of those conversations with me throughout my career."

Spahr, who aspires to work in tour management, said the hands-on experience offered through the SAEM program is invaluable.

Haley Spahr

"Through career fairs, partnerships with local venues, volunteer opportunities and our SAEM Events Team, students are provided with endless activities to explore and expand our professional interests," she said. "I feel like I already have a lifetime’s worth of industry stories thanks to Point Park’s SAEM program, but I’m still only at the start of my career."

Lexi Lewis '25, a Red Lion Area High School graduate, is already working at Stage AE in guest services and plans to pursue a career working on festivals, concerts and/or tours. Her experience at IEBA showed her how important it is to explore the world, step out of her comfort zone and let her passion for the music business shine through her interactions with other professionals. 

"The number one thing that I like about Point Park's SAEM program is how many opportunities there are," Lewis said. "The SAEM program is helping me get career-ready because of the many ways the faculty connect us with hands-on experience in the industry. That firsthand experience is so important so we know what we are interested in after college, and it helps us narrow down what careers we want to pursue. The SAEM program has career fairs and networking events for students, which helps us connect with industry leaders who could share job opportunities with us in the future."

For Christian Moore '24, a Norwin High School graduate, the trip also reaffirmed his interest in the industry. He hopes to land a role as a venue operations manager, marketing director or talent buyer and promoter.

"This trip definitely helped reinforce the notion that I am working towards a career path in something I am truly excited to invest myself in," he said. "It really helped me open my eyes to just how many career paths there are within the music industry and helped me further identify what it is I'm looking to do long-term following graduation."

"From our rigorous career readiness and personal branding-centric curriculum that help prepare us for interviews and internships, to our knowledgeable and tenured faculty who want nothing but the best for our students and provide us with opportunities to break into our respective industries," he said, "There is no denying that the SAEM program values career preparedness above all else." 

See more highlights from the students' Nashville trip in this TikTok by Sandamini Sinley '25:

@pointparku Follow along with SAEM and Broadcasting Major, Sandamini Sinley '25, as she highlights her trip to the International Entertainment Buyers Association (IEBA) with fellow Sports, Arts, Entertainment & Music Business majors! 🎸👏 #PointParkU #PointParkUniversity #EntertainmentIndustry #IEBA #Gibson #GibsonGuitars #InternationalEntertainmentBuyersAssociation ♬ Going for a walk - cozy

More About: faculty, student trips, sports, arts, entertainment and music business, success story, Pioneer Records, alumni, Rowland School of Business, Norwin High School