Montgomery County Community College’s Sound Recording & Music Technology program will be presenting two master classes to kick off the fall semester. The master classes are free and open to all students and the community and will be held in the Sound Recording & Music Technology Mix Room (Room 145) in the Advanced Technology Center, Central Campus, 340 DeKalb Pike, Blue Bell.

“The best way for students to learn about the music industry is directly from professionals in the field,” said David Ivory, a Grammy-nominated, multi-platinum engineer, producer and director of MCCC’s Sound Recording and Music Technology program. “Master classes provide unique opportunities to connect with leading musicians and professionals and hear firsthand about their experiences.”

The first master class on Wednesday, September 25, at noon will feature Vanessa Ferrer, a successful businessperson who has managed touring artists and consulted with industry professionals for more than 15 years. In 2015, she created Merch Cat, a platform to help artists sell and manage merchandise at shows and increase their revenue stream and fan engagement. She will be talking about her extensive career in the music industry, starting with the launch of InFocus Artist Management in 2009 and continuing with Merch Cat and Merch Cat FAN.

The second master class on Monday, September 30, at noon will feature world-class rock and roll drummer, Sandy Gennaro. Gennaro has toured the globe and worked with renowned artists Cyndi Lauper, Joan Jett and the Blackhearts, Bo Diddley, Johnny Winter, The Monkees, Joe Lynn Turner, Michael Bolton, Benny Mardones, Craaft, The Mamas and Papas and Jon Paris. He has recorded several top-10 singles and made numerous TV appearances, including The Tonight Show, The Grammy Awards, The American Music Awards, The MTV New Year’s Ball and The Late Show with David Letterman.

During the master class, Gennaro will talk about his 50-year career and B.E.A.T.S. – Belief, Enthusiasm, Attitude, Tenacity and Service. He believes these key ingredients have been vital to his success as a performer and in his personal life.

MCCC’s SRT master classes are an opportunity for students and community members to engage with professionals who have had successful careers in the music and recording industry. Guests will talk about their careers and experiences. Master classes include a Q&A session with the audience.

MCCC’s Sound Recording & Music Technology program provides students with a comprehensive background in sound recording, music production and music technology comparable to the first two years at a conservatory. Classes are held in MCCC’s Advanced Technology Center in Blue Bell, which contains state-of-the-art recording studios, electronic music, computer labs and a professional mixing suite.