Meet new Entertainment Studies instructor Eric Kalver! Eric will be teaching Music Supervision for Film and Television this spring. He is creative producer at Movers+Shakers working on music for digital marketing. Previously, Mr. Kalver was the music supervisor at Activision Blizzard where he oversaw the music used in video games and marketing assets (commercials, trailers, and more) and was a producer and music supervisor at Music and Strategy.

We checked in with Eric and asked him 5 questions to get to know more about him and his course.

What about teaching for Entertainment Studies are you most looking forward to?
When I was first learning about music supervision, I took the same class that I’m teaching now and can even name a few classmates that have also grown to be successful music business professionals. I’m looking forward to giving back and sharing my experiences over the past decade with both students interested in the music business as well as non-music people who want to expand their knowledge in how music is used in media.

What do you hope students get out of your course?
I hope that no matter what aspect of the music industry they are in, they have the fundamentals of music licensing and supervision in their back pocket so they don’t run into situations that they don’t understand.

What is one thing you want students to know before they begin your class?
I want them to know that this is a safe and open environment for learning. Be ready to ask questions because there’s going to be a lot of information that most people don’t realize is important!

What are you watching or listening to these days that you are enjoying?
While I work with music all day every day, I like to take a break from it when I’m running or cooking. I am listening to comedy podcasts such as Comedy Bang Bang, Never Not Funny, and Conan O’Brien Needs a Friend. Musically, I have been listening to a lot of HAIM, Vulfpeck, Mike Viola, Nothing But Thieves, and Black Pumas.

What’s the best piece of advice you would give to someone aspiring to break into your field?
There are multiple ways to break into the music industry and that there is no “correct” way to accomplish this. It takes time and patience, and the path will not be a straight one. Also, networking is super important but you have to be a good human FIRST before you can be recommended by anyone!