Student Organization Spotlight: Aztec Music Group
The Aztec Music Group introduces students to the interesting combination of music and business.
The organization provides students with artist development, performance opportunities and music industry knowledge.
Thulani Kachingwe, president of AMG, said the organization has grown into a well-known entity on campus in its three years. Kachingwe said AMG is a place to meet and collaborate with music lovers while offering opportunities and connections on and off campus.
“To see how far we have gone and to see the connections we have made on campus has been outstanding.” Kachingwe said. “I can look back on my experience here at SDSU and proudly say that AMG guided me to success in the real world.”
Is the Aztec Music Group open to all majors or is it major specific?
Aztec Music Group welcomes all students. The majority of our members are business majors and music majors because our organization focuses on the development of musical artists, as well as the incorporation of business in the music industry. Yet, we are a collective of music lovers who are looking to meet others who think similarly, so we are all inclusive and open to anyone.
When it comes to finding new members for your organization, what type of students are you looking for?
We are simply looking for music lovers. In AMG, we want to give students a place to come and meet others who might like the same music, want to possibly start a band together, want to learn about what the industry is like or simply just want to join the AMG family.
When are your meetings and is there a membership fee?
Our meetings are biweekly beginning at 6 p.m. on Wednesdays in the Visionary Suite of the Conrad Prebys Aztec Student Union. We have a $30 membership fee for students to become official members, which allows them to join committees, receive exclusive AMG opportunities, and get an AMG t-shirt. You do not have to be a paid member to attend our regular meetings.
What kind of activities does your organization plan and attend?
Aztec Music Group hosts a variety of performers and business executives during meetings. We like to give members real-world perspectives on how to get their feet wet in the music industry. We take time to develop our annual album and host artists to collaborate. We look to attend shows around town and other music-based events. We also hope to plan pop-up musical performances.
Does your organization have any events coming up?
Our next event is our DJ Battle at 8:30 p.m. on Thursday, Nov. 9 in Montezuma Hall. We are hosting the most talented DJs at SDSU in a friendly competition. We are also collaborating with the Aztec Student Union Board to host Azizi Gibson for a performance and lecture on campus on Dec. 4.
What impact have SDSU faculty made on your organization?
The well-being of the organization would be nothing without the help and support of SDSU faculty. The founding of Aztec Music Group began with the vision of Tita Gray. Tita was an experienced professional within the music industry, establishing her own business and developing her own artists before her time at SDSU. With the knowledge and experience she gained from being in the music business, she took what she knew and helped students come together to form a collective of individuals who wanted to create a music-business organization. Chris Warren, a professor within the SDSU Music Department, has been instrumental in the growth of the organization. His creative outlook on music and experience working in studios is not only seen in his classes, but in the growth of AMG.
How can students find more information about your organization?
Students can get more information by attending our meetings, which are open to everyone. Students can also visit our website or follow us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.
