Music business studies resonate with Crane student
For SUNY Potsdam music business major and flutist Margo Neth '26, it was a summer of opportunity. Working an internship at Brick and Mortar Music through the college’s new Presidential Internship Program, Neth was able to fuse her love of music with the practical side of the industry.
The internship series launched in summer 2025, funded by the Lougheed Center for Applied Learning, providing $4,000 stipends and six internship credits while helping SUNY Potsdam strengthen partnerships with the North Country community.
“What I love most about Brick and Mortar Music is the sense of purpose behind it,” Neth said. “A big part of what we do is support local school programs, ensuring that students have working instruments in their hands by the time the school year starts.”
Brick and Mortar travels to more than 40 school districts each year to deliver instruments and support to music teachers within a 100-mile radius, helping put the dream of music within reach of youth in the North Country and beyond. That’s the kind of community impact Neth wants to help foster in a world where school music programs haven’t always had it easy.
“For many families, this is their first experience navigating the music world, and being a friendly, knowledgeable face in that process really matters,” Neth said.
A recipient of the Lamond GenNext Award to support college students who show promise in music, Neth has been able to engage at the local level while glimpsing opportunities far beyond the horizon. She credits her music business professor and mentor, Dr. Timothy Yip, for supporting her search for a hands-on experience that would connect her music business studies to tangible work.
Besides providing valuable insights into how a music retail business operates from the inside out, the internship allowed Neth to participate in Potsdam Fest, which proved particularly meaningful.
“Getting to know the Potsdam community was really special,” she said. “It gave me a deeper connection to the local music scene and reinforced why supporting community through music matters so much. Whether it's helping young students begin their musical journeys or supporting local artists, the experience has reinforced my reasons for studying music business in the first place.”
A community surrounding sound
“Choosing Potsdam was an easy decision,” Neth said. “The program offered exactly what I wanted; a strong music business curriculum combined with an amazing flute performance program—which is pretty unique. That balance of challenge and opportunity made Potsdam feel like the perfect place for me.”
From her first day on campus, the SUNY Potsdam Crane School of Music proved to be a special fit. Upon arrival, Neth engaged immediately with Madstop Records, Potsdam’s independent student-run record label. She gained vital experience with marketing, budgeting, recording setups and events, which led to a role as marketing chief. Starting with the 2025-26 year, she will serve as the label’s CEO.
“Being involved with Madstop has shown me how much I love collaborating with others and creating a platform for artists and supporters,” she said. “It has become one of the most defining parts of my college experience and the most significant learning experience for me regarding my path in the music industry.”
Through Crane and the music business program—and a strong network of supportive faculty and alumni—Neth had yet another pivotal experience attending the NAMM Show in Anaheim, California in 2025. One of the world’s most significant music industry trade shows, the event connected Neth and her classmates to musicians, audio professionals, music educators and cutting-edge music product innovation.
“I worked with Zoom North America, helping with booth setup, product organization and answering attendee questions,” she said. “Representing Zoom was the highlight of my time, and I learned so much from them. Another highlight was being featured on the NAMM Foundation’s social media, which was a cool moment that made me feel recognized as a young professional stepping into the field.”
A passion for music has always been part of Neth’s life. She fell in love with the flute in elementary school, took private lessons and found her calling. Later, she increased her experience and skill in honor bands and orchestras. Finally, a high school class focused on the music industry introduced her to the business side of the art. Neth sensed this was where she could make the greatest impact. From there, all roads led to Crane.
“SUNY Potsdam’s Music Business program helped me solidify my dreams and find where I fit in the industry,” Neth said. “That has been especially true with the support of amazing faculty and fellow students.”
Article by Bret Yager, Photos by Jesstine Avadikian