Faculty

Michael Garcia, CVE, is Chair of the Music Industry Program and Associate Professor of Practice with over four decades of experience in concert promotion, venue management, live entertainment, and higher education leadership. Garcia has held senior executive positions with organizations including Live Nation Entertainment, Nederlander Concerts, the Greek Theatre, the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum and Target Center.

His teaching philosophy is grounded in the integration of industry experience and academic practice, shaped by continued engagement throughout the live music and entertainment industries. He teaches undergraduate and graduate coursework in concert promotion and production, touring, venue management, copyright, and the contemporary music business.

In addition to teaching, Garcia remains active nationally as a speaker, moderator, and mentor focused on the future of live music promotion, venue management, and music industry education. Through experiential learning and industry engagement, he helps prepare the next generation of music industry professionals for leadership roles across the evolving music business.

He was named the 2025 Music & Entertainment Educator of the Year by the International Entertainment Buyers Association (IEBA) after being nominated for the honor four consecutive years. In 2025, he was also nominated for the Music Educator Award presented by The Recording Academy and the GRAMMY Museum.

Garcia earned a Master of Studies in Law (MSL) from the USC Gould School of Law and a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration and Finance from California State University, Sacramento. He also completed advanced executive education studies in labor management, collective bargaining, and executive leadership through Cornell University.

Recognized as a Certified Venue Executive (CVE) by the International Association of Venue Managers (IAVM), he has served in national leadership roles with organizations including IEBA and the Senior Executive Symposium at Cornell University. He previously taught music business for more than 15 years through programs affiliated with The Recording Academy and has also taught Venue Operations and Venue Law for the Venue Management School through IAVM.