The old saying , ‘there is no business like show business’, does ring true for those who have chosen music business as a career path for themselves. The music and entertainment industry is a thriving one with many career opportunities from event management, promotion, marketing, publishing, retailing, distribution, licensing, merchandising and many others. Anuar Faiq, a recent graduate of the Diploma in Business – Music Industry shares with us his experience studying at the International College of Music (ICOM).

‘I started developing an interest in music at the age of 14, when I got my first guitar. I have never been much of a performer, but I love listening to music and making money out of it. When I was 15, I organised my first music event, which was called "Deformation 2004", a battle of the bands showdown which pulled in a revenue of RM12 000, which was quite a feat for someone my age.  From then onwards, I knew that music was my field of business. I organised a few more small events and eventually after SPM, I decided to pursue music business as a career, hence enrolling into the Diploma in Business ( Music Industry ) at the International College of Music.

My learning experience at ICOM has been amazing as I get to learn first hand how the music industry works from experienced lecturers in the field. The things I have learned has enabled me to get a head start in the music business.

The most memorable experience at ICOM was when I helped out with the ICOM Celebration Series – Tribute to Earth Wind & Fire. We actually got to meet them in person! It was like a dream come true for me.  ICOM’s annual Celebration Series is a full student –run production where students not only get involved in performance , but also the event management, promotional and technical side of it.  I was involved with the creative team where I designed the posters, decors, slide shows and other promotional items..

Since graduation, I have started my own artist & event management company called Zauber Enterprise. We provide musicians, magicians, actors, mimes, clowns and many other entertainers for different functions and events. I am also involved in video shooting and editing  for both local and international artists alike as well as corporates’