William Baker, Ph.D., university professor and former chief executive of New York public television and 7-time Emmy winning producer, teaches the course. This collaborative program is the first of its kind between the two institutions.

“It is the first time, despite the close proximity, that Fordham students can take class at Juilliard. Both Fordham and Juilliard are two very special places. To join forces and offer this high level course with arguably the best in the industry is phenomenal.” Baker said.

The course is composed of 14-sessions that meet every Wednesday for 90 minutes at The Juilliard School. The classes explore the intricacies of the enterprises of the arts nationally and worldwide. “A lot of people don’t realize the business of the arts. There are huge careers in this field and we here at Lincoln Center are at the epicenter of it all”, Baker said.

Baker’s experiences in the industry have afforded him the opportunity to form relationships with mega experts in all facets of the arts, such as dance, music, and theater. According to Baker, “The goal of the course is multifold. I provide the students with a business understanding into the huge, complex performing arts industry and then I bring in luminaries of the art world from Broadway producers to top internal agents.”

Guests from the course’s inaugural semester last Spring included Broadway Producer, Jed Bernstein; Executive Director of Paul Taylor Dance Company, Martin Kagan; Executive and Artistic Director of Carnegie Hall, Clive Gillinson; and General Manager of the Metropolitan Opera, Peter Gelb to name a few.

“The maximum size class at the Juilliard School is eighteen, allowing the students to be up close and personal with the best of the best.” Baker said. Of the eighteen spaces allotted in the course, ten spaces go to Juilliard students and eight go to Fordham students. No performing art experience or business experience is required, but students must have a significant interest in the subject, as well as value the arts and their function in society.

According to Baker, “The performing arts are the lubricant of our society, the element that makes us especially human. Teaching people how to work in this realm is a high calling and the class turns out to be a really special experience.”