What does wellness look like as a professional in the Music Industry? Our expert panelists, including industry professionals and wellness advocates, will share practical tips and strategies for staying grounded, managing stress, and finding balance in a fast-paced, often unpredictable field. Whether you're a musician, producer, or music business professional, this conversation will offer valuable insights into maintaining both your mental health and career success while pursuing your unique path in the music world. Moderated by Dr. Tiffany Naiman, Director of Undergraduate Music Industry Programs.
May 14 2025
Sound Mind, Sound Career: Navigating Non-Traditional Jobs in the Music Industry
Schoenberg Music Building, Room 1343
Hilary Gleason & Neara Russell
Hilary Gleason is the Executive Director of Backline, a non-profit that provides free mental health and wellness resources to music industry professionals and their families. She co-founded Backline in October 2019, after spearheading a series of conversations across the music industry that illuminated the critical need for increased access to customized mental health resources for a community in crisis. Hilary also serves as founder and CEO of level, a consulting firm that connects businesses and bands to impactful non-profit organizations, which has been in operation since 2017. Hilary’s background is in global health advocacy and non-profits, which began in 2007 when she helped to create a neurosurgical partnership between Duke Hospital and the Ugandan Ministry of Health. She has also worked with Global Health Corps, The United Nations Foundation, and Global Citizen, where she was on the advocacy team which is responsible for lobbying world leaders to fund programs related to ending extreme poverty, and supported in the production of Global Citizen Festival in Central Park, Earth Day 2015 on the National Mall in Washington, D.C., and related events across the country. She is a lifelong music fan who believes it can inspire and mobilize people around important humanitarian causes.
Neara Russell is a songwriter, keyboardist, and music director based in Los Angeles, CA. Neara has worked as Associate Music Director for American Idol (ABC), created live performances for Meghan Trainor, Aly & AJ, Tai Verdes, and Skylar Grey, and recently completed a world tour with Luke Hemmings. As songwriter, she composed and produced “Winner Won’t Stop” for the Netflix feature film Feel the Beat. She has also worked as performance coach for television shows Erin & Aaron, School of Rock (Nickelodeon) and Julie and the Phantoms (Netflix). A graduate of Berklee College of Music, she holds a B.M. in Music Composition and Piano/Voice Performance.