Musicians Institute is proud of our diverse mentor program, which allows MI students the unique opportunity to speak one-on-one with leading professionals who are working and thriving in the music industry. Each quarter, we feature a new group of MI instructors and music industry professionals who specialize in different areas of the industry. Our mentors have won Grammys, produced hit songs, worked with some of your favorite artists, and some teach at MI!
Career Mentors are available Weeks 2-9 (excluding WK6) and Industry Mentors are available Weeks 4-8 (excluding WK6). Remember, you can book an appointment with one or more mentors at mobile.mi.edu.
Check below for a full list of our Fall 2025 Industry Mentors:
Musicians Institute Industry Mentors – Fall 2025
Claire Bernardin
Director of A&R @ BMG Publishing
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Industry specialist with expertise in Publishing and A&R.
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Works across the Latin and general markets with artists such as Halsey, Lewis Capaldi, Jessie Reyez, Pitbull, Claud, Dave Gibson, and Ali Stone.
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Originator of Summer Camp, BMG’s first and only all-women writing camp.
Briana Cash
Music Supervisor @ Briana Cash Publishing
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Award-winning singer-songwriter, producer, and music supervisor.
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Expertise in songwriting, performance, licensing, IP, and music business.
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Credits include Paramount+, Apple TV+, Hulu, Amazon Prime, The Recording Academy, Berklee College of Music, and The Guild of Music Supervisors.
Kole Hicks
Composer, Songwriter & Music Producer
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15+ years of experience in game music composition and production.
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Worked in-house at Riot Games as Lead Composer for League of Legends and Teamfight Tactics.
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Composed for indie games like Kenshi and recently finished music for SUPERVIVE.
Eric Lagg
Audio Engineer + A&R Operations @ Columbia Records
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Mastering engineer based in NYC with credits across major artists.
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As Columbia Records’ in-house engineer, he’s worked on Grammy-nominated projects for Lil Nas X and Noah Cyrus, plus releases by The Kid Laroi, Diplo, Polo G, Major Lazer, Lil Tjay, Artemas, Malcom Todd, and The Chainsmokers.
Gabriela Gironas
Sr. Director, Creator Strategy @ Wasserman & Founder @ Cool S**t, Cool People
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Forbes 30 Under 30 honoree and creator strategist bridging music, tech, and culture.
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Past work includes YouTube, Reddit, BTS, and Google Play.
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Board member at The Recording Academy, championing equity and innovation in the creator economy.
James Panepinto
Head of Sync @ Magnetic Music
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15+ years in creative licensing and A&R for TV, film, advertising, and trailers.
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Landed over 1,000 placements with brands and studios like Netflix, Apple, HBO, and Disney.
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Has signed, produced, and co-written for hundreds of artists, driving major sync success and millions of streams.
Niru Pratapgiri
Day-to-Day Manager @ Red Light Management
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Music executive, artist manager, and guitarist with experience in A&R, sync, and digital marketing.
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Formerly at Mad Bunny Records, BMG, and Weget Music.
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Currently manages top rock acts like Slash, Evanescence, and Rival Sons.
Chris Enriquez
Marketing Director @ New Noise Magazine
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Leads multi-platform campaigns and serves as podcast co-host, live event interviewer, and curator.
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Worked with Monster Energy and Sony Music.
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Touring drummer with Spotlights and Orange 9mm, also teaches at the Williamsburg School of Music.
Andrew Wetzel
Owner @ Oxide Records
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Musician since age 10 and founder of Attack Attack!
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Entered the music industry at 19, leading both his band and business.
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Founded Oxide Records in 2020, focusing on catalog and intellectual property management.
