Distinguished Alumni : Michael Gulezian

Garrison Keillor on Michael Gulezian: "If I could play guitar the way Michael Gulezian does, I would just sit in front of a mirror and watch myself do it.” See what else they’re saying about Michael and his music at www.timbrelinemusic.com.

Artist and entrepreneur: a harmonious blend

Guitar virtuoso Michael Gulezian (’87) is used to hearing his praises sung, and he doesn’t mind singing them himself. Why should he? As a UA undergraduate majoring in entrepreneurship and marketing, Gulezian learned the value of self-promotion. An Enterprise interviewer caught up with Michael between airport destinations and asked him a few questions about the business of being an artist. Here are excerpts from that interview:

Why did you choose the entrepreneurship program?

I’ve always tried to surround myself with talent. I’m energized and inspired by people with a broad array of skills and insight. The entrepreneurship program was an opportunity to learn not only from distinguished faculty but also from my peers. The program was very selective in admitting only the brightest students in the business college….
In the entrepreneurship program, I was steeped in the fundamental truths of vision, competitive advantage, speed, innovation, and boundarylessness.

What are you doing now?

At essence, I’m a world-class acoustic guitarist and fearless composer…. I’m recognized internationally as a cutting-edge virtuoso instrumental acoustic guitarist. I write, record, and perform music that expands the vocabulary for modern acoustic guitar music. Everything I do in business is geared to facilitate the creative process and bring the music—on CD and in concert—to the target audience. I’m a big believer in maximizing direct contact with end users.

My label, Timbreline Music, provides national distribution to retail outlets and international distribution online.

What was your source of startup funding?

My wallet.

How do you compete with the major record labels?

It’s all about the Internet, baby. The major record labels are in deep trouble. The same digital revolution that has rendered them obsolete has been a transformational tool and catalyst for growth for Timbreline Music and many other niche-oriented independent record labels.

What are your plans and goals for the business?

A brand-new CD, Concert at St. Olaf College, will be released in January 2005. As a record label, we’ll continue to learn and adapt and grow. There are more opportunities than we can possibly pursue. The ultimate goal remains constant: to push the standards of artistry ever higher, and to bring that work to its audience.

  
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