Undergraduate
Brad earned a Bachelor of Science with an Outside Field (BSOF) in Vocal Performance and Business from the Indiana University Jacobs School of Music. At the time of his studies, degrees in Music Business or Commercial Music did not exist, so the BSOF program allowed him to take courses in the prestigious Kelley School of Business—courses that would have otherwise been unavailable to music students.
While at Indiana, Brad studied under the legendary tenor James King, who took particular pride in helping Brad develop a “chiaroscuro” tone—a rich balance of brightness and darkness—in his upper register. In addition to his music studies, Brad minored in Russian language. Though initially hesitant, King permitted him to include a Russian art song on his senior recital program. Brad vividly recalls losing his place in the lyrics mid-performance, only to be rescued by his brilliant collaborative pianist, who couldn’t read the Cyrillic alphabet, but found his spot in the score by following the music rather than the text—a moment that still amazes Brad today.
To support himself during college, Brad managed an on-campus movie store. It was also during this time that he got his first taste of the music business, serving as part-time general manager for a string quartet—a role that would spark a lasting interest in the intersection of performance and arts management.
Master’s Degrees
Immediately after graduating from Indiana University, Brad was hired as an Aquatic Director for a YMCA. He brought with him six years of experience as a lifeguard and swimming instructor, including several supervisory roles. However, after a little more than a year, he realized his true calling was in the arts and accepted a position as a high school choral director. Quickly recognizing the difference between performing music and teaching it, Brad enrolled in a graduate program and earned a Master’s Degree in Music Education from Boston University within two years.
While teaching, Brad became deeply involved in arts engagement beyond the classroom. He launched two small businesses—one focused on lifeguard training and the other as a performing arts presenter. He also founded a nonprofit organization dedicated to bridging the gap between high school arts participation and lifelong engagement in the arts. Once again identifying a knowledge gap, Brad chose to step away from the classroom and pursue a second master’s degree—this time in Arts Administration—from Florida State University.
Ph.D.
While studying Arts Administration, Brad developed a growing interest in nonprofit and public sector management. During this time, he was hired by Opening Nights, Florida State University’s professional performing arts presenter, where his passion for nonprofit leadership deepened. After engaging in conversations with several faculty members, Brad was accepted into the Public Administration Ph.D. program at FSU’s Askew School of Public Administration and Policy.
Graduate Certificates
The flexibility of Florida State University’s graduate programs enabled Brad to pursue two specialized graduate certificates. Recognizing the importance of assessing impact in the nonprofit and public sectors, he earned a certificate in Program Evaluation. Anticipating the growing shift toward digital learning environments, he also completed a second certificate in Instructional Design and Technology. Both programs were offered through FSU’s College of Education, Health, and Human Sciences.
Brad Lister 