The document summarizes a PhD study that tracked 12 music graduates over 2 years as they developed entrepreneurial ventures in the music industry. The study found that the participants' journeys were non-linear, complex, and dynamic as their creative and entrepreneurial identities intertwined. Most participants remained in the nascent stage of venture development after 2 years. Their ventures frequently changed or replaced as they learned from experience rather than seeing setbacks as failures. The study provides a real-time view of the messy process of nascent entrepreneurship in contrast to more simplified retrospective accounts.

1. From music student to creative entrepreneur: multiple paths, complex journeys Zuleika Beaven MMU Centre for Enterprise

2. Outline of the Study PhD title “Entrepreneurial & Creative Identity in Nascent Musician-Entrepreneurs” Drawing on nascent entrepreneurship and identity literature 2 year tracking study with 12 music graduates / nascent musician-entrepreneurs (10 completed) Recruited in later stages of degrees: 9 as undergrads, 3 as postgrads 5 interviews each at approx. 6 monthly intervals Used a combination of discourse and re-storying qualitative approaches

3. Real-time nascency – an under-researched area Nascency studies tend to be retrospective with “successful” entrepreneurs Selection bias Construction of success Over-simplification of journey Real time study has: Included “failed” entrepreneurs Captured messiness & cyclical nature of process Allowed reflection

4. The Participants Range of genres: classical, popular, folk First study: voice, guitar, double bass, flute, trombone, recorder, harp, percussion 24 Ventures: ensembles, bands, opera company, agency, education companies, composition 21-35 years old 5 women, 7 men

5. Journeys - the basics Participants Most (8) of remaining participants still nascents Only 1 has exited the process Only 1 is now established with no nascent ventures at all Ventures 50% (12) of ventures no longer in existence, But overwhelmingly, been replaced by new ventures Multiple reasons – but not “failure”

6. Journeys – rich stories Non-linear path through nascency Complex interplay between creative (musician) identity & entrepreneurial identity Dynamic process Creative integrity Conflicts and congruences

7. Journeys – rich stories (2) Enterprising careers and non-enterprising jobs Changing goals and values Limited attachment to individual ventures Pragmatic entrepreneurship Pragmatic ventures Learning from experience, not failure Changing accounts of attitude to reward

8. Zuleika Beaven Doctoral Student, Manchester Metropolitan University Centre for Enterprise zuleika.t.beaven@stu.mmu.ac.uk