BGSU alumna Natalie Conklin '21 discovered the University's music industry minor, now also a major, in her junior year and has since built a successful career in the music industry. (BGSU photo/Haven Conn '22)
Natalie Conklin ‘21 manages operations for world-renowned artists through her role at the Toledo Symphony and Live Arts Toledo
Since graduating from Bowling Green State University in 2021, Natalie Conklin has built a successful career in the music industry, including working with Grammy Award–winning artists such as legendary cellist Yo-Yo Ma. Conklin is the director of artistic operations at the Toledo Symphony and Live Arts Toledo, the region’s premier hub for live performances, a journey that began when she discovered the music industry minor in the BGSU College of Musical Arts during her junior year. BGSU recently became Ohio’s first public university to launch a bachelor’s degree in music industry, building upon the decade-long success of its music industry minor in the College of Musical Arts.
Key Highlights
Alum: Natalie Conklin '21
Career: Director of artistic operations at the Toledo Symphony and Live Arts Toledo
Degree: Musical arts, with a minor in music industry
From classroom to career
After discovering the music industry minor as a junior, Conklin changed her career path from musical arts to the music industry and now works with internationally renowned performers.
Working with world-renowned artists
As director of artistic operations at the Toledo Symphony and Live Arts Toledo, Conklin manages a range of operational and technical responsibilities for guest artists, including drafting and executing contracts, coordinating hospitality and overseeing logistics.
Aligning education with industry
BGSU was Ohio’s first public university to launch a bachelor’s degree focused on the music business, preparing graduates for roles in production, management, communication, marketing and technology across the music industry.
"Some of the most important lessons I learned at BGSU were to talk to the people around you, build connections, take advantage of everything the University has to offer and remain open to new experiences. That mindset has been essential to both my personal and professional growth.”
NATALIE CONKLIN '21
DIRECTOR OF ARTISTIC OPERATIONS, TOLEDO SYMPHONY AND LIVE ARTS TOLEDO
(BGSU video/Justin Camuso-Stall '14, Benjamin Boutwell '24 and Noah Walter)
Since graduating from Bowling Green State University in 2021, Natalie Conklin has built a successful career in the music industry, including working with Grammy Award–winning artists such as legendary cellist Yo-Yo Ma.
Conklin is the director of artistic operations at the Toledo Symphony and Live Arts Toledo, the region’s premier hub for live performances, a journey that began when she discovered the music industry minor in the BGSU College of Musical Arts during her junior year.
“Learning that BGSU offered classes like music law, music marketing, artist management and recording techniques was intriguing, and I wanted to learn more,” Conklin said. “The head of the music industry program took time to explain the program, share real-world examples and encouraged me to think beyond traditional paths in music. There are so many opportunities in music.”
BGSU recently became Ohio’s first public university to launch a bachelor’s degree in music industry, building upon the decade-long success of its music industry minor in the College of Musical Arts.
The interdisciplinary bachelor’s degree combines music industry and business coursework, expanding students’ credentials and preparing graduates for roles in production, management, communication, marketing, technology and related fields.
Students engage in highly interactive and project-based coursework while also developing skills in entrepreneurship and marketing.
In her current role, Conklin manages a wide range of operational and technical responsibilities for guest artists, including drafting and executing contracts, coordinating hospitality and overseeing logistics.
She has worked with numerous award-winning artists, including Yo-Yo Ma, jazz saxophonist Branford Marsalis and soprano Renée Fleming. Conklin also works with the artistic team on seasonal programming, preparing schedules and overseeing coordination.
“Discovering the music industry program at BGSU was both scary and exciting,” said Conklin, noting that she initially planned to become a band director. “It meant redefining what I thought my future would look like. Some of the most important lessons I learned at BGSU were to talk to the people around you, build connections, take advantage of everything the University has to offer and remain open to new experiences.
“That mindset has been essential to both my personal and professional growth.”
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Updated: 07/10/2026 03:51PM