In many ways, the choice of attending The Hartt School for Stephen Isherwood ’26 was meant to be. Isherwood loves music and plays guitar, and being from Connecticut, he wanted to stay local, so Hartt was a natural choice. When he began his studies at Hartt, he knew he could continue to grow his professional music connections in the state while pursuing a degree at UHart’s famed music conservatory. Now, as Isherwood is set to graduate in a few months, his vision of what he wishes for his future has come into focus. He’s grown to not only understand the business behind the art, but he’s experienced it firsthand, and he’s been able to cultivate valuable connections that have set him on a pathway forward.
At The Hartt School, Isherwood is a music management and guitar major. During his time at Hartt, Isherwood discovered that growth comes from initiative and self-trust. “I learned that no one is going to show up to do the work for you—you have to trust yourself,” he says. That mindset helped him make the most of every opportunity, both inside and outside the classroom.
Through Hartt’s music management curriculum, Isherwood gained a comprehensive understanding of the industry, exploring everything from artist development to entertainment law. These experiences prepared him to navigate multiple career paths and ultimately led to a pivotal internship with Marionette Management, a Connecticut-based artist management company specializing in folk-rock singer-songwriters.
The internship became a defining moment in his journey. There, Isherwood applied classroom knowledge in a real-world setting, built confidence in his abilities, and made a tangible impact on the team. “I really don’t know where I would be if it wasn’t for that experience,” he says, crediting Associate Professor of Arts and Performing Arts Management Mehmet Dede for connecting him with the opportunity.
Isherwood’s network at Hartt proved equally transformative. Faculty members including Dan Hartington, Luke Nelson, Randall Haywood, Michael Schiano, and Rich Goldstein helped shape his musicianship, while mentors like Dede and Marcus Thomas guided his professional development. A standout experience came during a Hartt-organized trip to Nashville, where Stephen connected with alumnus Adam Grover, a mastering engineer at Sterling Sound. That connection led to Grover mastering Stephen’s band’s album—an opportunity that demonstrated the power of preparation meeting opportunity.
Isherwood also found creative fulfillment through collaboration. One of his favorite memories took place in Hartt’s Studio B, where he and his band spent Friday nights recording music in early 2025. Working alongside his roommate, who engineered an ambitious eight-song project, Isherwood experienced firsthand the growth that comes from creative partnership. “We captured something we’re really proud of,” he says.
Before even graduating, Isherwood secured a role with Marionette Management, where he continues to work in artist management and development. In this position, he draws daily on the well-rounded education he received at Hartt. From music history to marketing and entertainment law, his coursework equipped him to handle the demands of working in a small, independent music business.
“Working in music, especially with a small team, means you have to understand every side of the industry,” Isherwood explains. “Hartt gave me that foundation.”
Looking ahead, Isherwood plans to continue growing his career in artist management while also performing as a guitarist with his band, Jake Kulak and The Modern Vandals.
His advice to incoming students reflects the lessons that shaped his own path: “Make connections with your peers, professors, and colleagues—but most importantly, find a mentor. Having someone who has walked the road you want to walk makes all the difference.”