Hi, I’m Decker! I am a student of Music and Politics, Philosophy & Economics (PPE) at Dartmouth College, and I am passionate about the creative process, promoting innovative music, and helping artists achieve their full potential. As the Operations Director at Dartmouth College Radio (WebDCR), co-leader of a student band, and through corporate internship experience in product management, I have had the opportunity to develop skills in communications, data analytics, and management that equip me well to thrive in the ever-changing landscape of the music industry.
This past fall, I founded a new student group on campus, the Dartmouth Student Music Industry Club (DSMIC), recognizing the need for a professionally focused music group on campus.
Currently, I am completing a thesis project that explores the history, culture, and context of folk music in the Appalachian/Rust Belt region. When not on air at WebDCR, I enjoy photography, songwriting, and hiking!
Music has always been the heartbeat of my life. Whether I’m diving into behind-the-scenes podcasts, discovering a hidden gem of an artist, or swapping records with friends, it’s more than a passion, it’s a part of who I am. Growing up with a piano teacher for a mom and a classic rock superfan for a dad, I was immersed in both the technical craft and emotional magic of music from the start. I remember the thrill of burning custom track lists onto CDs from my .mp3 library. The ability to shape, share, and curate musical experiences sparked a fascination that’s never left me.
At Dartmouth, I’ve channeled that lifelong passion into action. I founded the Dartmouth Student Music Industry Coalition (DSMIC), a club dedicated to educating students about and connecting them to opportunities in music. Through hosting guest speakers, information sessions, and compiling resources, DSMIC empowers students to explore careers in the music industry.
As the Operations Director at Dartmouth College Radio (WebDCR), I’ve helped usher in a period of growth, expanding scheduled programming, and implementing updated broadcasting equipment to expand our community reach and engagement.
Whilst continuing to pursue my passion for music, I have also studied economics and political science. This versatile track provides an overarching breadth of knowledge useful for music industry challenges, from spotting market trends and navigating legal complexities to crafting data-driven project reports.
What drives me is music’s unique ability to bring people together, tell meaningful stories, and inspire change. I’ve seen firsthand how it creates connections and fosters a sense of community, and I’m passionate about contributing to that impact. The music industry today is more dynamic than ever. From collaborating with DSPs and embracing the vinyl resurgence to crafting impactful social media strategies, I’m eager to contribute to its evolution and help drive its continued growth.
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Learn more about my senior thesis project, exploring the context and culture of bluegrass/folk music in the. This summer, I have began conducting fieldwork and interviews in the Appalachian region.
Check out my work! This portfolio includes my latest project inspired by 20th century surrealism. Additionally, many of the photos that I have selected highlight my love for travel, the outdoors, and culture.
If you are interested in learning more about my professional experience, you can find my resume and writing samples here!