About the Running Start Team

Director

Christine Bastian is Assistant Dean for Operations and Strategic Initiatives in the College of Music. At MSU, she created and developed MSU’s Running Start music entrepreneurship program, including residencies, workshops, pitch competitions, concert series, classes, and a graduate certificate in music career development. She also serves as faculty for several career courses at MSU. In her role as assistant dean, she directs and coordinates operations for the College of Music, including providing leadership and oversight of piano technology, recording services, computer support, event/concert production management, facilities, the Main Office, and career education initiatives.

As a violist, Christine holds principal and assistant principal chairs in the Midland (MI) and Flint Symphony, a section position with the Lansing Symphony, and has also performed with the Toledo, Grand Rapids, and Detroit Symphony. She also performs with Contempus Initiative, a Mid-Michigan chamber collective. She holds an undergraduate degree from the University of Michigan in Viola Performance, a Master of Music in Viola Performance with an outside concentration in Pedagogy and Music Education from Indiana University, and a Master of Arts in Higher, Adult, and Lifelong Education from Michigan State University.

110 Music Building
Email: beamerch@msu.edu
Phone: (517) 432-7371
Fax: (517) 432-2880

Emily Henley is the Assistant Director of Career Education for the College of Music, providing career advising appointments, designing workshops to connect students with diverse panels of guest artists, and conducting in-class workshops on career development. She creates and posts a weekly bulletin, maintains a list of jobs and opportunities in the arts, and manages five internship programs for the Running Start Office, working with collaborating organizations and maintaining strong employer relationships.

Emily's background encompasses graphic design, marketing, event planning, performance, and teaching. Emily earned her Bachelor's degree in Music Performance as well as a minor in graphic design from Michigan State University in 2019. She received her Master's degree in Classical Performance with the Harp from Roosevelt University CCPA in 2021. Emily has worked with the Ann Arbor Symphony Orchestra, University of Michigan SMTD, and the Center for Arts Leadership at Roosevelt University CCPA.

207 Music Practice Building
Email: henleyem@msu.edu
Phone: (517) 353-9939
Fax: (517) 432-2880

Dylan Myers is the Running Start Communication & Events Intern. In his position, he assists in the creation and execution of social media communication, maintaining the Running Start website content, and provides support for various Running Start events and connecting College of Music students to resources for career development in their field.

Dylan is currently working toward a Doctor of Musical Arts degree in bassoon performance with research interests in early music performance and pedagogy. He received both Master of Music Education in studio pedagogy and Bachelor of Music in bassoon performance degrees at the University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point. Prior to attending MSU, Dylan worked in commercial reed production and band instrument repair industries, in addition to maintaining a private bassoon studio, as well as a performance career playing modern and historical bassoons where he can be heard on public radio stations in Montana, Oregon, Washington, and Wisconsin.

207 Music Practice Building
Email: myersdy1@msu.edu
Phone: (517) 353-9939
Fax: (517) 432-2880

Sam Gucwa is a Running Start Events and Photography Intern and provides assistance in various Running Start events during the year.

Sam is currenty pursuing her Bachelor of Music degree in Jazz Studies (saxophone). Prior to attending MSU, Sam studied in Denver, Colorado where she performed with the Boulder Philharmonic, Metropolitan Jazz Orchestra, Bleak Mystique, and PureArtistMusic, in addition to running social media for several local big bands. Originally from the Chicago suburbs, the highlight of Sam's time in Michigan has been performing with Brian Van der Ark.

207 Music Practice Building
Email: gucwasam@msu.edu
Phone: (517) 353-9939
Fax: (517) 432-2880

Joe Fielder is a Running Start Social Media Content Creator Intern. In his position, he designs graphics, films, edits video content, and connects students, alumni, faculty, and guest artists to the Running Start’s services and events using platforms like Instagram and Facebook. Joe also provides support for Running Start events.

Joe is currently a second year undergrad student and is pursuing his Bachelor of Music degree in Jazz Studies (Drums). In addition to his major, Joe has designed images for various posters, flyers, album covers, and would like to pursue a subsidiary career in Graphic Design.

207 Music Practice Building
Email: fielde17@msu.edu
Phone: 313-932-3717
Fax: 517-432-2880