Christopher Wares

Position
Assistant Chair
Affiliated Departments
Expertise
music marketing
music business
Faculty Bio E-Mail

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Chris Wares has extensive experience in the music industry, having worked with some of North America's largest independent record labels, publishing companies, entertainment law firms, and management companies. Some of his roles have included marketing director for a major distributed independent record label, grant writer, artist manager, copyright administrator, and metadata and distribution specialist. Through this work, he has had the privilege of leading marketing campaigns for multiple Grammy and Juno award-winning artists. As a professional grant writer, he has successfully procured government and private funding in the hundreds of thousands of dollars for artists and businesses such as record labels and music publishers. Before pivoting to the business of music, he was an award-winning sound engineer, having worked in some of Canada’s most prestigious recording studios.

When it comes to academia, Wares has worked with numerous post-secondary institutions to develop and update curriculums, design new courses and materials, and organize events. He also has several years’ experience teaching various business administration courses, with a focus on the music business.

Wares is an active member of the Recording Academy, the Canadian Academy of Recording Arts and Sciences (CARAS), and the Music and Entertainment Industry Educators Association (MEIEA). He also regularly serves as a grant applications’ juror for the Foundation Assisting Canadian Talent on Recordings (FACTOR).

Education
  • M.B.A., Southern New Hampshire University and Berklee College of Music, concentration in music business
  • B.F.A., Concordia University, major in electroacoustics, minor in business studies
  • Attestation of College Studies, Trebas Institute, concentration in studio recording and live sound
In Their Own Words

"I have a strong passion for music, business, and education, and I am constantly seeking new and innovative ways to bring them together. The unique combination of my work on the creative side of music—as an accomplished sound engineer and producer—with my extensive experience as an industry professional has provided me with the ability to engage and connect with students in truly meaningful and relatable ways."

"My students should know that success leaves clues. Study the most successful individuals and companies who have accomplished what you are aspiring to do. Learn from what they did right, and learn from what they did wrong. This will enable you to achieve the same results in half the time. Don't get me wrong, you still have to put in the work. But doing this will allow you to work smarter, not just harder. As with most things in life, what you put into something is what you get out of it."