Music Alumna Finds Success at Iconic Music Venue

The Troubadour in Los Angeles is an iconic music venue, which has hosted artists such as: Elton John, Neil Diamond, Miles Davis, Metallica, Guns N’ Roses, Pearl Jam, Radiohead, Coldplay, Red Hot Chili Peppers, and Johnny Cash.

Megan Benavente, who recently graduated with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Music, has the privilege to work at this iconic venue. As the Front of House Engineer, her day-to-day activities involve everything, and anything, related to the production of a show. At minimum, she sets up the stage with necessary microphones and cabling, makes sure amps and boards are up and running, and assists with tearing down the equipment at the end of the night.

As a student in the music department, inspiration was easy to come by for Benavente with Department Chair Iris Levine as an advocate and mentor. “She truly cares about her students, and that is the greatest gift you can give as a teacher,” she says. “With the music department being so small, we all became like a family.”

Benavente says she was inspired and motivated by each of her faculty members in some way. She credits Professor Arthur Winer for encouraging her to step out of her comfort zone by performing on stage. “I don’t think I would be the same person if I didn’t have that encouragement to get up on stage and allow people to listen to me,” she says. She is also grateful for Professor Kelly Jones, who always had her door open and was a constant force during her songwriting process.

When an internship opportunity at the Troubadour came knocking, Benavente was well equipped with her classroom knowledge and having worked at Cal Poly Pomona as an Audio Visual Technician through Associated Students, Inc. After proving her skills and knowledge, the Troubadour welcomed her into their family.

Benavente’s ultimate goal is to be in charge of large-scale arena shows and festivals. She is open to any opportunities that allow her to continue to learn and grow professionally. She is also working on her music album that is due to be released in March 2016. You can currently listen to her music at soundcloud.com/meganmichellebird. 

Written by Stephanie Salazar