Nick Martucci

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Management and Management Science

We connected with Professor Nick Martucci, director of the Arts and Entertainment Management (AEM) program and longtime music industry executive, to talk about his journey from tour planning to the classroom. With two decades of experience representing artists like George Clinton and Ludacris, Martucci brings his passion for live entertainment and artist development into every lesson, helping students turn creative ideas into real-world careers.

Why Arts & Entertainment Management?

Arts and Entertainment Management brings together my two passions: creativity and business. I’ve spent my career helping artists reach audiences and turn ideas into sustainable ventures, and now I get to teach students how to do the same, balancing artistry with strategy and passion with professionalism.

What drew you to Lubin and Pace University?

Pace is in the heart of the entertainment capital of the world, and the AEM program is uniquely positioned to give students real access to the industry. I was drawn to the idea of merging classroom theory with real-world practice and building bridges between students and the professional world.

What is your background prior to coming to Pace?

I’m the general manager and a partner at Universal Attractions Agency, where I oversee our New York and Los Angeles offices and a team of more than 30. Over the past two decades, I’ve led teams representing artists such as George Clinton, José Feliciano, Ludacris, MC Hammer, Salt-N-Pepa, and UB40, and helped grow national touring brands like I Love the 90s Tour and Pop 2000.

From managing major tours to shaping academic programs, what’s been your most memorable or defining moment in the music industry so far?

One of the most defining moments for me was watching a tour grow from a simple idea into a phenomenon. Standing in an amphitheater nine months later, seeing 16,000 people singing their hearts out and having the time of their lives, I knew I had helped make that moment possible. That same feeling drives me at Pace, where I work to build programs that help students turn their own passions into experiences that move people, build community, and create memories that last a lifetime.

I believe the best learning happens through doing. My classes are built around hands-on experiences and real-world case studies.

How do you bring real-world industry scenarios into the classroom to prepare students for entertainment careers?

I believe the best learning happens through doing. My classes are built around hands-on experiences and real-world case studies. I also bring in guest speakers from across the industry, including agents, managers, promoters, and executives, to help students understand both the business and the human side of entertainment.

How has your professional path impacted what you teach and how you teach it?

My industry experience gives me a front-row seat to what employers and clients are looking for. I teach with transparency, showing students how theory applies when the stakes are real. I emphasize communication, problem-solving, and adaptability, the same skills that make someone successful on a tour, in a label office, or at a management firm.

How have you seen the live entertainment and touring industries evolve during your career, and what trends should aspiring professionals be paying attention to right now?

The industry has become increasingly data driven and global. Artists now build their own ecosystems where touring, streaming, merchandise, direct-to-fan engagement, and brand partnerships all connect. Aspiring professionals should pay attention to evolving audience expectations and how innovation and authenticity intersect in the live experience.

You’ve mentored countless emerging artists and professionals. What’s one piece of advice you consistently share with young people entering the music business?

Relationships are your most valuable asset. Be reliable, be kind, and follow through. The entertainment industry runs on trust and reputation, and the people who last are those who treat others well and keep learning every day.

What are some challenges you had to overcome to get to where you are today?

Early on, balancing creative passion with business discipline was a challenge. I had to learn to make tough decisions, sometimes saying no to good ideas to make room for great ones. Building credibility in a competitive industry also required patience, persistence, and the ability to deliver results consistently.

Of which triumph are you most proud?

I am proud of building long-term partnerships and helping artists sustain decades-long careers. On the academic side, I am equally proud of seeing students land jobs, internships, and opportunities they once thought were out of reach.

As the new Director of the Arts and Entertainment Management program, what’s your vision for the future of the program and its impact on students?

My vision is to build on the strong foundation already in place and continue shaping the AEM program into one of the most connected and experiential in the country. I want it to be a space where creativity and business come together, and where students learn through real-world experiences that prepare them for meaningful careers. That means keeping our courses relevant, expanding opportunities for collaboration, and helping students develop the confidence, skills, and networks they need to succeed in a constantly evolving industry.

What does #LubinLife mean to you?

#LubinLife means opportunity, collaboration, and real-world impact. It’s about giving students the confidence and tools to take what they learn here and build meaningful careers in an industry they love.

Classes Professor Martucci Teaches:

• MGT 150: Managerial and Organizational Concepts
• MGT 235: Arts and Entertainment Management
• MGT 375: Management in the Business of Music
• MGT 397E: Managing Concert Touring and Promotion

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What attracted you to Pace?

What drew me to Pace was its inspirational mission of Opportunitas and the ways in which the College of Health Professions lives that mission through exemplary academic programs, strong outcomes, clinical care, practitioner expertise, health equity, interdisciplinary innovation, and community engagement. I see Pace as a dynamic institution, rooted in the community, where my background in health sciences leadership and my collaborative approach can make a meaningful difference. The opportunity to return to the East Coast and work in a large metropolitan setting was also compelling, as it provides the ideal environment to educate students to improve the community’s health.

How do you contribute to the success of Pace?

I see my job as helping others do their jobs. I contribute by leading in ways that foster innovation, collaboration, and strong outcomes. Through equitable learning environments, growth, and new programmatic initiatives, this work is intended to align with workforce demands, to expand interprofessional education, and to develop strong teaching, scholarship, and clinical and practice partnerships that directly benefit students, faculty, students, and the communities we serve. At the same time, I place a strong emphasis on faculty and leadership development—equipping individuals with resources and training to enhance teaching, scholarship, and professional growth. I lead through the core values of curiosity, humility, authenticity, and passion focused on outcomes which ensure that teams are interconnected with institutional, college, and departmental goals and committed to advancing student success.

What is your favorite aspect of working at Pace?

What I enjoy most is the smart, warm, and engaging people—the daily interaction with faculty, students, and staff that makes this work so rewarding. Leadership at Pace affords me the privilege of working with academic leaders, faculty, and staff to directly impact student success, faculty advancement, and the growth of programs. I find fulfillment in creating environments where students thrive, faculty feel supported, and the College advances its mission in association with University priorities and goals to see the impact our work has to support and improve our communities.

What hobbies/activities do you like to participate in outside of work?

My wife and I look forward to all the activities, walking trails, cultural events, and restaurants that Westchester and New York City have to offer. We also plan to spend time with our older daughter, future son-in-law, and their dog who live in Manhattan and have our younger daughter visit from California.

Is there anything else that you would like to share with the Pace Community?

It is an honor and privilege to have joined the Pace community, and I am excited for the present and future of the University and for the work we can do together for the betterment of our students, each other, and society.