Musician to MPAc: Why I Chose Accounting After Building a Creative Business

When people hear that I studied neurobiology, performed music and ran a live-event company before pursuing accounting, they usually pause and say, “Wait—how did you get here?” But to me, my journey makes perfect sense. Every step pushed me toward wanting a stronger foundation in business, financial management and long-term career growth.

I started my undergraduate years as a neurobiology, physiology and behavior major at UC Davis, completely immersed in science. But at the same time, I fell deeply in love with the music community on campus. I spent my evenings performing, connecting with artists and organizing shows. 

Launching My Business

After graduating, I launched Velvet Red Productions LLC, a live-event company that helped up-and-coming musicians book gigs and build their audiences. I managed hundreds of artists, handled logistics and coordinated performances.

Running my company opened my eyes to how essential financial knowledge is, which ultimately motivated me to pivot into accounting.

Every decision depended on understanding numbers, budgeting, contracts, vendor payments, ticket revenue, taxes and staying compliant. The creative world is exhilarating, but it also demands structure. I realized that to grow as a business owner and as an artist, I needed a stronger technical foundation. 

Why Accounting Became the Next Step

My creative background didn’t pull me away from accounting—it’s actually what pushed me toward it. 

Working in the music industry revealed how much power comes from understanding the business side of your craft. I wanted to speak the language of finance, not just rely on intuition. I wanted to understand the numbers behind the work, which led me to the UC Davis Master of Professional Accountancy (MPAc).

Pursuing an MPAc felt like the right next step to build credibility, sharpen my decision-making skills and strengthen the future of my company.

To me, strengthening my technical foundation means taking what I learn in the classroom and applying it directly to my projects. Accounting isn’t just for corporations or firms—it’s for entrepreneurs, artists, managers and anyone who needs clarity in financial decision-making. 

How Accounting Supports My Creative Work

In the live entertainment industry, it is crucial to understand the flow of money. For every show I’ve organized, I track costs, profits, vendor payments, artist fees and contracts. I need to know what’s feasible, what’s risky and what will help an artist win long-term. With accounting skills, I can budget more effectively, protect my company legally and financially and run events with confidence.

I truly believe financial literacy empowers creative entrepreneurs. When you understand accounting, you can scale your work, avoid costly mistakes and negotiate from a place of knowledge. It sets you apart in any artistic field.

Why I Chose the UC Davis MPAc Program

When I started researching accounting programs, the UC Davis Master of Professional Accountancy immediately stood out. It’s an accelerated, nine-month, STEM-designated program located right here in Davis, and it provides a direct pathway toward California CPA eligibility.

What also impressed me was how supportive and attentive the UC Davis community can be. They don’t just teach the material; they care about who you are as a person and where you want to go. 

The personalized support from faculty makes a huge difference, especially for students like me entering the field from a nontraditional background.

One of my favorite courses so far has been Managerial Accounting. It’s full of real-world examples and decision-making scenarios that mirror what happens inside actual companies. The concepts click with me because they relate directly to internal operations—exactly the kind of thinking I use when running Velvet Red Productions.

A New Direction—and a Stronger Future

Choosing the UC Davis MPAc program has been one of the most intentional decisions of my career so far. It helps me blend creativity with technical skill and shown me new ways to support artists, manage projects and grow sustainably as a business owner.