Yaz Lancaster

I invite and recruit musicians, organizations, institutions, and venues to perform/host concerts for the 2026 Make Music NY festival; facilitate and troubleshoot the online registration process (via membership platform); spearhead presentations and outreach; research and track data; and interface with city agencies and public event spaces (parks, gardens, libraries, museums, cultural organizations) to secure permits and organize performances. [Temporary Position]

I assisted in recruiting musicians, organizations, institutions, and venues to perform/host concerts for the 2025 Make Music NY festival; facilitated and troubleshoot the online registration process; and interfaced with city agencies and public event spaces (parks, gardens, libraries, museums, cultural organizations) to secure permits and organize performances. [Temporary Position]

As the creator and curator of HEAVY HEARTS, I organize events in the US and abroad that celebrate the vulnerability and community necessary in presenting experimental music. I directly and regularly interact with performing artists, venues, vendors, marketing coordinators, management, and all types of audiences (both in-person, and via digital communication). As a show curator, I conceptualize overarching themes, work out all of the logistics and technology, relay information between everyone involved, and execute day-of-show stage management - including the execution of professional A/V, electronic, and recording set-ups. In addition, I execute all finances (artist payouts, grants, etc.) and manage production budgets.

I write reviews and art critiques of music/multimedia albums, programs and events; interview emerging, professional and dynamic musicians and artists; pitch ideas for pieces centering and creating space for artists of marginalized identities to be highlighted; and regularly interact with world-renowned artists and their management/publicists.

As an active musician and event coordinator myself, I have an extensive background in performing and recording. I perform in a wide range of genres, styles and settings - from renowned classical halls, to cornerstone cultural institutions, popular and contemporary music bands, and avant garde/DIY experimental shows. I frequently perform with electronics and work with live sound (AV) and engineering, which allows me to expand upon my traditional instrumental pedagogy as an educator to include topics ranging from Recording, Digital Audio Workstations (DAWs), production, DJing and mixing, and songwriting.

I worked as the Co-Manager & Marketing Coordinator for international (Toronto/NYC) label people | places | records (PPR), which supports a diverse community of “genrefluid” musicians as a “zero-profit,” artists-first organization. I led press and marketing efforts; collaborated on external communications with artists and their managers, distributors, venues, and press contacts; coordinated sales/royalty payouts; and organized successful fundraiser projects for urgent mutual aid causes.

From 2023-2024, I organized with abolitionist chamber music collective Sound Off: Music for Bail. I primarily facilitated production of our events via music programming and thematic conceptualization in line with our community organizing partners; drafted social media posts and created graphics; and oversaw the management of technology (sound, tech riders, videos, live-streaming, etc.) for rehearsals and performances.

From 2021-2022, I worked as the Administrative and Management Assistant for ETHEL String Quartet. I primarily liaised with the ETHEL Foundation, The Metropolitan Museum of Art, and guest artists; supported ETHEL’s residency at The Met as a Live Arts Contractor; managed scheduling and itineraries; tracked and reported performances; documented and archived digital assets; advised on accessibility needs of live and virtual programming; and assisted in contracting, deposits, and financial reports.

I provided guidance and insight to the core team of Luna Composition Lab regarding the growth of the program, improvements to the website/copy and application process, and operations/marketing concepts; and mentored young composers in 1:1 private lessons over zoom - and continue to provide knowledge, opportunities and resources as they arise in order to foster a strong alumni community of Luna Composition Lab.

I evaluated visual art submissions to the magazine during our open reading periods and solicit dynamic artists to be highlighted in our monthly art features and/or print anthologies; focused on bringing in a wide range of artists from varying geographic locations, gender identities and sexual orientations, race and ethnicities, primary mediums and artistic ethos/concepts; and contributed new and creative ideas for art features (including the additions of video and musical art to be considered).

I design personal/CV and music/art portfolio websites; create a balance of clean, minimal looks with striking accents and features that add personality to the viewing experience; use my proficient knowledge of HTML coding to adjust and edit features to enhance the appearance and accessibility of web content; and set up user-friendly objects that can be easily updated and managed by the owner of the site without additional help or resources. My awareness of accessibility issues and practices allow me to create with inclusivity in mind.

• I have experience using platforms including Squarespace, Wix, Weebly, and WordPress.
• I additionally create engaging digital content (graphics, album artworks, videos) for website, social media, and marketing purposes; and create and edit biographies, CV's, and artist statements incorporating you/your organizations creative voice.

Taught undergraduate students of differing experience levels; focused on teaching technique through repertoire and specifically-designed exercises; included lessons on improvisation, extended/contemporary techniques, practice and preparation techniques, music technology and recording, and music composition as related to violin performance; prepared students for studio recitals/masterclasses; and taught both in-person and via zoom.

Nevermind the Noise is the NYU Steinhardt Graduate concert composition collective. I led the organization of events; served as the chairperson and stage manager for all productions; communicated and liaised with artists and venues/vendors; coordinated and booked artists for events; scheduled meetings/events/rehearsals; produced virtual and streamed performances; created and distributed contracts and invoices; and curated programs/artistic narratives.

I worked as the Development Intern for the Foundation for Contemporary Arts, an organization that promotes and sponsors artists; and has granted awards totaling over $27mil. I did various detailed tasks including researching prospective donors; maintaining the donor database; preparing information sheets on past grantees; assisting in appeal letters and mailings; drafting letters and invitations; and leading maintenance of the social media schedule and analytics.

I worked as the Operations and Archival Intern at The Poetry Project, a community-based organization that holds multiple weekly readings and events. I managed ticketing (in-person and online); interacted with readers/performers and their publishers; sold books and merchandise; researched grant and funding opportunities; led the digitization of archives; assisted with mailings and other administrative tasks; along with self-directed archival projects.