Learning the Industry the LA Way

Growing up in a small town in Iowa playing the clarinet, saxophone, and guitar, Rome Tews wanted to pursue music production and entertainment, and they found their beat at Bradley. “I performed throughout high school, and being able to bring that to Bradley while learning and integrating into the music industry is exactly what I was looking for,” they explained, adding why they chose to pursue a Music and Entertainment Industry major rather than Music Performance. “Performing is exciting, but it’s a strenuous path. Working in the industry lets me experience my passion for music while providing stability and combining my love for music with my excitement for film and media.”

Now a senior, Tews is enjoying their last term in Los Angeles for the Hollywood Semester, taking classes and interning at Supe Troop, a music supervision company that works with filmmakers and brands. Living with three other students in Burbank, Tews is having the time of their life and learning the ropes in the entertainment industry.

“Outside of work and classes, we love to go to the beach, and there are a lot of fun restaurants and nightlife to explore,” they said. “Every couple of weeks we visit a famous Hollywood landmark. The best expedition was seeing Project Hail Mary at the TCL Chinese Theatre.”

Classes focus heavily on collaboration. Between film pitches, California rock ‘n’ roll history, and guest speakers, students work with professors to think creatively, critically, and learn about the industry from the inside. Tews’ internship at Supe Troop is immersive and intense, allowing them to get a taste of the industry. 

“Music supervision shapes a soundtrack by choosing songs that match a scene’s emotion and story, then syncing them to the visuals so everything feels cohesive. It also involves clearing rights and securing approvals so those creative choices can actually be used in the final project,” Tews explained. “My favorite part is being able to actually see the scene with the music, when all the work pays off.”

Fortunately, Tews was well prepared for this internship after learning about the role music supervisors play in the Music in Media course taught by professor Carl Anderson. “The final project in that class helped me understand the basics and leverage my knowledge in my internship interview. Mr. Anderson has been an amazing mentor and advisor, never hesitating to push his students to new heights,” Tews said.

In addition to their musical studies, Tews was co-editor-in-chief of The Bradley Scout, Bradley’s student-run newspaper. “I really enjoyed the community aspect, interacting with different organizations on campus, and seeing their diverse events,” they said. “My favorite story was definitely when Jeff Mauro ’00, aka The Sandwich King, came to campus and presented his Home of Da Brave Italian beef sandwich at the Williams Dining Hall ribbon-cutting ceremony. He has such an electric personality and the interview was so much fun.”

After graduation, Tews hopes to put their music production experience to use working in a supervision or publishing house in Chicago.

“LA has been chaotic in the best way. From carpool karaoke commutes to work to late night TV binges with my roommates, things are always exciting,” Tews said.

 —Emily Potts