Students' Innovative Recording Project To Benefit Afghan Culture and Teachers

Innovation, technology, social responsibility, and music all
come together in the Afghan Music Project, the brainchild of Berkeley MBA graduates Adam Gouttierre and Chris Becherer. Their mixed media social venture centers on an 11-song album of traditional Afghan music that they recorded in Kabul, Afghanistan. At one point in 2006, the album occupied the #12 spot in Apple's iTunes' world music category.

"We used the latest digital technology and business models to sell the album to raise money for our nonprofit corporation, which will revive music education in Afghanistan after years of repression under the Taliban," says Becherer. "A whole generation has grown up separated from this rich cultural heritage."

Music has given hope to a place where there isn't much hope to be spared. Inspired by the rich sounds of Afghanistan the plight of its people, the two students spent part of the summer of 2005 in the country to work with musicians there and record the album.

All proceeds from album sales are being used to pay Afghan teachers' salaries, particularly those who teach young women. Just 600 song downloads from the album (or 60 album sales) will pay one Afghan music teacher's salary for an entire year. The album is now availablefor download through 40 online music stores, include iTunes and Rhapsody.

"We have some stirring accounts of how music has given hope to a place where there isn't much hope to be spared," said Becherer after interviewing musicians in Afghanistan.

The project also received media coverage, including a piece on
National Public Radio.

The innovative atmosphere of the Haas School inspired both men to undertake the project. Becherer, who is now a product manager at Apple Computer, came to Haas to pursue his interest in the technology and entertainment industries. Gouttierre, who is now working as a product manager at Microsoft, came looking for—and found—an "intense, innovative b-school experience. Haas encourages you to move beyond the status quo."

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	Two MBA Students Bring Afghan Music to iTunes.