Jonathan Feist

Coach for Artists & Creative Professionals | Author, Project Management for Musicians | Founder, Orchard Fire Publishing | formerly Editor in Chief, Berklee Press

Gloucester, Massachusetts, United States

About

I help working artists and creative professionals turn their craft into a sustainable living—without losing what made the work matter in the first place. After nearly three decades in music education and publishing, I've seen the same pattern over and over: hugely talented people whose careers stall not on talent, but on the unglamorous parts—structure, follow-through, pricing, planning, treating the work like the real enterprise it is. That's the gap I coach into. I wrote the book on it, literally—Project Management for Musicians (Berklee Press)—and I now work with artists one-on-one and through ArtsMBA to build careers that actually pay. What I bring to it: • Arts Entrepreneurship Coach at ArtsMBA, working with established artists on the business and project foundations of a sustainable career • Founder of Orchard Fire Publishing, helping authors take a project from idea to a finished, distributed book • 27+ years at Berklee College of Music, including long-time Editor in Chief of Berklee Press—250+ titles with faculty, artists, and industry figures • An author and songwriter myself, so I coach from inside the creative life, not from the outside If you're an artist or creative professional trying to build something that lasts and pays, let's talk.

Experience

  • Program Director and Arts Entrepreneurship Coach at ArtsMBA
    Apr 2026 - Present · 3 mos

    A professional development program for established artists ready to initiate significant new projects or career chapters. I lead project management sessions, oversee program operations, and coach artists. Developed the online community platform, and curriculum for multiple career development programs.

  • Founder and Publisher at Orchard Fire Publishing
    Aug 2025 - Present · 11 mos

    Independent publishing imprint dedicated to amplifying diverse voices in arts, culture, and personal storytelling. • Launching with socially resonant titles, including titles on music, nonprofit governance, poetry, children's books, and more! • Provides a platform for emerging authors and socially relevant projects, blending editorial craft with cultural impact, and author-centric empowering financial deal structures • Draws on 25+ years of publishing leadership to deliver high-quality, mission-driven books to global audiences.

  • Course Author, Instructor, Developer at Berklee Online
    Oct 1998 - Present · 27 yrs 9 mos

    Early member of the Berklee Online founding team, developing accredited courses and contributing to the growth of Berklee’s digital learning division. Designed and taught two accredited online courses: "Project Management for Musicians" and "Music Notation and Score Preparation Using Finale." Taught more than 2,500 students worldwide, bringing clarity and accessibility to technical subjects. Co-created curriculum frameworks and editorial standards during the formative years of Berklee Online. Continue to teach and contribute to the ongoing expansion of Berklee’s global online education presence.

  • Editor in Chief of Berklee Press at Berklee College of Music
    Oct 1998 - Sep 2025 · 27 yrs

    Led editorial and publishing strategy for Berklee Press, the official publishing division of Berklee College of Music, with global distribution through Hal Leonard. • Directed production of 250+ titles in music, arts, and culture, collaborating with Grammy-winning artists and leading educators. • Executive editor for landmark projects including New Standards (Terri Lyne Carrington), recipient of a Jazz Journalists Association Award. • Built and managed relationships with authors, artists, and international publishing partners. • Represented Berklee at global publishing conferences in China, Brazil, and Spain, delivering keynotes on creativity and cultural identity. • Championed diversity and representation in publishing, amplifying underrepresented voices.

  • Music Education Expert at About.com
    Mar 2014 - Mar 2016 · 2 yrs 1 mo

    Wrote 150+ articles related to music education.