Neeley People Spotlight

Not many business majors appear on “American Idol,” but last fall, Tim Halperin landed on the top-rated TV show in front of Jennifer Lopez, Steven Tyler, Randy Jackson and a worldwide television audience, where he was a top finalist.

Tim knew when he came to TCU from Omaha that we wanted to pursue a career as a singer/songwriter, and he knew he needed business savvy to compliment his musical talent.

“Being an artist is at least 50 percent marketing,” he said. “For people to like your music you have to get your music in front of them. You have to market and brand yourself. My Neeley School marketing degree and college internship with Range interactive marketing agency definitely helped mold me. I’m always coming up with new ideas, which is the kind of thinking Neeley encourages, especially in entrepreneurs.”

As a TCU Honors student, Tim made a name for himself with original songs on iTunes, concert appearances across campus, the release of an EP, and MTV recognition. After graduation in May 2010, Tim garnered a spot on “American Idol” and won a following of millions. He wrote “We Fight Back” to benefit Komen for the Cure. Tim’s fan base grew even more with the debut of his first music video for the hit song “The Last Song” from his newest CD, “Rise and Fall.” For more information, visit www.timhalperin.com.

“It is great to be passionate about something and make it a career,” he said.