Billboard ranked MTSU’s Scott Borchetta College of Media and Entertainment as one of the top music business schools in the United States, recognizing the Department of Recording Industry for the 11th straight year.
“Billboard’s Top Music Business Schools” annually highlights university production departments based on alumni, educational history, scope of the industry and general information.
MTSU’s Department of Recording Industry provides pathways for students seeking careers in music business, audio work and more, offering three main concentrations for undergraduate students: music business, commercial songwriting and audio production.
The department has grown significantly since its founding in 1973, graduating more students, gaining more faculty and opening up new opportunities each year.
Beginning as the Recording Industry Management, the RIM used studios in the Learning Resource Center and the James Union Building. It moved to the John Bragg Media and Entertainment building in 1991, becoming the Recording Industry Department a year later.
The department has graduated over 7,500 students since 1973.
Recording Industry Department Chair Michelle Conceison discussed program expansions.
“In [the] Recording Industry, we continue to expand our ranked Audio Production, Music Business, and Commercial Songwriting programs,” Conceison said. “We’ve launched an MS in Legal Studies with a concentration in Entertainment, and we are seeking to launch a minor in Live Entertainment.”
The department is also set to debut a master’s degree program in legal studies with an entertainment law concentration, in partnership with Nashville’s School of Law, this upcoming summer.
MTSU’s proximity to Nashville offers students many opportunities in the industry, like internships, publishing, production companies and promoters, said Music Business professor Adam Caress.
The department also connects students with music industry professionals, Caress said. From executives like Big Machine CEO Scott Borchetta to artists like Torrance Esmond and Chris Young.
Music Business Coordinator Amy Macy agreed.
“Strategically located in the greater Nashville area, the Music Business program leverages deep connections with local industry leaders and professionals,” Macy said.
Those connections aided in developing courses like AI in the Music Industry, Mental Health and the Entertainment Industry, Music Data, Analytics, and Content Strategies, Macy said.
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