Billboard magazine names OSU a top music business school for second year

Monday, October 16, 2023

Media Contact: Elizabeth Gosney | CAS Marketing and Communications Manager | 405-7447497 | egosney@okstate.edu

For the second year in a row, Oklahoma State University’s music industry program was recognized as a top music business school by Billboard magazine.

The music industry program — which is part of the Michael and Anne Greenwood School of Music — is featured in the October 2023 issue of Billboard. The magazine selected its top music business schools based on the criteria of industry recommendations, alumni information and details requested from each school. OSU was listed alongside 41 other accredited schools, including Abbey Road Institute, California Institute of the Arts and New York University.

“It is truly incredible that Oklahoma State University was named a top music business school for the second year in a row,” said Scott Hendricks, an OSU alumnus and executive vice president of A&R at Warner Music-Nashville. “The music business couldn’t exist without the infusion of bright minds coming from programs like this."

OSU’s Bachelor of Science in the music industry is fairly new, but students already have access to unique opportunities and learning experiences in the program. Students gain music industry experience through Poke U, a student-run music company that provides connections for students to professionals in the industry.

“In my opinion, there isn’t just one thing that makes us stand out, it is a collection of happenings,” said Dr. Mark Perry, who serves as director of the program. “For example, the New York Philharmonic residency, the rock band residency with Other Lives, songwriting classes with Nashville-based songwriter Zac Maloy, the Dick and Malinda Berry Fischer recording studio and successful career placement of our graduates.”

The GSM continuously works on making improvements to its program for current and prospective students, Perry explained. The recognition from Billboard magazine will help them continue this mission by spreading the word about the program’s achievements.  

Find out more about the GSM’s music industry program here, and read the latest issue of Billboard here.

Story By: Allie Putman | CAS Graduate Assistant | allie.putman@okstate.edu