Billboard magazine honors OSU’s Greenwood School of Music for fourth year in a row

Monday, December 1, 2025

Media Contact: Jeff Hopper | Communications and Media Relations Manager | 405-744-5827 | jeff.hopper@okstate.edu

OSU’s Greenwood School of Music continues its streak of national acclaim, earning a spot on Billboard’s annual list

Oklahoma State University’s music industry program was first recognized in 2022 for Poke U Records, a student-run record label that gives music industry majors hands-on experience in recording, producing and navigating the music business.

Now, four years later, the program continues to be recognized for its industry opportunities and student preparedness. Dr. Mark Perry, director of the program, said sustaining that level of excellence comes from the growing depth of student talent.

“Every year, we are consistently recruiting more talented students,” said Perry, who is also an associate professor of ethnomusicology and historical musicology. “Don’t get me wrong, we have had some really talented students in the past, and they are currently successful in their careers, working in the music industry.”

As the music industry continues to evolve, particularly with the advent of new technology, the program has adapted to ensure that students remain competitive.

“We must deal with the implications of artificial intelligence,” Perry said. “People will always want to attend live concerts, and they will demand to see and hear musicians, so we have job security in that area, and that includes everyone behind the scenes as well.”

With rising interest in the program, faculty said that the strong sense of community has not only remained intact but has grown stronger.

“Music students at the Greenwood School of Music are their own community; they are here from early morning until late at night,” Perry said. “Music industry students at OSU will never be just a number. I know every one of them, and our alumni are already mentoring the next generation.”

Looking ahead, the program has plans in motion, though not all details can be shared.

“I have lots of plans for the future, but I will have to keep them a secret for now,” Perry said. “We excel at country and rock music; I hope to expand our expertise to include more electronic music and hip-hop in the very near future.”

For prospective students, the program’s national recognition continues to highlight what makes OSU stand out.

“Oklahoma has always produced a disproportionate number of musicians in commercial music; there is something in the water,” Perry said. “My former students are now working in the music industry in Oklahoma City, Tulsa, Nashville, New York, Los Angeles, Chicago and beyond.”

“Students have four years to develop their skills, learn from top-notch faculty, collaborate with other talented students, and, most of all, the music industry program at OSU provides opportunities beyond the classroom.”

Its sustained focus on academic excellence and hands-on experience helps explain why the Greenwood School of Music has appeared on Billboard’s list for a fourth consecutive year.

Story By: Annelise Vinson | annelise.vinson@okstate.edu