Billboard magazine, one of the world’s premier music publications, recognized Belmont University’s Mike Curb College of Entertainment and Music Business as one of the “2023 Top Music Business Schools” in the nation.
The publication’s annual review of the top music business schools highlighted 42 institutions around the country that provide students with career-launching opportunities in the entertainment industry. When college rankings have garnered less focus nationally, authors Cathy Applefeld Olson and Thom Duffy state, “Those attending any of Billboard’s top music business schools will be solidly positioned to pursue careers in an increasingly complex music industry.” Belmont has been continually included on this powerhouse list.
“As one of the pioneering music business programs in the nation, this recognition is even sweeter as we celebrate 50 years of music business at Belmont,” said Curb College Dean Brittany Schaffer. “This program was started by visionaries who dreamed of creating a pipeline of college-educated businesspeople from Belmont, directly fueling the industry in Nashville and the world. For 50 years, the music business program has produced dynamic industry leaders including label executives, entertainment lawyers, publishers, recording artists, artist managers, touring agents, journalists, songwriters, producers and more. The Belmont legacy is undeniable.”
The profile highlighted Belmont’s distinctive course offerings including Inside a Booking Agency, taught by alumna and Creative Artists Agency touring agent Katie Germano; The Artist’s Team, featuring industry guests representing each role on a recording artist’s team; and the beloved summer term experience, Bonnaroo U, an immersive course at the Bonnaroo Music and Arts Festival. The ranking article also mentioned the University’s new partnership with the Songwriters Hall of Fame including a new SHOF scholarship and masterclass series.
Outside of the classroom, Belmont offers students multiple experiential learning opportunities through student organizations who actively participate in the entertainment industry. Showcase Series has become a staple in Nashville and a hallmark example of providing real-world training, allowing student leaders to plan organize, and run five arena showcases, one outdoor festival, and four writers’ nights highlighting the musical and technical talents of Belmont students across genres. Through the student-led Service Corps organization, Curb College students have volunteered at and actively participated in the Grammy Awards, CMA Fest, the Academy of Country Music Awards, Sundance Film Festival and more. Other student organizations include Grammy U, CMA EDU, Bear House Writer Management and Music Row Promo, among others.
Billboard’s top music business school recognition follows a recent evening of reflection, stories and song as Curb College kicked off the Music Business program’s golden anniversary year.