MURFREESBORO, Tenn. — Middle Tennessee State University’s Department of Recording Industry has been named among Billboard’s top music business schools for the 12th consecutive year, continuing a tradition of preparing students for careers across the music industry. 

The recognition appears in Billboard’s recently released “Billboard’s 2026 Top Music Business Schools,”an annual feature highlighting colleges and universities educating the next generation of music industry professionals. The publication considers industry recommendations, alumni accomplishments, its own reporting on educational programs and information provided by the schools. The schools are listed alphabetically rather than numerically ranked.

This year’s profile highlights several developments at MTSU’s Scott Borchetta College of Media and Entertainment, including new degree and minor offerings, students’ connections to Nashville’s music industry, and opportunities to gain experience in live events and professional productions. 

The academic offerings expanded to include a graduate concentration in entertainment law within the Master of Science in Legal Studies program, an undergraduate minor in live entertainment, and a Master of Fine Arts in Film and Television that collaborates closely with the Master of Fine Arts in Recording Arts Technologies. The new live entertainment minor gives students an opportunity to develop skills in organizing, operating, and supporting live events across a variety of professional environments. The minor is open to students from across campus who want to learn more about live events.

“I’m excited to see Middle Tennessee State University once again be recognized by Billboard as the home to one of the Top Music Business Schools,” said Gloria Green, professor in the Department of Recording Industry. “We work hard to provide students with a well-rounded education and regularly assess our curriculum to keep pace with changes in the industry. I’m also happy to be part of the development of our new live entertainment minor, which gives students from across campus the opportunity to learn more about working in live events.”

Practical experience and industry connections remain central to the department’s approach. During the 2025-26 academic year, more than 65 guest speakers visited the college, including Recording Industry Association of America CEO Mitch Glazier. Students have also contributed to live concert streams from the Bonnaroo Music and Arts Festival for Hulu and gained experience providing sound reinforcement for concerts, athletic events and televised broadcasts on ESPN+.

“As faculty members, we have the privilege of helping students turn their passion for music into meaningful careers,” said Denise Shackelford, associate professor in the Department of Recording Industry. “Billboard’s recognition reflects our commitment to combining academic knowledge with real-world experience and strong industry relationships. It also reinforces the value of an MTSU education, both to the students we serve and to the industry in which they hope to build their careers.”  

Recording Industry professor Tammy Donham said the recognition reflects the faculty’s work to prepare students for professional opportunities. 

“Our students come to us with a passion for music and dreams of building careers in the industry,” Donham said. “As faculty, our goal is to make sure they leave here with the knowledge and practical skills they need to turn those dreams into reality. Being recognized once again by Billboard is an honor and a reflection of the work our faculty is doing to prepare the next generation of music industry professionals.”

Department Chair Michelle Conceison credited the Recording Industry team for its continued work to develop and strengthen its programs, celebrating faculty and staff as innovators whose day-to-day efforts have helped sustain the department’s national recognition. 

For students pursuing music business careers, the department’s combination of academic preparation, industry engagement and hands-on experience provides opportunities to develop the knowledge and professional skills needed to navigate a changing music industry.

For more information about MTSU’s Department of Recording Industry, visit https://mtsu.edu/recording-industry/. 

— Stacey Tadlock ([email protected])