Billboard Names Howard University A Top Music Business School

For the third consecutive year, Howard University’s School of Business and its Warner Music/Blavatnik Center for Music Business have been recognized in Billboard’s 2024 Top Music Business Schools report. 

Located in the School of Business, the premiere center continues to prepare the next generation of changemakers by fusing music education, industry networking, and social justice into a fellowship experience. 

“This recognition is a testament to the work we are doing here at The Mecca. We take great pride in pouring into our students to educate, empower and excite the next generation of music business icons,” said center director Jasmine Young (B.A. ’94). “It underscores our commitment to fostering a dynamic and inclusive environment that prepares the next generation of music industry leaders, and it’s a testament to the unique opportunities we create for our community at Howard University.” 

In the article spotlighting the top schools, Billboard’s Cathy Applefeld Olson and Thom Duffy, emphasized that “at a time when diversity, equity and inclusion efforts have come under attack, Howard University in Washington, D.C., has pushed back — with a program endowed by Warner Music Group and the Blavatnik Family Foundation Social Justice Fund.”

“At one of the nation’s historically Black colleges and universities, Howard’s program offers students a unique certification: Social Justice in the Music Industry for Leaders,” the article continued.

In 2020, the Warner Music/Blavatnik Center for Music Business received a $4.9 million gift from Warner Music Group as alumnus Julian Petty (BBA ’99), the label’s executive vice president of business and legal affairs, facilitated the partnership with the School of Business. The gift is part of The Warner Music Group / Blavatnik Family Foundation Social Justice Fund (SJF) $100 million fund.