Billboard Names Howard University A Top Music Business School

By Amber Dodd

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.

Offering an Exclusive Music Business Education

Students in the Warner Music/Blavatnik Center for Music Business Center learn both the business of music and the keys to success in social justice initiatives in class offerings such as “Black Entrepreneurs in the Music Business” and “HR 101.” In its explanation of Howard’s positioning, Billboard highlighted the center’s unique certifications in chartmetric data analytics and Social Justice in Music Industry for Leaders. The center emphasizes interdisciplinary change agents, and all students are eligible to apply for the center’s fellowship program.

Fellows are eligible for a $25,000 scholarship to support academic and experiential learning, including acquisition of videography equipment, EP production, and networking .

In their Music Executive Lecture Series, the center welcomes today’s music leaders to speak with students about their industry journeys. This year, DMV rapper Noochie is the artist-in-residence while Roc Nation executive and photographer Lenny S. is the executive-in-residence. Recent guests include R&B artist Lucky Daye and Jason Paul “Poo Bear” Boyd, a songwriter for Usher, Justin Bieber and Ty Dolla $ign. The center also held a civic engagement concert with go go group Backyard Band during the University’s Freshman Week.