National recognition highlights program’s industry connections, experiential learning and entrepreneurial opportunities
MEMPHIS, Tenn. — October 5, 2026 — The Rudi E. Scheidt School of Music at the University of Memphis has been selected as one of Billboard’s Top Music Business Schools for 2026, placing the program among a select group of colleges and universities recognized nationally for preparing students for careers in the music industry.
Billboard’s annual list recognizes music business programs based on factors including industry recommendations, alumni accomplishments, institutional information and the publication’s reporting on music education.
For the University of Memphis, the recognition reflects the unique advantages of studying music business in Memphis, a city with a globally recognized musical legacy and an active contemporary music industry.
“Our students have the opportunity to experience the music business where it actually happens,” said Dr. Jacob Allen, director of the Rudi E. Scheidt School of Music. “The combination of Memphis’ music history, our industry partnerships, and the hands-on experiences we provide gives students a direct pathway from the classroom into the professional world.”
The Music Business program connects students with industry partners, providing opportunities in areas including recording, publishing, distribution, copyright, music supervision, artist services and live events. Partners and industry connections include Live Nation, Memphis Record Pressing, Southern Grooves Studios, Memphis Magnetic Studios, Royal Studios, UNAPOLOGETIC, Crosstown Sync, Mempho Fest, RiverBeat Music Festival and Connect Music.
“This recognition further reinforces what everyone living and working in Memphis is already very aware of — Memphis and musical excellence are synonymous,” said Dr. Kyle Jones, assistant professor of Music Business. “Though we are excited to continue to honor the rich musical heritage of this city, our focus is also on highlighting and empowering the emerging talent that continues to build upon that legacy every single day.”
Through a combination of hands-on learning and professional opportunities, students develop the knowledge, relationships and real-world experience needed to navigate an evolving industry.
“The music industry changes too quickly for students to succeed by memorizing a static playbook,” said Jeff Cohran, area coordinator and assistant professor of Teaching, Music Business. “Our goal is to help students develop the adaptability, critical thinking and professional skills needed to thrive in an ever-changing industry.”
The program’s student-led and legacy enterprises, Blue Tom Records, High Water Records and Music River Publishing, create a collaborative, think tank-style environment where students engage in music creation, performance, artist development, catalog management, marketing, event planning and business development while applying classroom concepts to real-world projects.
“People learn best when they’re entrusted with real responsibility,” said Cohran. “We challenge students to move beyond theory and develop the judgment that comes from making real decisions and evaluating their outcomes.”
The success of the program’s alumni reflects the breadth of opportunities available to graduates in today’s music industry. Notable alumni include Andrew Isbell, Jeffery Jordan, and Spencer Stewart of The Band CAMINO, which was founded at the University of Memphis in 2015; Charles Seaton, a music industry professional with Crosstown Arts and founder of the Crosstown Sync program; and Morgan Massey, program coordinator at Music Export Memphis.
Entrepreneurship is another key part of the program. Through the Entrepreneurship in Commercial Music course, students develop preliminary business plans for music-related ventures while working with the University’s Crews Center for Entrepreneurship. Students can pitch their ideas through the Cordell Jackson Music Ventures Fund, with winning concepts receiving between $1,000 and $5,000 to support the development or launch of their businesses.
Scholars earn professional experience through travel and industry events, including The Grammys, the North American Music Merchants (NAMM) Show, the Music and Entertainment Industry Educators Association (MEIEA Summit), and Audio Engineering Society (AES) events. Last year, four University of Memphis students were selected as Lamond GenNext awardees for NAMM, with the University funding 100% of their travel.
Classroom learning is supported by visits to Memphis music institutions such as Memphis Record Pressing, Select-O-Hits, Sun Studio, Memphis Listening Lab, WYXR 91.7 FM Memphis, Stax Museum of American Soul Music, along with guest speakers from across the industry. Recent guests have included Yuri Lysoivanov, senior solutions engineer and product expert at Shure, and Nick D’Angiollio, vice president of Non-Traditional and Sales at Concord Music.
“Undeniably, one of the greatest benefits of studying at the University of Memphis is that the city becomes your classroom, and what better place to engage with the music industry than a city that has, and continues to shape, so much of that industry today,” says Jones.
The Billboard recognition reinforces the Rudi E. Scheidt School of Music’s commitment to combining industry-connected education, entrepreneurial opportunity, and hands-on experience. By leveraging Memphis’ unique position as both a historic music city and a contemporary center for music creation, technology and business, the program continues to prepare students to contribute to and shape the future of the music industry.
