NASHVILLE, Tenn. (TSU News Service) — For the fourth consecutive year, Tennessee State University’s Commercial Music Program has been named one of the nation’s top music business programs by Billboard magazine in its 2026 feature list.
Billboard highlighted TSU’s advantageous location in Nashville, which provides students direct access to the music industry through internships, field trips, networking events and practical programming.
The publication also praised the program’s evolving curriculum, noting courses such as Music Business and Law, which that gives a comprehensive foundation in intellectual property rights, artificial intelligence integration in audio and video production, contract negotiation, and revenue generation.
To bridge academic learning with real-world practice, the program regularly hosts industry leaders. Recent industry guest speakers include Mechanical Licensing Collective CEO Kris Ahrend and Sweetwater Sound Vice President of Talent Acquisition and Human Resources Business Partner Jordan Applegate.
Dr. Mark Crawford, professor and coordinator of the Commercial Music Program, said the continued recognition reflects the work of faculty members, students and industry partners to ensure the program evolves alongside the music business.
“To again have TSU’s Commercial Music Program included in this list for the fourth year in a row is certainly an honor,” Crawford said. “It reflects the continuous concern and evolution of our faculty and music industry partners as we educate our students. Their successes are a measure of our program’s effectiveness, and inclusion in the Billboard list validates everyone’s efforts.”
Now in its 28th year, TSU’s Commercial Music Program prepares students for careers across the music industry by combining academic coursework with opportunities to engage directly with music business professionals and organizations.
“We are grateful to Billboard for recognizing the outstanding work of our faculty, students and Commercial Music Program,” said Dr. Samantha Morgan-Curtis, dean of the College of Liberal Arts. “Dr. Crawford continues to provide students with valuable hands-on experiences by connecting them with industry leaders, facilitating internship opportunities and identifying innovative ways to keep the program at the forefront of music industry education.”
Morgan-Curtis noted that the program’s collaboration with the TSU SMART Center has expanded digital training opportunities for students.
“Four recognitions is a historic achievement, but our sights are already set on number five,” Morgan-Curtis said. “Being the only public university in Nashville, Music City, gives us the location, but our people make the true difference.”
As the program approaches its 30th anniversary, its continued presence on Billboard’s roster reinforces TSU’s commitment to training the next generation of music industry professionals in the heart of Music City.
Billboard has spotlighted premier music industry leaders for more than a decade. According to the publication, its selections are informed by industry recommendations, alumni information, its reporting on educational options and information provided by the schools themselves.
