Tag Archives: Dr. Mark Crawford

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Billboard recognizes TSU’s Commercial Music program as one of the best in the world

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (TSU News Service) – Tennessee State University is now home to one of the top music business programs in the world. The October 7 issue of Billboard Magazine highlighted over 25 internationally acclaimed music business programs, including TSU, as one of the 2023 Top Music Business Schools.

TSU’s students are pictured with Tennessee native singer and actress CoCo Jones along with Willie “Prophet” Stiggers, co-founder and chair of the Black Music Action Coalition, and Def Jam Recording executives during a session of the music accelerator program held in May. (Photo courtesy 353 Media Group)

“This is a major milestone,” said Dr. Mark Crawford, who serves as coordinator of TSU’s commercial music program. “Not every HBCU has this program to begin with. This recognition puts us on the global stage.”

Dr. Crawford expressed his excitement for what he believes is a remarkable achievement and recognition that will open doors to new opportunities for students. This is in the form of internships and career opportunities.

Sophomore Honoria Hodges is already reaping the benefits of the program. Hodges is currently a TSU Meistersingers and said what she is learning from the program, in addition to her talent, will set her up to become an R&B/ pop artist.

“It is wonderful that we received this recognition,” Hodges said. “This will get all our names (students) out there to get what we want out of our careers. And my experience so far at TSU has been very enlightening.” 

Honoria Hodges

In May, TSU offered students the music business accelerator program, a 4-week course in partnership with the Black Music Action Coalition. Students got a chance to collaborate with industry giants such as Wasserman Music, Amazon Music, Nashville Music Equality, the RIAA, Live Nation, and more. The once-in-a-lifetime opportunity gave them access to internships and employment. Notable guest speakers included producer Rodney “Darkchild” Jerkins, BET and NAACP award-winning music artist CoCo Jones, rapper Waka Flocka, and others who provided valuable industry insights.

TSU alumnus Jonathan Boddie said it is unique opportunities like the accelerator program that sets the program a part. Boddie is a Nashville native and professional musician who graduated from the commercial music program in 2010.

Dr. Mark Crawford

“I think this is well deserved,” Boddie said in response to the recognition, especially noting that the university is in the heart of ‘Music City.’ “I want to raise awareness that we have one of the top programs, and we can also get people to invest into the school.”

As a professional musician, Boddie has had a residency overseas, and even lived in Korea for six months to pursue his musical career. Boddie shared that the TSU commercial program and Dr. Crawford have had the greatest impact on his career.

“Dr. Crawford has never stopped looking out for us. He is always going the extra mile to give you more opportunities and I cannot say that about any other institution I have been a part of,” Boddie said.

Jonathan Boddie performs with Blue Masala Band during a concert held at Red Caboose Park in Bellevue, TN.

“The professors really do care even beyond graduation and I appreciate that.”

TSU alumni of the commercial music program include Harry Fox Agency client solutions coordinator Dashawn Howard and two-time Grammy-nominated producer Dwane “Key Wane” Wier, II.

“I hope we will continue to build on this kind of momentum,” Crawford added. “Recognition by Billboard and other professional entities will lead to curiosity. This will create additional opportunities.”

TSU makes the list as one of the two HBCUs, alongside Howard University. The prestigious recognition from Billboard comes as the program prepares to celebrate 25 years of educating students.

Dr. Samantha Morgan-Curtis, Dean of the College of Liberal Arts, said the honor to the 25-year program is well earned, and well overdue. 

“I was ecstatic because I know how hard everyone works,” Morgan-Curtis said, referring to the department’s faculty, and especially chair Dr. Robert Elliot, and Dr. Crawford for ensuring the students have “access to real world applications.”

Commercial music alumni practicing for the upcoming ensemble event at TSU. From left to right, Jonathan Boddie on the guitar, drum player Jameel Aziz, and bass player Maurice Farmer.

“Our students are getting these paid internships that are allowing them to do not only what they are being trained in, but what they love,” she said.

To celebrate the anniversary, the University will host a Commercial Ensemble Showcase November 13-15 at the Cox Lewis Theater inside the Performing Arts Center. Showtime is 7 p.m. each night and is free and open to the public. Traditionally a two-night event, an extra night was added to mark this significant milestone, featuring an alumni commercial ensemble as well as a faculty ensemble.

As TSU’s commercial music program continues to shine on the global stage, Crawford, who has overseen the program since the inception, is confident that faculty will help to foster the next generation of performers, producers, songwriters, and industry leaders.

Check out Billboard’s latest issue recognizing TSU here.

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TSU music business program gives students access to industry executives and artists

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (TSU News Service) – In the first week of the music business accelerator program at Tennessee State University, the class is already exposing students to powerhouse executives, talent agencies, and music artists. Through this firsthand experience, TSU students are gaining valuable insight into the music industry.

Students erupted in applause when High Standardz/Def Jam Recordings artist and actress CoCo Jones walked into the room. Jones gained recognition after her leading role in the 2012 Disney Channel movie “Let It Shine.” She currently portrays Hilary Banks in “Bel-Air,” Peacock’s modern take on “The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air.” She has also released her major label debut album last year, titled “What I Didn’t Tell You.” 

Music artist CoCo Jones speaks with TSU students about her upbringing in Tennessee and becoming an artist. (Photo by 353mediagroup)

The Lebanon, Tennessee native told students she was excited to share her music journey and to spread knowledge as a young Black artist and actress.

“It’s important to have classes like these because there’s so much opportunity in music that doesn’t stem from just being a rapper or a singer,” Jones said.

“I want to shed some light and share information that’s helpful for the next young Black person trying to make it in this industry.”

Jones shared stories of her upbringing in Lebanon and jump-starting her career in the music industry. She discussed navigating the ever-changing landscape of the business and staying faithful throughout her journey. The students were enthused by Jones’ insights and wisdom, and eagerly asked her questions.

“This has been phenomenal,” said Logyn Rylander, a music business major from Philadelphia. “It’s everything I could ever ask for in a class. I’m talking to people who do what I want to do.” Rylander looks forward to going into artist development after graduation this fall. “I had a small taste of my career.”

Students discussing a brand marketing plan during their music business class. (Photo courtesy Tennessee State University)

In addition to meeting with Jones, TSU students  participated  in interactive class activities with Jones’ manager, Lydia Asrat, Def Jam’s Vice President Naim McNair, Vice President of marketing Charlene Thomas, and Willie “Prophet” Stiggers with the Black Music Action Coalition.

Emmanuel “Mille Manny” Strickland of Memphis said the music business class has been an eye-opener. “The things we are learning are things I am going to need to know in my day-to-day career as an R&B artist.” Strickland is a junior studying business information systems and is pursuing a career as a singer and songwriter.

Jamea Kollie asking CoCo Jones a question about music collaborations. (Photo courtesy Tennessee State University)

Strickland’s cohorts are just as impressed with the overall program. They will also spend time with representatives from Tri-Star Entertainment Agency, Live Nation Entertainment, Rolling Loud, Wasserman Media Group, and Def Jam Recordings. The group is also exposed to different facets of the music and entertainment industry every day during their Maymester class. 

Jamea Kollie, a sophomore from Detroit studying mass communications, was a part of the music class’s first cohort in 2022 and said she will cherish the connections she made. “It was amazing last year. I met so many people who so happened to look like me as well and represent the Black community,” Kollie said. “These powerhouses of the industry are being such advocates; that’s very inspirational.”

From left to right; students Joshua Akhidenor, Emmanuel Strickland, and Link Fisher listening to Def Jam executives speak about the music industry. (Photo courtesy Tennessee State University)

Dr. Mark Crawford, the coordinator of commercial music for the university, said the goal is getting exposure and more opportunities for students at HBCUs. “As an educator, this means a lot,” Crawford said. “They are meeting professionals, visiting these places, and understanding the business of music. One goal is to try to provide internship opportunities for underrepresented demographics and HBCUs,” he said.

From discussing marketing to record label deals to artists and repertoire, the students are developing a deep appreciation for the art of music and the business behind it. “This is like the answer to an unspoken prayer; this is exactly what we need for the students,” Crawford said.

For more information about the music business accelerator program, reach Dr. Crawford at macrawford@tnstate.edu.