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Auburn named Billboard Magazine 2024 Top Music Business School

Billboard Magazine, one of the biggest names in music, has recognized Auburn University's Department of Music for excellence in music business education.

Billboard evaluates schools based on industry recommendations, alumni information and school reporting. Auburn Music was named to the 2024 Top Music Business School list for its new, state-of-the-art recording studio, successful alumni, music business minor and commercial music and composition (technology) programs.

Department of Music Chair Doug Rosener said the Don and Alexandra Clayton "Lucky Man" Studio brought together several industry elements to campus.

"With the addition of Lucky Man Studio, we now have a have a part of that industry in our own building for our students to experience and study," Rosener said. "We are very grateful to Billboard Magazine for this recognition and look forward to many more years of preparing the next generation of music industry professionals."

Expert faculty such as saxophonist Khari Allen Lee, music publicist Jennifer Bohler and recording engineer Trammell Starks bring the music industry to the classroom.

Benefitting from their knowledge and connections, Auburn students secure internships with music studios, sound and production companies, theaters and more. Auburn Music alumni can be found across Nashville in music companies, public relations firms and talent agencies.

Oakley Holmes '23, former promotions intern for Universal Music Group and Country Music Association CMA EDU Leadership Program alumna, is the digital marketing and artist development coordinator for Sony Music Entertainment in Nashville.

Holmes credits Auburn for teaching her and her classmates how to break into the competitive music industry.

"Thanks to the music business programs Auburn University provides, I was able to grow confident in my knowledge of the music industry and find like-minded peers with the similar drive and passion to work in this field," Holmes said. "Today, I work in Nashville at my dream company, in my dream position and get to work with some of those same classmates. I am so grateful to Auburn University and the department's music business program for helping me follow my passion!"

The minor in music business trains students in the legal, financial and ethical side of the music industry. The minor can supplement any major at Auburn for students who want to create their own path to record labels, concert promotions and more.

Auburn’s commercial music program focuses on honing musical skills so that students graduate as well-rounded performers who can effectively market their work. The composition (technology) program prepares future composers to pursue careers including scoring films and television, songwriting, production, concert and educational music.

Learn more about Auburn Music.

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