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Billboard magazine has once again placed William Paterson University on its list of “top music business schools” around the world—recognizing the University’s undergraduate program in music and entertainment industries.
William Paterson is one of only three New Jersey institutions on the list. This is the seventh time William Paterson has landed on the list, which includes schools throughout the United States, as well as the United Kingdom and Spain.
In Billboard’s 2024 spotlight on colleges and universities educating the next generation of music business leaders, William Paterson’s program was noted for its overall focus on student internships, the independent artist and their team, and a new course all about the live music industry. Students in the Entrepreneurship in the Music & Entertainment Industry class envision a new company — and then create a business plan for it. The program has recently hosted Jeremiah Fraites from The Lumineers and executives from Wasserman, Ticketmaster, Distrokid, and many more.
Billboard chooses its top music business schools based on industry recommendations, alumni information provided by honorees from its multiple power lists, information requested from each school, and nearly a decade of reporting on these programs. All programs on the list are campus-based and bestow bachelor’s or associate degrees.
“We’re proud that, once again, William Paterson University’s music and entertainment industries program has been named one of the best music business programs in the world by Billboard Magazine,” says David Kirk Philp, assistant professor of music and coordinator of the music and entertainment industries program. “We’re proud of how up to date the program is, focusing on the role of independent artists and distribution while preparing the next wave of executives for an ever-changing industry through internships and networking opportunities.”
William Paterson offers a bachelor of music degree with an emphasis in music and entertainment industries, open to students studying classical or jazz performance, as well as a minor in music and entertainment industries open to students from any major. The program is known for bringing exceptional guest speakers into its Music and Entertainment Industries Seminar Series, which brings industry experts to campus. In addition, the highly popular Music Biz 101 & More radio show and podcast, produced by Philp and Dr. Stephen Marcone, William Paterson professor emeritus of music, is the only free advice talk show in America that focuses on the business side of the music and entertainment worlds, with more than 300 episodes available to stream online. Graduates of the program are represented in all areas of the music and entertainment industry, from independent recording artists to record labels, music publishing, concert promotion and venues, and with top artists such as Khalid and Tyler, the Creator.
