WASSERMAN MUSIC, BLACK MUSIC ACTION COALITION (BMAC) and the COMMERCIAL MUSIC PROGRAM at TENNESSEE STATE UNIVERSITY have launched their inaugural MUSIC ACCELERATOR PROGRAM with contributions from NASHVILLE MUSIC EQUALITY, the RIAA and YOUTUBE.
The MUSIC ACCELERATOR PROGRAM is a three-week educational program during TSU’s “MAYMASTER†mini-semester that runs from MAY 9th-26th, providing a class of approximately 20 TSU students with an intensive curriculum in various disciplines across the music business, from songwriting and copyrights to publishing, labels, marketing, touring, publicity and beyond.
Among the industry figures on hand are POST MALONE manager DRE LONDON, YOUTUBE Dir./Black Music & Culture TUMA BASA and singer/songwriter JOY OLADOKUN and her team.
This initiative is one of many commitments WASSERMAN MUSIC has made via its partnership with COLOR OF CHANGE and its #ChangeMusic platform.
The agency and partner BMAC plan to expand the program to additional HISTORICALLY BLACK COLLEGES and UNIVERSITIES (HBCUs) in the coming years.
WASSERMAN MUSIC Dir./Social Impact DENISE MELANSON said, “We’re delighted that this prestigious and accomplished group of speakers [has] chosen to be part of our effort to train the next generation of music industry leaders. We’re proud to work with all of them, along with our partners, to make this an outstanding program for these students.”
Said YOUTUBE’s TUMA BASA, “My father is a professor at an HBCU down the road, so this is a real full circle moment for me. It’s a pleasure to walk in his footsteps sharing knowledge with the students of TENNESSE STATE UNIVERSITY.â€
EMPIRE EVP/A&R TINA DAVIS added, “What BMAC and WASSERMAN have put together for the students of TSU is incredible. Throughout my career, I’ve been dedicated to empowering the next generation of leaders, and I’m thrilled to be a part of the inauguration of this program.â€
BMI VP/Creative ATLANTA CATHERINE BREWTON commented, “Supporting initiatives like BLACK MUSIC ACTION COALITION x WASSERMAN’s MUSIC ACCELERATOR program is a great platform for myself to invest into the future leaders of the music industry. I have built my career investing in and mentoring future leaders. It is incumbent upon those of us who are gatekeepers to provide access, opportunities and a seat at the table that creates room for success.â€
Added DALLAS AUSTIN, “I have always considered myself a teacher, supporter and investor in the future leaders in the industry as my studios have always been a place for learning and collaboration. I fully support the BLACK MUSIC ACTION COALITION and WASSERMAN’s MUSIC ACCELERATOR program.â€