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Baldwin Wallace has been named a music business industry leader by Billboard magazine — a prestigious nod to the University's continued success in preparing students to be career-ready.
The Billboard Top Music Business School distinction puts Baldwin Wallace among a prestigious group of honorees.
The six-year inclusion on Billboard Magazine's list reflects the outstanding quality of BW's music industry and arts management & entrepreneurship majors, which incorporate an interdisciplinary focus uniting both the Conservatory of Performing Arts and the Carmel Boyer School of Business.
Real-world learning is integral to the majors. BW has partnerships with Cleveland's Rock & Roll Hall of Fame, Tragic Hero Records and indie music venues like Beachland Ballroom & Tavern. BW is also an educational affiliate of the national GRAMMY Museum.
Also, standout contributors to BW's high ranking are innovative courses, industry connections and successful alumni.
Dr. Sean Murphy, associate professor of arts management & entrepreneurship and the area coordinator for BW's music industry program, cites the importance of the University's deep connections to the arts and entertainment landscape, including Playhouse Square and the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame.
These environments, he believes, give students insight into the operations of large-scale organizations and create opportunities for them to build strong career networks.
BW music industry major Jessica Fisher '24 knows firsthand the benefits of a BW education in making her career-ready for success. She is the education marketing coordinator at Live Arts Toledo, where she markets a wide range of performances and programs across genres, themes and audiences.
"Baldwin Wallace ensured that I graduated not only with a degree, but with meaningful experience that translated directly to my career. Through internships and coursework, I built a strong portfolio and developed practical skills in branding, campaign development and audience engagement.
"These experiences allowed me to enter the workforce with confidence and a clear understanding of how to apply marketing strategies in a professional setting," explained Fisher.
Jordan Moore-Stone '26, a music industry major, recently began their career as the administrative assistant at Ashford Media Group, a Chicago-based digital marketing agency. They credit experiential learning among the major's many benefits.
"BW's requirement of the completion of a minimum of three internships in the field during the duration of the four academic years truly separates students from just lovers of music into developing industry leaders," believes Moore-Stone.
"In the wave of an ever-evolving entertainment job market that's rooted in network, trust, and grit, the instillation of work ethic and Rolodex that BW encourages continues to prove itself well worthwhile, said Moore-Stone.
They also cited the importance of co-curricular activities to enhance the student experience, noting that campus organizations like Music Industry Association, Arts Management Association, Album Music Club, Prism and others give students opportunities to lead and guide projects as well as build teamwork skills.
"The performing arts industry, and marketing as a whole, requires constant flexibility and adaptability, noted Fisher. "BW taught me to embrace change. This mindset has allowed me to continue growing in my career by seeking opportunities, learning new skills and taking on greater leadership responsibilities within my organization.
"The music industry program at Baldwin Wallace, along with the mentorship of Dr. Sean Murphy, played a pivotal role in preparing me for my career. I am deeply grateful for the mentors, peers and experiences that helped shape me into the professional I am today," she emphasized.
