By Alexis Clark
NASHVILLE, TN (TSU News Service) — Tennessee State University’s Commercial Music Program concluded its third annual course in partnership with the Black Music Action Coalition (BMAC) Music Accelerator Program, and student participants believe it’s only getting better. Those lucky enough to enroll in the coveted three-week music program spent time with representatives from Apple, Live Nation, Def Jam, Atlantic Records, BMI, Spotify, and other music industry personnel. In its third year, the accelerator program continues to inspire students like Adren Gilmore and Morgan Alford.
Gilmore is a rising sophomore majoring in commercial music. The Texas native said the class was very influential for him as an aspiring artist, especially after gaining insight from prominent executives, talent agencies, and music artists. He noted the most interesting day for him was the visit from Apple Music representatives, with the company’s Pathway Spatial education lab. The innovation lab is considered the future of immersive audio and creates a three-dimensional audio experience.
“The most impactful part of this class was being able to be in the rooms, talking one-on-one with these power players of the industry,” Gilmore said.
“Because for people like me, who are chasing this dream of being in the industry, being in these rooms with these power players lets us see how attainable it really is.”
Morgan Alford, of Mt. Juliet, who is studying mass communications, shared this was an important highlight from the program as well.
“TSU and BMAC gave us an amazing and rare opportunity,” Alford, a rising sophomore, said.
“We met so many higher-ups within the music industry to make those connections and I just think it was really valuable to learn how to capitalize on that, as well as using the knowledge they gave us.”
Alford also appreciated meeting Def Jam’s Grammy Award-winning artist, Kaliii, and emphasized the importance of seeing representation in the industry, as her entire team were Black women.
TSU students had the opportunity to discuss marketing, record label deals, A&R, and financial literacy with industry insiders in a class designed to lead to internships and employment. Through the BMAC partnership, the university addresses underserved markets and provides firsthand resources and representation for students interested in the music industry.
Willie “Prophet” Stiggers, the co-founder and chair of BMAC, said the TSU program has led students to employment and paid internships, and will continue to do so every year.
“We are really creating a pipeline for success in a tangible way,” Stiggers previously stated.
He proudly mentioned that alumni Asiya Buchanan and Link Fisher III, who helped produce this year’s program, are now thriving in their careers, with Fisher III securing a full-time position at Live Nation.
Students also participated in a “takeover” day during a session with Def Jam artist Connie Diiamond. This included a talent showcase in front of label executives.
“Our art is at the core of who we are. So being able to not only meet these power players, but show them what our output is, that’s something we only dream of,” Gilmore added.
Jaiden Burroughs, of Nashville, cherished meeting Rock & Roll Hall of Fame inductee Flavor Flav, who shared valuable industry insights as a guest speaker.
“The program was not only informational, but it was also very fun,” Burroughs noted.
“My biggest takeaway was keeping your relationships close. And what’s great about BMAC is that they highlight Black creativity with a mission to protect that.”
Ranked by Billboard Magazine as one of the top 25 music business programs globally, TSU’s Commercial Music Program offers students exclusive access to leadership, mentorship, and career resources. This year, the Maymester class was led by TSUs Grammy Award-winning music professor Larry Jenkins Jr., who covered an array of critical topics in the music industry.
“Serving as the professor and as a member of an incredible team alongside BMAC, and the Recording Industry Association of America for the 2024 Music Accelerator Program was one of the most amazing experiences I’ve had in my 10 years serving at TSU,” Jenkins said.
“To watch these students, expand their music industry knowledge, learn about new career paths, and even create their own album together was the overwhelming highlight for me.”
Students even participated in a music festival planning competition where the winners received an all-expense-paid trip to Rolling Loud Miami event. This year’s accelerated program guest list included musician and songwriter Daisha McBride, Motown Records’ Courtney Lowery, Bertelsmann Music Group’s Tim Reid, SiriusXM’s Swaggy Sie, Tri Star Sports and Entertainment Group’s Lou Taylor, just to name a few.
