Rowan University Makes Billboard's 2026 List of Top Music Business Schools
Rowan University's music industry program has been recognized once again, securing a spot on Billboard's 2026 list of top music business schools for the third consecutive year.
Billboard's Recognition
This achievement, announced on October 6, underscores Rowan's dedication to equipping students with the skills needed for successful careers in the dynamic music industry.
"Rowan’s Music Industry program is innovative, exciting, student-centered, and deserving of this continued recognition of excellence," expressed Rick Dammers, dean of the College of the Arts.
A Program Built on Industry Experience and Real-World Opportunities
Housed within the Department of Music, the Bachelor of Science in Music Industry offers students the choice between two concentrations: Music Technology and Music Business. This program provides extensive hands-on experience in various aspects of the music business, from audio production and live sound to music marketing and public relations.
A unique aspect of the program is the integration of the Artist Services course series, where students run a fully functional record label, Red Oak Records, as a core component of their curriculum.
Industry Expertise and Partnerships
Program founder and director, Mathieu Gendreau, brings a wealth of industry experience to Rowan. With a background as a music producer and label owner, Gendreau has worked with renowned artists such as Goldfrapp, New Order, and Erasure.
"Our B.S. in Music Industry is as much about sharing essential industry knowledge with the students as it is about building a bridge to opportunities," noted Gendreau.
The program benefits from partnerships with industry leaders like Live Nation, as demonstrated by a successful summer partnership with Live Nation’s Freedom Mortgage Pavilion. Students worked on shows and launched the #RUattheshow campaign on Instagram.
Steven Feinberg, a 1990 Rowan alum and teaching professor, whose managed artists include New Constellations, Good Charlotte, My Morning Jacket, Flight of the Conchords, and The Chicks, emphasized the value of industry partnerships:
"Through partnerships with companies like Live Nation and others across the business, our students get to work alongside people who are doing this work every day, build relationships, and see firsthand how the industry operates."
Billboard's recognition serves as a testament to the program's effectiveness, as it not only keeps pace with the industry but offers students meaningful entry points into it.