BMAC Announces Third Annual Music Business Accelerator at TSU

Featuring Kaliii, Professor Larry Jenkins Jr., Rolling Loud Co-Founder Tariq Cherif, Amazon Music’s Sierra Lever, CAA’s Mark Cheatham, Music Executive Karen Civil, Sirius XM’s Swaggy Sie and J1, and More to be Announced

Presented in Partnership with the Commercial Music Initiative at TSU, Music Makes Us, and The Recording Industry Association of America®

For the third year in a row, the Black Music Action Coalition (BMAC), in partnership with the Commercial Music Initiative at HBCU Tennessee State University (TSU), Music Makes Us, and the Recording Industry Association of America®, will host the Maymester Music Business Accelerator at TSU from May 6 – 23, 2024. Ranked by Billboard as one of the top 25 music programs in the world, TSU’s Music School will welcome this intensive three week course, exclusively offering students invaluable access to leadership, mentorship, and career resources to help them break into the music industry.

Led by GRAMMY®-winning Professor Larry Jenkins Jr., this year’s initiative will feature guest artists and speakers including: Kaliii (GRAMMY Award-winning Artist), Tariq Cherif (Co-Founder/Co-CEO, Rolling Loud), Sierra Lever (Head of Hip-Hop/ R&B, Amazon Music), Mark Cheatham (Co-head of Global Hip-Hop/R&B Touring, Creative Artists Agency), Karen Civil (Music Executive and Digital Media Marketing Strategist), Lauren D. Williams (SVP, Organizational Culture and Change Management), Swaggy Sie (Host of Sirius XM The Heat and Hip-Hop Nation), J1 (Vice President, SiriusXM / Pandora, Program Director Pandora Now), and more to be announced.

Students in the Music Business Accelerator Initiative at TSU will learn from a curriculum that was specifically curated by BMAC, covering a wide array of critical topics in the music industry including songwriting, copyright law, publishing, marketing, music distribution, touring, and publicity. Part of the programming will entail an Atlantic Records takeover featuring Kalii and leading executives, Sammye Scott and Tanece Moore, as well as a Def Jam Recordings takeover. The full schedule of events, including additional guest speakers and programming, will be announced in the coming weeks.

“Black Music Action Coalition and our partners are committed to empowering the next generation of Black musical artists and professionals in Tennessee and beyond,” said BMAC Co-Founder/CEO/President, Willie “Prophet” Stiggers. “Music Row and the Nashville industry have a prime opportunity to welcome them into the industry, especially with all of the tools we are giving them for success.”

“The music business accelerator is now entering year three of its inception. The steady growth, as well as the overwhelming support this class receives, is a testament to the value this initiative creates for black and brown students within Nashville’s art and Entertainment industry. This Music Business Accelerator initiative at TSU is equipping our young professionals with high-level networking experiences, best practices, and employment opportunities, which is essential to the success of anyone looking to make strides within the Arts and Entertainment industry. I am equally excited for our team as we work to create similar opportunities for high school students in Nashville soon,” shares Brian Sexton, Chair of Music Makes Us for MNPS.

“The Music Business Accelerator is a great example of the creative community coming together in support of future generations and providing students new access to mentors and opportunities to grow their talents. The participation of the speakers, sponsors and venue hosts proves that the music industry in Nashville is excited about welcoming more voices to the table and fully representing diverse creators. As this initiative continues to evolve, I look forward to all the possibilities for these students and what awaits the next class!,” said Jackie Jones, SVP Artist and Industry Relations, RIAA.

The third annual Maymester Music Business Accelerator builds on the success of the last two years, tripling down on BMAC’s commitment to investing in the next generation of creators and underscoring their work in Nashville. Last year’s initiative featured guest speakers including Coco Jones (Artist) and Serayah (Actress/Artist), and included an Artist Session featuring Waka Flocka Flame, who gave TSU student Mille Manny the unforgettable opportunity of opening for his show at the Brooklyn Bowl. The inaugural initiative in 2022 successfully placed students in opportune internships across multiple music industry companies such as Wasserman Music, Warner Music Nashville, and LVRN.

Applications for BMAC’s Third Annual Music Business Accelerator at TSU are now open exclusively for TSU students. For more information, please visit https://tsumusicaccelerator.com/.

*Photo Credit: 353 Media Group for Black Music Action Coalition (BMAC)

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Al Mega

I'm Al Mega the CEO of Comic Crusaders, CEO of the Undercover Capes Podcast Network, CEO of Geekery Magazine & Owner of Splintered Press (coming soon). I'm a fan of comics, cartoons and old school video games. Make sure to check out our podcasts/vidcasts and more!