Kennesaw, Georgia | October 25, 2022
Kennesaw State University’s Joel A. Katz Music and Entertainment Business Program (MEBUS) has once again captured the attention of Billboard magazine, ranking it among the world’s top university music business programs for the fourth consecutive time.
In its recently released report on Top Music Business Schools for 2022, Kennesaw State University ranks among the world’s 38 top music business schools, alongside other outstanding programs such as Berklee College of Music, New York University and London’s Abbey Road Institute. ranked in the program. KSU’s MEBUS program started in 2010.
Keith Perissi, MEBUS Program Executive Director, said: “From the beginning, we have been dedicated to creating opportunities for our students to prepare them for careers in all facets of the entertainment industry. It’s an honor for Joel Katz, the originator of
Billboard’s rankings are based on entertainment industry recommendations, alumni information, and specific program details. In recognizing MEBUS and other programs, the publication said: The highest level of the music business for both artists and executives.
Part of the Michael J. Coles College of Business, the 24-credit MEBUS Certification program teaches students how to succeed in the fast-paced world of artists, venues, live event management and entertainment, as well as film, television and audio production. I teach to entrepreneurship. In 2020, MEBUS has been expanded to include 18 undergraduate sub-degrees.
Billboard praised the MEBUS program for providing students with a real-world entertainment experience. Specifically, he highlights the MEBUS Mixer event held each semester at his MadLife Stage and Studios near Woodstock, Georgia. , MEBUS students manage the planning and execution.
“The mixer is produced by Associate Director Danny Howes, with students assisting in all aspects of production,” Perissi says. “This is a way for student performers, stage managers, promoters and audiovisual producers to learn all aspects of production and stage technology.”
Mentorship from working professionals is also an important part of the MEBUS program. Courses are taught by entertainment industry executives, professional actors, Grammy Award-winning recording artists and producers. teaching) and attorney Amy Oraefo (leading a course in entertainment industry law). MEBUS students are working with the Coles College Office of the Dean to create a new podcast project.
“The experience you get from being in this program is one in a million,” says MEBUS student Sammy Fodrczi. “To be able to step directly into the industry with so many highly talented professionals and gain valuable knowledge from them is an absolute gift. and has prepared me for many great jobs in the entertainment business, and I feel this program is one of the biggest investments I have made for my future.”
Billboard’s recognition of MEBUS also highlighted KSU’s treasure trove of musical memorabilia contributed to the program by legendary entertainment industry attorney Joel Katz. Autographed photographs, platinum records, instruments by artists such as Michael Jackson, James Brown, Whitney Houston and many more (all Katz clients) have transformed the MEBUS building into a museum of music history.
The MEBUS program continues to grow each year as partnerships with the entertainment industry provide opportunities for students and new sub-degrees in music and entertainment business open the program to a wider range of students.
“We are proud to be an interdisciplinary program,” Perissi said. “Entertainment touches all majors and disciplines.In that sense, we are the epitome of the entertainment industry.”
– Patrick Harbin
Photo by Gabby McMahon
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A leader in innovative teaching and learning, Kennesaw State University offers undergraduate, graduate and doctoral degrees to approximately 43,000 students. With 11 colleges on two Metro Atlanta campuses, Kennesaw State University is a member of the University System of Georgia. The university’s vibrant campus culture, diverse population, strong global connections, and entrepreneurial spirit attract students from across the country and around the world. Kennesaw State University is a Carnegie-designated doctoral research institution (R2), placing it in an elite group of only 6% of US universities with R1 or R2 status. For more information, visit kennesaw.edu.
