Offering an Exclusive Music Business Education 

Students in the Warner Music/Blavatnik Center for Music Business Center learn both the business of music and the keys to success in social justice initiatives in class offerings such as “Black Entrepreneurs in the Music Business” and “HR 101.” In its explanation of Howard’s positioning, Billboard highlighted the center’s unique certifications in chartmetric data analytics and Social Justice in Music Industry for Leaders.  The center emphasizes interdisciplinary change agents, and all students are eligible to apply for the center’s fellowship program. 

Fellows are eligible for a $25,000 scholarship to support academic and experiential learning, including acquisition of videography equipment, EP production, and networking . 

In their Music Executive Lecture Series, the center welcomes today’s music leaders to speak with students about their industry journeys. This year, DMV rapper Noochie is the artist-in-residence while Roc Nation executive and photographer Lenny S. is the executive-in-residence. Recent guests include R&B artist Lucky Daye and Jason Paul “Poo Bear” Boyd, a songwriter for Usher, Justin Bieber and Ty Dolla $ign. The center also held a civic engagement concert with go go group Backyard Band during the University’s Freshman Week. 

As grantees under the Warner Music Group, the center also regularly visits the record label’s Times Square office to participate in learning experiences with other grantees around the globe. 

During a recent New York City visit, former fellow June Aisha (BBA ‘24) was selected to participate in  the Warner Justice Fund’s CTRL Room Camp, a rigorous, one-day program that trains artists and producers within the Blavatnik network. Aisha performed live and recorded songs with two other artists.  

“By connecting our students with executives, artists, and music business professionals, we are able to offer them unparalleled exposure to the workings of the global music industry,” Young said.  

Music Fellows Make Their Marks 

What we’re offering is invaluable – we’re changing lives,” 

Sydney Steadman (BBA ’24), a recent graduate, became SiriusXM’s brand and consumer marketing intern. She credits her fellowship for posing her to the industry and building her work ethic.  

“The fellowship equipped me with a strong foundation in licensing, programming, branding, marketing, and artist relations. Each of these skills played a crucial role in my contributions at SiriusXM,” Steadman said. “My experience in branding and marketing allowed me to fully engage in SiriusXM’s campaigns, while my familiarity of licensing and programming informed my understanding of content curation and distribution. The hustle mentality and customer service skills I developed during the fellowship enabled me to navigate the fast-paced, dynamic environment at SiriusXM with confidence and resilience.” 

Other center fellows include Gideon Boaten (BBA ’24), now the assistant band manager for The Late Show with Stephen Colbert, and Jordyn Taylor (B.A. ’24), who interned for The Source Magazine this past summer.   

On October 1, D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser awarded the center with the “Excellence in Arts Education” accolade at the 39th Annual Mayor’s Arts Award.  

Young has continued to make strides in the music business since taking the helm of the Warner Music/Blavatnik Center for Music Business. She was named one of the 2024 Changemakers of the Year by Howard University.  

Under Young’s leadership, the Warner Music/Blavatnik Center for Music Business was named the School of Business’ Center of the Year for their impact, programs, and opportunity.  She received the Howard Forward Award at the end of the 2023-2024 academic year n recognition of her leadership.  

On October 17, during the center’s annual Homecoming brunch, Young hosted a ribbon-cutting ceremony for a new state-of-the-art recording studio built in the basement of the Blackburn Center. In addition, the Tom Joyner Foundation’s Stevie Wonder Music Program recently donated $100,000 to the center’s scholarship fund to add more fellows in the coming cohorts. 

“The foundation’s advocacy and resources have enabled us to expand the reach of our program and ensure that we are cultivating a talent pool that represents the diversity and creativity necessary for the future of music,” Young said of the foundation.  

The Warner Music/Blavatnik Center for Music Business is only in its third year, and Young says this is just the beginning of its work to produce fellows who create unique, groundbreaking chapters in the music industry.  

“What we’re offering is invaluable – we’re changing lives,” Young said. “To lead this center as a Howard alumna brings me great honor to be part of history.”