OSU’s Greenwood School of Music named a top music business school by Billboard for fifth consecutive year

Music industry students gain firsthand experience with resident rock bands Cross Canadian Ragweed, Other Lives and other industry professionals in OSU’s Bachelor of Science in Music program

(STILLWATER, Oklahoma, Oct. 15, 2026) — Oklahoma State University’s Greenwood School of Music has been recognized by Billboard as one of the world’s top music business schools for the fifth consecutive year.

The recognition highlights OSU’s Bachelor of Science in Music Industry program, which prepares students for careers in music performance, technology, entrepreneurship and business.

Dr. Mark Perry, director of the music industry program, said the continued recognition reflects the program’s commitment to preparing students for success in an evolving industry.

“It is a great honor to be recognized by Billboard, the historic and most significant music industry trade magazine in the world,” Perry said. “The Billboard recognition validates the B.S. in Music Industry degree at OSU – five years in a row is a great track record!”

One of the program’s distinguishing features is its connection to professional musicians and industry leaders who bring firsthand experience into the classroom.

This year’s Billboard recognition highlighted the program’s two resident rock bands, Other Lives and Cross Canadian Ragweed. Students regularly engage with the bands by observing songwriting and recording sessions, tour rehearsals and management meetings, gaining firsthand insight into the creative and business sides of the music industry.

“As far as I know, we are the only program that has a resident rock band, and we have two,” Perry said.

The program also connects students with industry professionals through guest speakers and experiences beyond the classroom. Recent visitors include Chris DuBois, co-founder of music publishing company Sea Gayle Music alongside Brad Paisley and Frank Rogers, and Chris Semrau, general manager of the Paycom Center.

Students also participate annually in Oklahoma Film and Music Day at the Oklahoma State Capitol and visit businesses such as Kicker, a Stillwater-based manufacturer of high-fidelity automotive audio equipment.

Beyond those experiences, the program offers students opportunities to develop skills across multiple areas of the music industry. Through a collaboration with OSU’s Spears School of Business, students can begin pursuing a Master of Business Administration during their senior year. Other graduates have continued their education in accounting, law and music performance.

The program’s success is also reflected in its alumni, with recent graduates securing positions at major music industry organizations, including Sony Music and the Recording Academy.

Perry credits much of the program’s continued success to its adjunct faculty, who bring professional expertise and industry connections directly to students.

“Our adjunct faculty are the backbone of the music industry program,” Perry said. “They are active music industry insiders — accomplished professionals who bring current, real-world experience directly into our classrooms and recording studio.”

Those connections help students understand industry expectations, build professional networks and prepare for opportunities after graduation.

Among the program’s contributors is OSU music industry alumnus Mitchell Crawford, who serves as a recording studio engineer and producer at the Greenwood School of Music. Perry described Crawford as one of the school’s most valued staff members.

While the national recognition celebrates the program’s achievements, Perry said its continued growth would not be possible without the support of music industry professionals, the Stillwater community and individuals committed to the school’s success.

He specifically recognized Anne Greenwood for her encouragement and continued support of the program, as well as industry professionals who share their knowledge and experience to help prepare the next generation.

For Perry, the ultimate measure of the program’s success is seeing students apply what they have learned and establish careers in the music industry.

“I want all my students to pursue their career dreams and recognize that it takes hard work,” Perry said. “And when those opportunities happen, that they rise to the opportunity and shine, applying what they learned at OSU.”

“It makes me so proud when the music industry community reaches out and tells me how great and impressive my music industry students are doing at their jobs.”