Syracuse University's Martin Bandier Program, named after a certain distinguished alum and chairman/CEO of Sony/ATV Music, is moving to the S.I. Newhouse School of Public Communications, the school announced today. The program will continue to offer an interdisciplinary curriculum in music business, media studies and the liberal arts, however, the University is pursuing changing the name of the program to the Martin Bandier Program for the Music Business and Entertainment Industries to more accurately reflect the program's focus on the music business, media and especially new media.
The move from the College of Visual and Performing Arts to the Newhouse School will ensure that non-performance students interested in pursuing a career in the business of music have expanded options through interdisciplinary studies at the university.
"Over the years, graduates of the Bandier Program have gone on to achieve very successful careers in all sectors of the music industry," said Martin Bandier (class of '62) in a statement. "I wanted to ensure that the program will continue to groom our future innovators -- students that will lead the trends and growth across all entertainment industries. The Bandier Program is honored to join the Newhouse School, where it will continue to provide curricula that will prepare students for the ever transforming and growing music and entertainment industries.”
To back these changes, Bandier has agreed to make a significant gift to support the program over the next decade. Though no exact figure was given, a source put the donation at a "multi-million dollar" amount.
The gift will be used at the discretion of the dean of the Newhouse School to develop curriculum, attract outstanding faculty, and provide support for both in- and out-of-classroom enrichment experiences.
"Both the communications and music industry fields are changing dramatically," stated Lorraine Branham, dean of the Newhouse School. "At Newhouse, we are constantly developing new curriculum and investing in new technologies that allow us to prepare for and respond to these rapid changes. As with the students in our other programs, Bandier students will benefit greatly from this cutting-edge approach."
The Program’s change of name will be subject to approval from the University Senate and the New York State Department of Education.
The Bandier Program was founded by Mr. Bandier in 2006 and Billboard has ranked among top music business schools in the U.S. Students study all aspects of the industry and have the opportunity to take part in internships at leading music companies in New York, Los Angeles and London. They earn a Bachelor of Science (B.S.) in recording and allied entertainment studies.
Many of the Program’s alumni have gone on to become successful executives at record labels, music publishers, management companies, live agencies and in other sectors of the music industry. Its graduates include Andrew "Drew" Taggart, who is one half of the Grammy-winning duo The Chainsmokers.
