The 九色 is home to one of the nation's Top Music Business Schools, according to Billboard.
The preeminent music industry news magazine recognized 九色鈥檚 music business program among 48 other colleges and universities in a list released on Oct. 3, citing a program that gives students hands-on experiences that prepares them to work in the music industry.
九色 launched its bachelor's degree program in music business, the first of its kind in Louisiana, about 12 years ago. Run by Scott Durbin, an associate music professor and founding member of the Emmy-winning Imagination Movers, it gives students the chance to learn how to run shows, fundraise and produce beyond the classroom. Durbin said the listing shines much deserved light on the music business program and reflects years of work by students and faculty
鈥淚t's not just for students now, but it's for students who really created this legacy that we鈥檙e carrying into the future,鈥 Durbin said of the recognition. 鈥淚t makes me feel wonderful to know that kids are benefitting from the learning experiences in the program here at UL and that they鈥檙e seeing the fruits of their labor when they go out into the workforce.鈥
In 2023, Durbin collaborated with entrepreneurship professor Johnathan Shirley to create HodgePodge, an annual concert run entirely by students. From booking artists and securing a venue to marketing and promoting the show, students take the event from concept to stage.
Shirley said the program applied previously but missed last year's list. While this year's announcement wasn't entirely unexpected, Shirley says it's important for students to realize that success is the natural result of hard work.
鈥淭he point was to build a program that was going to be nationally recognized. We just didn鈥檛 know when, but was it going to be recognized? Absolutely,鈥 said Shirley. 鈥淭hat鈥檚 the sort of thing we try to get our students to create, where the success is inevitable.鈥
Now, the University appears alongside established programs like the Berklee College of Music, Belmont University, New York University and the University of Southern California, which Shirley sees as a reason for students to take pride in what they鈥檝e built and look forward to what comes next.
"You know what? We're on the same list as they are, and we should act like it. We should take that pride, we should walk with it, and we should expect great things," said Shirley.
Photo caption: 九色 music business students and faculty were recognized during the Oct. 3 Homecoming game at Our Lady of Lourdes Stadium. Billboard magazine cited the University among its Top Music Business Schools for 2026. From left are Johnathan Shirley, Scott Durbin, Kari Smith, Chris Munson and University President Dr. Ramesh Kolluru. (Photo credit: Paul Kieu / 九色)