TMU's Professional Music program named to Billboard's top music business schools for a second year
TORONTO, ON (October 9, 2026) — Toronto Metropolitan University's Professional Music program has been named to Billboard's 2026 list of top music business schools (external link) for the second consecutive year and is the only Canadian institution listed.
Housed in The Creative School, Professional Music is Canada’s first program designed for both artists and non-performers. The program blends music fundamentals with business, production and experiential learning.
"Being named to Billboard's list for a second year in a row is a tremendous recognition of our students, faculty, and industry partners," said Finlay Braithwaite, Assistant Professor, RTA School of Media and Undergraduate Program Director, Professional Music. "Professional Music prepares graduates for a global, constantly evolving industry by pairing creative practice with business knowledge and real-world experience, and we're proud to see that approach acknowledged on this stage."
Billboard’s list spotlights colleges and universities that give the next generation of music executives and artists the skills to thrive in today's industry.
Billboard highlighted the program's commitment to exploring emerging trends and diverse music markets, including the Diljit Dosanjh course about global music stardom and cultural entrepreneurship.
TMU teaching fellow Charlie Wall-Andrews served as program director from 2023 to 2026, drawing on her experience in the global music industry to create opportunities for students to go behind the scenes at industry events and curate global learning experiences in partnership with industry professionals.
"I am dedicated to fostering the next generation of artists and leaders who aspire to work in and contribute to the music industry," said Wall-Andrews. "It is an immense privilege to collaborate with the industry to develop experiential learning opportunities that truly prepare our students for careers in the industry through real-world assignments.”
Students complete 240 hours of internships, gain access to industry technologies, professional mentors and a collaborative, interdisciplinary environment.
The recognition reflects the program’s focus on combining creativity, business strategy, and industry collaboration. Alumni and current students are already making their mark across the Canadian music industry:
- Alumna Carina Bianchini is a JUNO-nominated artist, Canadian Choice Award winner and the 2026 winner of the Road To NXNE Battle of the Bands
- Alumna DAPHNE is a Young Canadian Songwriter Award winner
- Fourth-year student Manna Music launched Double M Records and is producing artists, including producing gold-certified music with Canadian-Punjabi superstar Karan Aujla
- First-year student Alex Balatan showcased original music on the legendary BlueBird Cafe during The Global Music Experience course, and is touring North America as an artist
About Toronto Metropolitan University
A world-class research institution and Canada’s leader in innovative, career-oriented education, TMU offers more than 60 undergraduate programs, over 65 graduate programs, and 80 continuing education certificate programs. The university boasts ten faculties, including the Lincoln Alexander School of Law and the new TMU School of Medicine. It is also home to 11 startup incubators, known as Zones, that support innovation across sectors – from health and life sciences to creative industries and social impact. Established in 1948, TMU is home to nearly 48,000 students, including 2,900 Master’s and PhD students, 4,000 faculty and staff, and over 265,000 alumni worldwide. For more information, visit torontomu.ca.
About the Creative School
The Creative School is a dynamic faculty that is making a difference in new, unexplored ways. Made up of Canada’s top professional schools and transdisciplinary hubs in media, communication, design and cultural industries, The Creative School offers students an unparalleled global experience in the heart of downtown Toronto.