Professional Music professor makes Billboard Canada’s 40 Under 40 List
Every year, Billboard Canada names its 40 Under 40 (external link) list, recognizing influential people shaping the global music business.
This year, Charlie Wall-Andrews, assistant professor and program director of Toronto Metropolitan University’s Professional Music program, was named. Wall-Andrews is also on the Board for Canada Council for the Arts and the new chair for NXNE festival.
Wall-Andrews was celebrated on the list for being a “champion of equity, research and innovation in Canada’s music ecosystem.” She also shaped the first graduating class of TMU’s Professional Music program, a program that Billboard recognized as one of the best music business schools worldwide.
On behalf of The Creative School, we would like to congratulate Charlie Wall-Andrews on this special recognition. We spoke to her about what it meant to be included.
How did it feel to be recognized as a part of “the next generation of music industry leaders”?
It's an honour to be recognized along[side] so many industry leaders that are moving the sector forward, and it was a very special gathering (external link) that Billboard Canada curated for the community. We have so much to be proud of in Canada, and that includes the many leaders and artists in our ecosystem.
What was the reaction to you being listed on Billboard Canada’s 40 Under 40 list?
Those around me and the community were very supportive and celebratory, as so much of the accomplishments recognized in this award were made possible by a deep collaboration with community members.
What drew you to bridge academia with the music industry?
Bridging these two worlds creates a powerful opportunity to drive change, shape policy, and mobilize knowledge quickly through community partnerships. That’s what makes this so exciting. Being on the frontier of the industry also means students can be prepared in real time—equipped with relevant insights that help them understand and address emerging issues in the sector.
TMU's Professional Music program made another Billboard list, for top music schools around the world. How does it feel, as program director, to have shaped the program and first graduating class?
As program director, I’ve been dedicated to shaping the Professional Music program into a leading force in Canada for cultivating the next generation of industry talent—and this recognition reflects that commitment. It’s the first time a Canadian school has made this global list, and the best is yet to come.
How can we follow what you’re doing?
Sign up for my community e-newsletter (external link) to follow real updates, and (google form) sign up (external link) for my Nashville course (especially if you love music).
by: Daniyah Yaqoob