BW and Tri-C offer new 'Two Plus Two' music business degree

A new pathway links two stellar programs and streamlines bachelor's degree completion for Cuyahoga Community College recording arts and technology graduates transferring to BW. A BW grad was integral in building the partnership.

BW and Tri-C have entered into a "two plus two" degree partnership, which leverages the prowess of both institutions to build the technical credentials, leadership skills, real-world experiences and industry connections to launch a music industry career.

This latest "A2BW" (associate to bachelor) transfer program formalizes and maximizes the transfer of credits that guarantee junior status at BW when a student first earns Tri-C's Associate of Applied Arts (AAS) degree.

BW grad behind the pathway

Vencott "Vennie" Palmer '04, who was named program manager for recording arts and technology (RAT) and film and media arts at Tri-C in November 2021, was integral in building the new pathway from his associate's degree program to the music industry and arts management & entrepreneurship bachelor's degree programs at BW.

"As an alumnus of both institutions, I know both BW and Tri-C have robust arts programs and faculty rich with experience and knowledge," Palmer says. "This direct connection between the two programs paves the way for students to build their technical skills at Tri-C, then transfer to BW and learn the entrepreneurial, administrative and legal principles for success in the entertainment industry."

The outcome, he adds, "is a well-prepared student who is equipped for a rewarding career, with the support of two great institutions."

Satisfaction in light bulb moments

Palmer, an educator, instructional designer, musician, producer and audio engineer, took the reverse path from BW to Tri-C, first earning a BA in business administration and then enrolling in Tri-C's recording arts program, where he also interned in the Student Production Office.

Prior to arriving at Tr-C, Palmer taught recording arts at Cleveland High School for Digital Arts, where he says he cherished hearing "OHHH," which he describes as the satisfying sound when a student "gets it."

Two plus Two "A2BW" pathway

During their first two years of the new "Two Plus Two" program, students will receive broad-based training in recording and music production while they study at Tri-C's world-class Gill and Tommy LiPuma Center for the Creative Arts, which includes seven professional recording control rooms.

In years three and four, they'll choose one of two majors that earned BW a Billboard Magazine designation as a "Top Music Business School."

Both BW arts management and music industry majors are exposed to a range of real-world arts and entertainment industry partners, from The Beachland Ballroom to Playhouse Square. BW students also complete at least two resume-building internships.

"For Tri-C students, the music industry bachelor's degree builds on their technical knowledge in recording with supportive studies in the business of music while growing their applied skills through the supportive internship experiences," explains Dr. Sean Murphy, BW assistant professor and music industry area coordinator.

The natural fit of the two programs extends beyond coursework, experiences and Palmer. Bill Hartzell, who is also a Tri-C recording arts faculty member, serves as BW Recording Studio Manager.