Vice Chancellor Wheatly Describes Future of the Bandier Program

In the message to the College of Visual and Performing Arts and Newhouse School communities today, Vice Chancellor and Provost Michele Wheatly described the future of the Bandier Program. This includes an additional generous gift from the program’s patron, Martin N. Bandier ’62, chairman and CEO of SONY/ATV Music Publishing; a new name, the Martin Bandier Program for the Music Business and Entertainment Industries (pending the approval process); and the program’s move from the Setnor School of Music in the College of Visual and Performing Arts to the Newhouse School, where non-performance students interested in pursuing a career in the business of music will continue interdisciplinary studies.

March 30, 2017

Dear Students, Faculty and Staff:

The Bandier Program, officially known as the Martin Bandier Performing Arts and Entertainment Industry Program, is getting a new name, a new home and new funding to ensure that non-performance students interested in pursuing a career in the business of music have expanded options through interdisciplinary studies at the university. Martin N. Bandier ’62, Syracuse University alumnus and chairman and CEO of Sony/ATV Music Publishing, has continued to take a personal interest in the success of the students in the Bandier program.

Mr. Bandier has pledged an additional generous gift to the University to support the continued success of the program over the next decade.

Though details continue to be finalized, the boutique program will move from the Setnor School of Music in the College of Visual and Performing Arts (VPA) to the S.I. Newhouse School of Public Communications, and continue to provide an interdisciplinary curriculum of study in the liberal arts, music business and media, with opportunities for experiential learning in the music business. Under the terms of the gift agreement, the program will be renamed the Martin Bandier Program for the Music Business and Entertainment Industries to more accurately reflect its focus on the business of music as it functions in all media, particularly new media.

The gift will fund the Martin Bandier Program for the Music Business and Entertainment Industries Fund, which will be used at the discretion of the dean of the Newhouse School to develop the course of the curriculum, attract outstanding faculty, and provide support for both in- and out-of-classroom enrichment experiences. Note that any changes to the title of an existing degree program must obtain approval from the University Senate and the New York State Education Department.

Over the years, the graduates of the Bandier Program have successfully pursued business and entrepreneurial careers, and built a strong alumni network to support the aspirations of current and future students.

With the transition to the Newhouse School, the students in the Bandier Program will join others pursuing professions in the rapidly evolving media and communications fields, where technology is transforming the business landscape.

The Setnor School of Music will continue to offer its own interdisciplinary program in Music Industry for students with music training and performance backgrounds who must audition for admission into the program.  Currently, more than 100 students are enrolled in the VPA Music Industry program, graduating into careers in arts management, music production, publishing, contracting, software development and more.

As part of our academic strategic plan, we are committed to ensuring that our academic offerings are responsive to market trends and emerging global needs to prepare students for success in an increasingly complex, diverse and interconnected world.

Sincerely,

Michele Wheatly
Vice Chancellor and Provost