NYU Steinhardt Music Business Program

Congratulations to the NYU Music Business Class of 2026! 🎓💜
We’re so proud to celebrate all that you’ve accomplished and can’t wait to see the impact you’ll make across the music industry. Pictured here are our Music Business Master’s students marking the occasion.
Photos by May Yu

Meet Samaira Sharma, a first-year student in NYU’s Music Business Bachelor of Music program and an Undergraduate Student Assistant. Originally from Northern Virginia, Samaira is a singer-songwriter whose creative lens informs her approach to the industry. As she explores the music business, she is especially drawn to artist development and marketing. Through her role, she looks forward to contributing to the Steinhardt community.

🌟 Artist Spotlight 🌟

vakkalanka is defining a fresh alternative sound with her two-part single Softly. Self-produced in an NYU dorm at only 20 years old, she blends soft, dreamy vocals with textured production. The track shifts from lush harmonies and sultry whispers, into an unexpected beat drop with electronic vocal chops and an R&B-driven chorus: a song to shake your hips to while you’re sad. Sravya crafts a dreamlike world for those waiting for someone to quietly confess their feelings.

Softly is out May 8th.

Big news for our NYU Music Business alumni 🎶

The Music Business Group on the NYU Violet Network is officially live. Alumni can create a profile and join the group. Links in bio.

Created in collaboration with NYU Steinhardt’s Office of University Development and Alumni Relations, this platform is designed to keep our global community connected. Share industry news, post jobs and internships, connect with alumni in your city, plan in-person meetups, mentor recent grads, and stay involved with the program.

We’re especially excited to welcome alumni across the globe. Our network spans music markets throughout Asia, Europe, Africa, and the Americas.

Join the group and stay connected to the NYU Music Business community!

Spring in New York!

First-year and second-year Music Business Graduate students gathered in Central Park to welcome the new season and connect outside the classroom as the semester comes to a close. A moment to connect before the final stretch ☀️

Last week, CMS x She Is The Music hosted An Evening with Gregg Wattenberg 🎶

From “Hey, Soul Sister,” “Gone, Gone, Gone,” to “American Girl,” Gregg Wattenberg has helped shape some of the most recognizable records of the 2000s. As a hit record producer, songwriter, and musician, he joined NYU students for a conversation on the creative process, the evolving role of the producer, and what it takes to build lasting records.
Students also had the opportunity to share their work and receive direct feedback in an exclusive and insightful session.

Thank you to everyone who joined us, and to Professor Dodes for moderating the conversation!

🌟 Student Spotlight 🌟⠀
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Meet Daniela Primera, an undergraduate student in the Music Business program at NYU Steinhardt and a Spring 2026 Program Assistant. Originally from Venezuela, Daniela has built a versatile career across the music industry.

Her experience includes internships with The Recording Academy and IMPACTData, along with roles at Madison Square Garden and HeadCount. She is also actively involved in the live music community through volunteer work with SummerStage and BRIC Celebrate Brooklyn, and works as a concert photographer while running her own publication, Muah Music Media.

Faculty Spotlight 💜

Meet Madeline Hutchinson, a dedicated educator and industry professional at NYU Steinhardt. She serves as the Music Business Internship Advisor, guiding students through hands-on industry experiences and professional development.

Madeline brings experience across marketing, licensing, and music supervision, having completed her master’s in Music Business at NYU while working with companies including Universal Music Group, The Rock and Roll Playhouse, and MIBE Music.

We are proud to spotlight her work and impact in the NYU community.

Earlier this month, graduate students in our Music Business program attended a panel featuring recent alumni, gaining valuable insights on navigating careers in the industry after graduation.

Thank you to our alumni for returning to share their experiences and advice with the next generation of music business professionals.