The Business Development Center at ACM@UCO

One of the unique aspects of the ACM@UCO is the Business Development Center (BDC). The BDC serves as a catalyst for our students’ entrepreneurial aspirations and is their connection to the music industry. Our job at the ACM@UCO is not only to educate students, but to grow the music industry in both the Oklahoma City metro and the entire state.

The Oklahoma City music industry is growing at a rapid rate, which allows ACM to place students in internships and entry-level positions at venues like the Criterion and the Jones Assembly. The BDC has helped students obtain internships in Los Angeles, New York, London as well as throughout Oklahoma. Most of ACM faculty and staff have extensive contacts in the music industry that have been cultivated for years. ACM uses these contacts to directly connect our students and alumni to the industry

Derek Brown, manager of the BDC, has been in the music industry for years as a record label professional, an independent concert promoter and as a touring and studio musician who has worked with the Flaming Lips, Miley Cyrus, Liz Phair and many others. Scott Booker, ACM@UCO’s CEO and industry veteran of nearly four decades, also offices in the BDC and works directly with many local and national partners to find places for students to intern or work. Both Derek and Scott work directly with students to give advice and guidance as well as provide ground-level support for emerging student artists.

Like Nashville, Austin or Memphis, Oklahoma City has a rich musical heritage, and the BDC at ACM@UCO is helping to shape how the music industry continues to grow in the metro.