Rate My Professor Michelle Conceison

Michelle Conceison is the Chair of the Department of Recording Industry in the Scott Borchetta College of Media and Entertainment at Middle Tennessee State University, serving as an associate professor in Arts and Culture with expertise in music business. A Massachusetts native from a family of educators—her father taught in Cambridge public schools for nearly four decades and her sister recently retired from high school teaching—she earned a bachelor’s degree in English and Ethical Philosophy from Tufts University and an MBA from Simmons University, both in Boston. To complete her MBA, Conceison taught a college-level ‘World of Advertising’ class, marking her early entry into education. She began teaching as an adjunct professor in MTSU’s Recording Industry Department in 2018 and was appointed chair in January 2024, succeeding John Merchant. Her teaching philosophy emphasizes sharing real-world knowledge, stating, “I just don’t believe you ever should do something and not also share it with the next people who will do it.”

Conceison’s distinguished industry career spans advertising and digital marketing, with roles in agencies across Boston, Chicago, New York, and San Francisco, where she purchased some of Google’s first search keywords in 1999. In 2004, she founded Mmgt, a Nashville-based artist management and music marketing firm, managing artists such as Kyshona and Della Mae, who have sold out world tours, topped albums charts, and secured radio singles. Her specializations include artist management, marketing, brand management, concert promotion, entrepreneurship, and strategic planning. At MTSU, she teaches courses in these areas, prioritizing hands-on industry partnerships and practical education. College of Media and Entertainment Dean Beverly Keel lauded her as “the perfect person to serve as chair,” highlighting her dual role as industry professional and academic researcher, commitment to equality in music business, and contagious enthusiasm for student success. Conceison also holds the position of Global Chair of the Women in Music Mentorship Program and is active in the Folk Alliance and International Bluegrass Music Association. Under her leadership, the department celebrated its 50th anniversary and was named among Billboard’s top music business schools in 2024.