***IMAGE:LEFT***Americans have grown accustomed to television series talent shows, such as “American Idol” and “Making the Band.” These programs provide immense national exposure for aspiring singers and musicians seeking stardom.

On a more modest scale, the music business program at Winston-Salem State University (WSSU) is pulling the elements of talent search, music recording, and artist management and promotion together into a coordinated effort that should offer practical experience to its music business majors and provide exposure to talented student musicians.

This month, 10 student musical acts, including soloists and bands, were chosen from a field of 20 during a talent search event at the Winston-Salem, N.C.-based historically Black campus. The performers had competed for the opportunity to be among the featured artists on a CD to be produced and released by Sound University Music Group (SUMG). SUMG is a WSSU student-run record label. Anthony Artimisi, coordinator of the WSSU music business program, says upcoming recording sessions and production of the planned CD are being managed by students majoring in the school’s two music business concentrations.

Visit www.diverseeducation.com to hear a selection from the artists.