Larry Wacholtz

Biography

Larry Wacholtz is a full professor at the Mike Curb College of Entertainment and Music Business. He holds a Ph.D. in Communications focusing on psychographic research from Ohio State University, a master’s degree in film and rhetorical theory from the University of Memphis, a BA in radio and entertainment audio from Eastern Washington University, and an AA from Spokane Falls Community College. Wacholtz is also a Vietnam veteran who served in the Air Force, where he received the Airman Service Medal.

He developed a psychographic research company that provided image analysis for recording artists to major record labels, including MCA Records. In 1974, he offered audio services at the World’s Fair, an achievement that earned him an award from the Governor of Washington State. During the fair, he was honored to be invited by Russian Olympic athletes, including gold medalists, to celebrate Independence Day (July 4th) with them before 30,000 attendees.

Wacholtz has authored over fifteen books utilized by academic programs and industry professionals, published by notable publishers such as Billboard (Watson Guptill) and Routledge, and through his publication company, Thumbs Up. With grants from the Coleman Foundation, he established and became the director of the Music Business Entertainment Entrepreneurship Center, which hosted national industry entrepreneur conferences at Belmont University. He collaborated with the university provost to implement entrepreneurship programs across the Belmont campus.

Wacholtz has been a member of various professional organizations, including NARAS (the Grammy Awards), which he has attended. His involvement with the music business program spans forty years, during which he has leveraged his industry contacts and expertise to help lay the foundation for the future of this renowned program.