Troy Carter
Dean's Advisory Board

Founder and CEO of Q&A

Troy Carter is the founder and CEO of Q&A, a technology and media company focused on powering the business of music via distribution, services, and data analytics. Formerly, Troy was the founder and CEO of Atom Factory, where he rose to prominence, nurturing the careers of global superstars, including Lady Gaga and John Legend. He most recently served at Spotify as its Global Head of Creator Services, overseeing the company’s growth strategy for artists and record labels. In 2017, Troy was also named Entertainment Advisor to the Prince Estate.

His interest in the intersection of technology and culture resulted in the formation of AF Square Investments. Early investments include Uber, Lyft, Dropbox, Spotify, Warby Parker, theSkimm, Blavity, Gimlet Media, Thrive Market, PlayVs, and FazeClan.

Troy currently serves as a trustee for The Aspen Institute, Los Angeles County Museum of Art, and CalArts.

Explore Other Degrees

Conducting
Graduate study and training in choral, orchestral, or wind conducting
MM/DMA
Ethnomusicology
The study of global musical traditions through performance training, research, and field work
BA MA/PhD Minor IranianMusicMinor
Global Jazz Studies
Jazz performance and musicianship courses are paired with African American Studies
BA
Music Composition
Mentorship in the creation and realization of music for concerts, opera, and visual media
BA MA/PhD
Music Education
Preparation for music educators leading to a BA and teaching credential in just four years
BA
Music Industry
A leadership-focused professional degree which prepares students to transform the creative, entrepreneurial, and executive structures of the music industry
BA Minor
Musicology
The scholarly study of the histories, cultures, and critical interpretations of music and music-making
BA MA/PhD Minor
Music Performance
Study and training towards professional performance careers in Western classical music
BM MM/DMA