He is credited for providing the organizational structure and management that rapidly transformed Howard Roberts' educational philosophy into a major music school.

[5][6][7] Programs added under Roberts and Hicks include: At the time of its founding, formal education in rock and roll at institutions of higher learning was limited mostly to universities and conservatories offering jazz studies, which were few.

Japanese businessman Hisatake Shibuya (born 1937)[8] bought the school in 1994 and Musicians Institute began developing new programs to keep abreast of the modern music industry.

The resolution was presented by Eric Garcetti, seconded by Tom LaBonge, and passed by a vote of twelve to zero out of fifteen, three being absent.

[12][13] In 1992, new musicologist Robert Walser cited the Musicians Institute as one of the best-known schools for guitarist, one that has flourished outside the ivory tower, offering students broader professional training.

When MI celebrated its 30th anniversary in 2007, its facilities included over 75,000 square feet of studios, performance venues, classrooms, and practice rooms across several blocks in central Hollywood.

In 2013, the Musician's Institute Stage was added as a venue for the Annual Mayhem Festival and The ESP Company, LTD, unveiled plans to expand its Campus Hollywood complex of schools in Los Angeles.

From 2010 to 2013, ESP invested $47 million in new property with plans to expand its facility to exceed 180,000 square feet of adjoining buildings on or near Highland Avenue between Hollywood Blvd.