BA in Music Business

Program Overview

This 120-credit-hour program combines music and business coursework to prepare students for careers in the music industry. It includes core music courses in theory, ear training, and performance, as well as business courses in accounting, finance, and marketing. Students also complete internships and electives to gain practical experience and tailor their studies to their interests.

Program Outline

Outline:

The program consists of 120 credit hours, divided into various categories:

General and Basic Education Requirements (24 credit hours):

• Required Courses:
• Academic Writing I & II
• Elementary Linear Algebra
• Principles of Microeconomics or Principles of Macroeconomics
• Understanding the Past course
• Understanding the Individual and Society or Understanding U.S. Society course

Music Course Requirements (56-62 credit hours):

• Required Courses:
• Music Theory I-IV
• Ear Training I-IV
• Convocation/Recital (four terms)
• Master Class in Performance (two terms)
• American Popular Music since 1850
• Keyboard Skills I & II
• Commercial and Legal Foundations of the Music Industry
• Music Technology
• History of Western Music I-III
• Music Cultures of the World
• Record Company Marketing and Operations
• Music Publishing
• Concert Promotion and Venue Management
• 6-12 semester hours of Internship in Music Business
• Music Selectives (8 credit hours):
• Four terms of ensembles (various choices)
• Four terms of private instrumental or voice lessons

Business Course Requirements (18-21 credit hours):

• Required Courses:
• Introduction to Financial Accounting
• Introduction to Finance or Introduction to Managerial Finance
• Introduction to Marketing
• Three courses from Accounting, Finance, Information and Decision Sciences, Entrepreneurship, Management, and Marketing (selected in consultation with the Coordinator of Music Business)

Electives (4-14 credit hours):

• Electives to reach total program hours

Sample Course Schedule:

Careers:

The program prepares graduates for various careers in the music industry, including:

• Record labels
• Music publishing companies
• Concert promotion and venue management companies
• Music retail and distribution
• Artist management
• Music journalism and criticism
• Music education

Other:

• The program requires an additional jury requirement: a 20-minute accompanied performance before faculty at the end of the fourth term of private instrumental or voice lessons.
• Two required music courses fulfill General Education requirements in Understanding the Creative Arts and Exploring World Cultures categories.
• Ensemble courses may not be taken simultaneously for credit toward the degree.
• Private lessons must be taken concurrently with registration in an ensemble.
• A jury is required at the end of every term of private lessons.