Program Overview

Bachelor of Arts in Music Business

The BA in Music Business prepares students for sustainable careers in the multi-billion dollar global music industry. This program will engage you both as an artist and as a businessperson in an interdisciplinary program offered by the School of Theatre and Music in partnership with the College of Business and Administration.

What Will I Learn?

The Music Business program combines coursework in music theory and performance, with coursework in business administration to prepare students for careers in the music industry. At UIC, Music Business students engage in comprehensive musicianship studies, completing coursework in music theory, ear training, and music history. Students also perform in ensembles and demonstrate proficiency in their instrument in recitals connected with private instrumental or vocal instruction. In addition, students complete challenging coursework in traditional areas of business administration such as accounting, finance, marketing, and specialized music industry coursework. This interdisciplinary program culminates in practical work experience via internships with leading organizations in the music industry.

What Classes Will I Take?

The music business core coursework consists of:

• MUS 290 – Commercial and Legal Foundations of the Music Industry (3 credits)
• MUS 390 – Record Company Marketing and Operations (3 credits)
• MUS 396 – Music Publishing (3 credits)
• MUS 397 – Concert Promotion and Venue Management (3 credits)
• MUS 395 – Internship in Music Business (6–12 credits)

Credit Requirements

The summary of requirements below defines the number of credit hours that are required for each segment of the BA in Music Business.

• General and Basic Education Requirements: 24
• Music Course Requirements: 56–62
• Music Selectives: 8
• Business Course Requirements: 18–21
• Electives: 4–14
• First-Year Seminar (new freshmen only): 1
• Total Hours: 120

Careers in the Music Industry

Music industry careers revolve around the authorship, production, performance, and exploitation of musical compositions. Products can take the form of a live performance, sound recording, or multimedia work. Careers that are closest to the composition and performance of music would be those of the composers and artists. Supporting their careers are what is referred to as the artist’s development team, made up of personal managers, agents, attorneys, accountants, and others who specialize in the music industry.

Faculty Spotlight

Robert DiFazio, Music Business Coordinator, Clinical Assistant Professor, is a music producer and business systems developer with thirteen years of teaching experience at the college level. He has previously worked as a faculty member in the Music Business Management program at Columbia College Chicago. In 2016, he was awarded the Provost’s Excellence in Teaching Award from Columbia College Chicago and served as a member of the Provost’s Excellence in Teaching Award Committee for two years.

Alumni Spotlight

The UIC music business program has set alumni up for success, with graduates going on to work in top industry positions at firms such as Sony Music Entertainment, Universal Music Group, Shazam, The Harry Fox Agency, and TuneCore. Alumni have praised the program for its hands-on approach and the guidance provided by Professor DiFazio, which has helped them secure significant opportunities in the music industry.