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Music Business and Management

Overview

Programs in music business and management prepare people to organize and manage musicians, music organizations, and music facilities.

Music business and management programs include topics such as:

Concentrations

Depending on the program, students may specialize in one specific area of this field. These include:

Schools

A few community colleges offer associate degree programs in music business and management. An associate degree usually takes two years of full-time study to complete. After earning an associate degree students can transfer to a college or university for further study.

Many colleges and universities offer bachelor's degrees in music business and management. A bachelor's degree usually takes about four years of full-time study.

Very few universities offer graduate degrees in music business and management. Graduate study is best pursued through an arts administration program. In addition, some schools offer this program of study only as a concentration in a general music, arts administration, or business management degree program. A master's degree typically requires two years of study beyond a bachelor's degree. Doctoral (PhD) degree programs usually require two or more years of study beyond the master's degree.

See schools that offer this program.

Related Educational Programs

Related Careers

Careers Directly Related to this Program of Study

Other Careers Related to this Program of Study

Program Admission

You can prepare for this program by taking courses in high school that prepare you for college. This typically includes four years of English, three years of math, three years of social studies, and two years of science. Some colleges also require two years of a second language.

If you major in music business and management as part of a general music degree program, you may have to audition - either by sending in a recording of yourself or by performing live.

Some schools require a personal interview as well.

Below is a list of high school courses that will help prepare you for this program of study:

Typical Course Work

Program Courses

In this undergraduate program, you typically take courses such as the following:

Many programs, both undergraduate and graduate, incorporate internships into their curriculums. This gives you an opportunity to gain hands-on, real world experience in the area of music business and management that most interests you. You also benefit from the guidance and direct supervision of one or more experienced professionals in the field.

Possible internship settings include an opera company, a symphony, a recording label, a publisher, a music television station, or even a concert venue. You might help coordinate musical events, or assist with development, or help edit and produce sheet music. These are just a few of the wide range of possibilities open to you!

Things to Know

You might find this program of study listed as music industry, music management, music merchandising, music business administration, or commercial music.

Success in music business and management does not depend on possessing skills as a performer. It does depend on working with musicians and people in the industry who support them.

If your school does not provide you with any assistance securing an internship, consider finding one yourself. In general, an internship or some other type of work experience can help improve your job prospects. You also make professional contacts and potential references.

Schools

King-Snohomish Area

Northwest University

Shoreline Community College

Tacoma Area

University of Puget Sound