There are numerous schools that offer degrees in music management at the associate's, bachelor's and master's degree levels; certificate programs are also available. Music management schools prepare students for careers in the music industry as marketing professionals, talent agents and record label managers.
10 Schools with Music Management Programs
Here is a list of schools that offer degrees in music business at various levels:
| College/University | Location | Institution Type | Degrees Offered* | Tuition (2015-2016)* |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Houston Community College | Houston, TX | 2-year, Public | Certificate, Associate's | In-district: $1,632; In-State: $3,360; Out-of-state: $3,756 |
| College of Southern Nevada | Las Vegas, NV | 4-year, Public | Certificate | In-state: $2,805; Out-of-state: $9,450 |
| Austin Community College District | Austin, TX | 2-year, Public | Associate's | In-district: $2,550; In-state: $9,210; Out-of-state: $11,340 |
| University of Southern California | Los Angeles | 4-year, Private | Bachelor's | $50,277 |
| University of Cincinnati | Cincinnati, OH | 4-year, Public | Master's** | In-state: $12,790; Out-of-state: $24,532 |
| The University of Texas at San Antonio | San Antonio, TX | 4-year, Public | Bachelor's | In-state: $7,447; Out-of-state: $17,169 |
| Florida Atlantic University | Boca Raton, FL | 4-year, Public | Bachelor's, Master's | Undergraduate in-state: $4,831, Undergraduate out-of-state: $17,276; Graduate in-state: $5,467 Graduate out-of-state: $16,695 |
| DePaul University | Chicago, IL | 4-year, Private | Bachelor's | $36,361 |
| Middle Tennessee State University | Murfreesboro, TN | 4-year, Public | Bachelor's | In-state: $8,080; Out-of-state: $24,808 |
| Berklee College of Music | Boston, MA | 4-year, Private | Bachelor's, Master's, Certificate | Undergraduate: $40,082; Graduate: $43,345 |
Sources: *National Center for Education Statistics, **School website
School Selection Criteria
When choosing a program in music management consider the following:
- Think of career goals, since many programs offer specializations within music business, such as marketing and management.
- Many music schools offer dual degrees that allow students to get a music degree in conjunction with a degree in a separate field.
- Look for a program that offers internships, so students can gain experience while still in school.
- While an associate's degree may allow for entry level jobs, most careers in the business field require a bachelor's degree.
Associate's Degree Programs
In associate's degree programs in music management, students take core courses in fundamental topics such as music production, music theory and music publishing. From there, they can explore the specific business-related aspects of the music industry, such as artist management, record labor operations and entertainment law. They may also be required to take musical instruction courses in voice or a musical instrument. General education courses are also included in the curriculum.
Bachelor's Degree Programs
At the bachelor's degree level, some schools allow students to major specifically in music management or business, while others offer the topic as a specialization in a broader music program. In addition to providing the same introductory and general education coursework as associate's degree programs, bachelor's degree programs enable students to take a broader array of industry-related electives. In addition, students are typically required to complete an internship or cooperative experience in the field prior to graduation.
Master's Degree Programs
Degree options at the master's degree level include a Master of Arts (MA) in Music Business and a Master of Business Administration (MBA) with a concentration in music business. In MA programs, students take advanced courses in music business topics, complete an internship in the field and complete a final project or thesis. They may also be able to specialize in a particular topic of interest, such as music technology. In MBA programs, students take a core set of advanced business courses before completing more specific electives in relevant music industry subjects.
Certificate Programs
Certificate programs that cover music management depend on the field. Some programs provide a basic introduction to the industry, much like associate's degree programs but without general education or instrumental training requirements. There are also schools that offer certificates in specialized areas of music business, such as music marketing, artist management or music business and technology. Credits from certificates may be applicable to associate's and bachelor's degree programs in the future.
There are many degree options in music business for individuals to choose from, so it is important to consider career goals and specializations when choosing a program.
