Music Industry Degrees
The age old question - to degree or not to degree - has risen its head again, both in my inbox and in my personal life, as my little sister has recently informed my parents that she wants to major in something music related when she heads off to college next year. (Yes, I have a little sister that young. My parents decided to wait until I was driving to expand the family, but that is story for another time.)
Obviously, with a faint hint of fear my sister will turn out like me in the air, I've been involved in much family discussion about music industry degrees. Since it is college application time, many readers have been emailing me the same question as they weight up their options. My answer is always: it depends. It depends on your goals in the industry and it depends on the program. Below, you will find more information about music business degrees, and perhaps most importantly for those of you who have already tackled this issue, there is a place to share you opinions. I want to hear them! If you're in school now in a music program, let us know how the experience is going. And of course, if your school's program belongs on the site, let me know! The school profile list is always growing.
- Do You Need a Degree to Work in the Music Industry?
- What You Need to Know Before You Apply to Music Business School
- Profile: Berklee College of Music
- Profile: NYU Steinhardt Department of Music
- Profile: Columbia College Chicago
- Profile: Ferris State University Music Management Degree
- Profile: University of Hertfordshire Music Degree
- Profile: University of Miami School of Music
- Profile: Stow College Glasgow
- Belmont University Mike Curb College of Entertainment and Music Business
- Loyola Center for Music and Arts Entrepreneurship
- Full Sail
- Reader Response: Is a Degree Required to Work in the Music Industry?
I am a senior at Belmont University. The music business program here is incredible. The professors have legit industry experience and are extremely accessible to students. The campus sits at the end of Music Row in Nashville where literally hundreds of labels, publishers, PROs, and studios are always looking for MBU interns. The city itself is full of established and aspiring musicians, so it’s an awesome place to network.
Another advantage of Belmont is that the Music Business program offers a B.B.A. degree and really supports student entrepreneurs. I know there are other reputable Music Business programs, but my strongest recommendations would be for one in New York, LA, or Nashville simply for the opportunities to network.