Our Music Industry program is different from traditional programs. The program prepares students to identify opportunities and develop solutions for the music industry to meet the expectations of music professionals, industry professionals, and audiences by combining coursework with technical experience and real-world opportunities.
The program does not require an audition or vocal or instrument proficiency. Even non-musicians can pursue a career in the music industry. All you need is a love for music.
Students can pursue careers in management, marketing, studio operations, recording, artist services, song writing, publishing, copyright administration, venue management, tour management, and more.
Program Requirements
Major Common Core
A survey of career opportunities in Music Industry.
Prerequisites:
none
An introduction to musical creativity using technology, audio recording, and computer-based music. Explore audio processing, routing, and live sound design drawing from experimental cinema, electoacoustics, EDM, and contemporary music. Ability to read music is not required.
Prerequisites:
none
Covers the legal framework of the music industry in the U.S. and abroad. Emphasis is placed on the publishing business, recording contracts, vertically integrated media deals, and the entertainment business.
Prerequisites:
none
Major Restricted Electives
Choose 16 Credit(s).
Students learn about managing a concert production, working with promoters, finding artists, and creating and negotiating contracts. The course includes participation in a concert production event.
Prerequisites:
none
Introduces students to multiple areas of the music industry through hands-on experience in music-related projects including concert promotion, record releases, social media marketing, community activation, and other related professional areas.
Prerequisites:
none
An overview of the Music Industry including music publishing, copyright, public relations, audience development, financial management, fundraising, donor development, and grant writing.
Prerequisites:
none
This is a special interest course devoted to the development of students' understanding of the strategies and practices of communication in cultural contexts. The course is an experiential course involving travel, typically outside the United States.
Prerequisites:
none
Diverse Cultures:
Gold
Examines a broad grouping of musicians, companies, and arts organizations to better understand their growth and development. By understanding the relative value propositions of these current and legacy organizations, students gain an understanding of how to place themselves within a larger cultural context.
Prerequisites:
none
A course designed for students who have a general interest in communication studies. Content of each special topics course will be different. May be retaken for credit.
Prerequisites:
none
Examines promotions from three perspectives: 1) The promotion of music and artists. 2) The promotion of other products, services and causes through using music. 3) The presentation and promotion of oneself as a music expert.
Prerequisites:
none
Participate in the performance, composition, audio, video, lighting aspects of the ensemble on and off campus.
Prerequisites:
none
Designed to explore the analytical structure of songs from their conception to production. Students examine a variety of songs and participate in songwriting, production, and analysis.
Prerequisites:
none
Recording Studio is focused on project-based music production and recording.
Prerequisites:
none
Examines advanced aspects of songwriting composition and production. Topics include production-oriented songwriting analysis and composition and lead sheet design.
Prerequisites:
none
* COMM 417 and COMM 440 require approval by advisor.
Major Unrestricted Electives
Choose 8 Credit(s).
Prerequisites:
none
* Courses may not double count in the major.
Minor
Required Minor: Yes. Any.
4-Year Plan
The 4-Year Plan is a model for completing your degree in a timely manner. Your individual 4-Year plan may change based on a number of variables including transfer courses and the semester/year you start your major. Carefully work with your academic advisors to devise your own unique plan. * Please meet with your advisor on appropriate course selection to meet your educational and degree goals.
First Year
Fall - 15 Credits
An introduction to musical creativity using technology, audio recording, and computer-based music. Explore audio processing, routing, and live sound design drawing from experimental cinema, electoacoustics, EDM, and contemporary music. Ability to read music is not required.
Prerequisites:
none
General Education Course *3 credits
General Education Course *3 credits
General Education Course *3 credits
General Education Course *2 credits
Spring - 16 Credits
A survey of career opportunities in Music Industry.
Prerequisites:
none
General Education Course *3 credits
Elective Course in Major *4 credits
General Elective Course *1 credits
General Education Course *4 credits
Second Year
Fall - 16 Credits
Covers the legal framework of the music industry in the U.S. and abroad. Emphasis is placed on the publishing business, recording contracts, vertically integrated media deals, and the entertainment business.
Prerequisites:
none
General Education Course *3 credits
Elective Course in Major *4 credits
General Education Course *4 credits
General Education Course *1 credits
Spring - 15 Credits
General Education Course *4 credits
General Education Course *3 credits
Elective Course in Major *4 credits
General Education Course *4 credits
Third Year
Fall - 14 Credits
Elective Course in Minor *3 credits
Elective Course in Major *4 credits
General Education Course *4 credits
Elective Course in Minor *3 credits
Spring - 15 Credits
General Education Course *3 credits
Elective Course in Minor *3 credits
Elective Course in Minor *3 credits
General Education Course *3 credits
General Elective Course *3 credits
Fourth Year
Fall - 14 Credits
Elective Course in Major *4 credits
Elective Course in Minor *3 credits
General Elective Course *3 credits
General Elective Course *4 credits
Spring - 15 Credits
Elective Course in Major *4 credits
Elective Course in Minor *3 credits
General Elective Course *4 credits
General Elective Course *4 credits
Degree Bachelor of Science
Major Credits 36
Total Credits 120
Locations Mankato
Career Cluster Arts, Audio
Accreditation
NASM
National Association of Schools of Music