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What is Music Management?

Music management is the area of study and employment that deals with the business of music. Individuals in this field provide representation and protection for clients who engage in the production and propagation of music. Music managers receive a portion of income, and in return work to find venues, negotiate prices, and encourage the growth and development of their clients.

Career Summary

MEDIAN SALARY

$60,630

PERCENT ABOVE NATIONAL
INCOME AVERAGE

38.87%

TOTAL SECTOR EMPLOYMENT

18,380

Degree Median Salary vs Adjacent Degree Types

Source: BLS, US Census, and IPEDS

2024 Best Music Management Degree

The University of Southern California's Music Industry degree program prepares students to succeed in a rapidly evolving industry that is largely rooted in the Los Angeles area. Combining classroom study with technical instruction and hands-on experience for those seeking a career in the music business. The facets of the program include artist management, the recording industry, music publishing, music supervision artists branding, just to name a few. Students are mentored by faculty that include prolific instructors. The institution introduced a new Master of Science Degree in Fall 2019, specially designed for trained musicians who would like to cultivate a career in the fast-changing music industry.

Acceptance Rate

11.42

Student to Faculty Ratio

9:1

The University of Miami's Music Business and Entertainment degree program provides students essential knowledge about virtually all aspects of the industry. Students gain hands-on experience in a variety of settings, including internships, student-run music enterprises, and music-business-related organizations and clubs. Their faculty are considered to be ‘pracademics’ in that they are both academics as well as practitioners in the music business and entertainment industry. Graduates work in every segment of the music business and entertainment industries.  

Acceptance Rate

27.13

Student to Faculty Ratio

12:1

The University of Georgia's Music Business major program is geared towards those aspiring to be leaders in the music industry. Students get the chance to learn from key industry experts. The curriculum is designed around fundamental business skills and specialized competencies. Students participate in internships as part of their required coursework for the program. This allows them to be recruited to full-time positions in various sectors of the music industry.

Acceptance Rate

45.3

Student to Faculty Ratio

17:1

Syracuse University's Music Industry degree program help students develop a high level of music competency while learning about the theoretical and practical activities of the music business. The program's uniqueness lies in coursework designed specifically for musicians. Students will pursue a rigorous music curriculum filled with plenty of opportunities to perform. Their coursework is focused on the music industry, including an opportunity to study in London or Los Angeles. Graduates of the program are knowledgeable about general business practices as well as the creative and legal workings of the music industry.

Acceptance Rate

44.38

Student to Faculty Ratio

15:1

SUNY College at Oneonta’s degree in Music Industry will prepare students for careers in a variety of fields in the music, media and entertainment, industries, including management, marketing, promotion, merchandising, publishing, production, and performance. The curriculum includes specialized music industry studies in the recording industry, entertainment industry business affairs, intellectual property, law, music products, music theory, performance, and history/literature. Internships, field experience, and several related minors allow students to tailor the program to their interests. Students gain hands-on experience with recording hardware and software used by professional recording studios all over the world.

Acceptance Rate

56.04

Student to Faculty Ratio

18:1

Geneva College's Music Department provides a broad appreciation of the humanities, sciences, and other arts, in order to understand the significance and impact of music on individuals and societies. Offering a detailed comprehension of the logic and context of music. Students will be competent in music involving private and class lessons. The fundamental purpose of the Department of Music is to prepare graduates who are able to critique musical life from a Christian perspective and transform it into a Biblical pattern.

Acceptance Rate

53.23

Student to Faculty Ratio

12:1

DePauw University's Department of Music offers a curriculum that includes music theory, history, and literature as well as applied music, electives, and performance requirements. The program includes ample opportunities for one-on-one study, public performance, travel abroad, and creative networking. The School of Music offers several degree options so students can tailor their education to match their level of interest and career goals. All students receive careful and close advice from faculty members in order to choose the program that best suits their needs.

Acceptance Rate

64.36

Student to Faculty Ratio

9:1

Florida Southern College's Music Management degree students take courses in music theory, history, and private lessons on their primary instrument or voice. On the business side, they will cover the foundational principles of business, marketing, accounting, and economics providing an understanding of industry trends. The program combines music, economics, and business courses to prepare them for a career in the music business. The institution's low student-to-faculty ratio ensures that students will get personal attention from their music professors who are committed to their success.

Acceptance Rate

52.13

Student to Faculty Ratio

14:1

Berklee College of Music's Bachelor of Music Business Management degree students learn the fundamentals of business within the music industry from a musician's perspective. They have the opportunity to cultivate an entrepreneurial mindset and a passion for the contemporary music business and management industries. Students will demonstrate foundational mastery of necessary skills and concepts by completing a final capstone project/experience with portfolio documentation. This experience will be an industry internship, leadership participation in an ongoing college model music industry project, or both.

Acceptance Rate

51.44

Student to Faculty Ratio

10:1

SUNY College at Plattsburgh's Music Department students combine their musical knowledge with many other areas of study to create a fuller and more exciting college experience. Students develop musicianship skills and the ability to create and perform their music as well as the classical canon. The program is flexible enough to meet their musical interests and to aid them to develop their career goals. Through close faculty mentoring, they encourage their students to find links between the music business and other disciplines.

Acceptance Rate

58.48

Student to Faculty Ratio

16:1

The University of the Pacific's Bachelor of Music degree with an Emphasis in Music Management provides a comprehensive professional music degree. Each student will complete a self-designed Senior Music Project which demonstrates their proficiency in the major field. Students must complete a minimum of 120 units with a Pacific cumulative and program grade point average of 2.0 in order to earn the Bachelor of Music degree with a major in music management. Students are highly prepared to excel in the field after completing the program.

Acceptance Rate

65.61

Student to Faculty Ratio

13:1

Lewis University's Department of Music provides abundant opportunities for its students. The department sponsors several vocal and instrumental ensembles that are open to students in all majors. Their applied lessons instructors work with beginner to advanced students. The mission of the department is consonant with that of the university as a whole. They provide a program of liberal education and professional training in music and music business management for qualified students.  

Acceptance Rate

63.9

Student to Faculty Ratio

13:1

DePaul University's Bachelor of Music in performing arts and music management prepares students for careers in the multi-faceted and extensive industry. The program provides students a broad understanding of the performing arts industry.  Students experience a significant focus on practice within the field. It is suited for students interested in acquiring the insight and skills necessary for a career in the music industry within the environment of an active and vibrant music performance center. 

Acceptance Rate

68.22

Student to Faculty Ratio

15:1

Ouachita Baptist University's Bachelor of Music Education provides a course of study preparing students to become music educators in the classroom. Specialists in Choral and Instrumental music as well as Music History, Music Theory, and general music will lead students to their full potential as musicians and educators. The program is designed to prepare students for K-12 teacher certification in the State of Arkansas. Offering intensive training to the students who are passionate about the field.

Acceptance Rate

61.43

Student to Faculty Ratio

12:1

Hampton University's Department of Music has a mission to maintain a viable and innovative center of learning in the school of Liberal Arts and Education and to meet the current and future needs of Hampton University students. The Department of Music offers a program that develops and enhances skills in music business management, musicianship, performance, music technology, professionalism, and artistic demeanor. The goal is to promote the full development of the music major. The activities of the Department of Music are in concert with the mission of the University and the School of Liberal Arts and Education by providing related experiences. 

Acceptance Rate

36

Student to Faculty Ratio

13:1

Ohio Northern University's Music Education degree program will train students for an outstanding career as a musician and educator. They will be taught and mentored by professional musicians. Music majors will take education courses and spend time observing and teaching in local music classrooms. Graduates are ready to be licensed to teach instrumental, vocal and/or general music, pre-kindergarten through 12th grade. Offering choral ensembles, bands, a full symphony orchestra, chamber music groups, a pit orchestra, and more.

Acceptance Rate

70.15

Student to Faculty Ratio

11:1

Bradley University's Music Business major allows students to pursue their musical aspirations while introducing them to the marketing and financial sides of the music industry. The program is designed for them if they have a music performance background and wish to continue to develop their performing skills. Music business degrees lead to careers in arts management, music supervision, artist representation, the music product industry, and licensing and copyright. Graduates are equipped for a variety of professional environments.

Acceptance Rate

70.21

Student to Faculty Ratio

12:1

The Master's College and Seminary's Music Management degree inspire students towards excellence in every way for the Master. Offering three majors and 14 program emphases. Students develop wisdom through close mentorship with their music faculty, through the pursuit of academic excellence, and by cultivating the priority of God over craft. They are taught and equipped to the stewardship of God-given gifts to become salt and light.

Acceptance Rate

67.12

Student to Faculty Ratio

10:1

Elmhurst College's B.M. or B.S. in Music Business major offers two-degree programs that prepare students for careers in the music business. The program offers a heavier concentration in music, while the bachelor of science is weighted heavily in the business. Providing graduates with well-rounded professional qualifications. Their music business program draws on the vast resources of the Chicago area for internships, outstanding faculty, and career opportunities. Students are offered unique opportunities in preparing for careers in the music industry.

Acceptance Rate

67.78

Student to Faculty Ratio

13:1

Butler University's Music Industry Management degree program is designed to prepare students for managing a wide spectrum of creative enterprises. Students learn to transform their talent and dedication into marketable skills. It provides creative preparation to nurture industry-specific competencies while simultaneously providing multiple experiential opportunities. Students learn many facets of the business that drive popular music today. It is their goal to graduate students who are prepared to be tomorrow's leaders in ever-evolving music business.

Acceptance Rate

73.17

Student to Faculty Ratio

11:1

Buena Vista University's Music Production & Technology degree provides students to create audio and video and work with live musicians in various kinds of settings. Offering hands-on experience allowing students to hone their skills. Students have the opportunity to utilize their gifts of pattern-finding and problem-solving to make original works that sing. With state-of-the-art facilities, the institution produces highly skilled individuals.

Acceptance Rate

57.35

Student to Faculty Ratio

8:1

Judson University's degree in Music Business and Entrepreneurship prepares students for a career in one of several facets of the music business. It also prepares them to be able to start their own small music business doing everything from creating a business plan to writing their songs, recording them, and marketing them. Students must complete a rigorous senior project that integrates all of the skills and information that they have learned in the institution. They integrate faith into their entire curriculum to help students develop a Christian worldview within their discipline and in the liberal arts.

Acceptance Rate

38.53

Student to Faculty Ratio

8:1

Anderson University's Music Business degree is designed for musicians who are interested to find their place in one of the many facets of the music business. Students gain practical experience in the business of music, from developing projects to running the recording studio. They network with industry professionals throughout the program. Students in the entertainment business concentration gain experience in their coursework with branding, social media, and finance.

Acceptance Rate

62.74

Student to Faculty Ratio

10:1

Berry College's Music management degree trains students to be fluent as a performer, teacher, or music business professional. Students gain a broad understanding of the music industry including management, sales, and promotion. Offering rigorous instruction and guides students in their passion. Graduates are equipped with the essential skills and knowledge to excel in the field.

Acceptance Rate

70.59

Student to Faculty Ratio

11:1

Messiah College's Department of Music has a degree in Music Management which offers students the chance to grow on their given instrument and also the opportunity to pursue music in a wide variety of avenues in a Christian liberal arts environment. Studies in the Department of Music complement rigorous professional training with a broad liberal arts education necessary for students to function effectively. The institution offers four undergraduate degrees in music. The Master of Music in Conducting allows music educators to hone their skills on the podium while maintaining professional careers in area schools and music ensembles.           

Acceptance Rate

75.87

Student to Faculty Ratio

12:1

Top Degrees in Music Management

Students interested in earning a college degree in music management need to understand the degree options to enter the field.  Programs span from certificate programs to graduate degrees in music management.  Many programs in music provide exposure to concepts and real-world activities that blend academic and pragmatic concepts.  Graduates from a music management program will learn vital music industry skills, methodologies, and concepts to successfully navigate the ethical, artistic, legal, and financial issues in the music business.  Degrees in music management include the following:

Online Certificate & Diploma Programs in Music Management

Diploma and certificate programs in music management are course clusters focused on providing a defined set of skills or mastery in a particular area of focus.  Certificate programs can come in a variety of versions: specialist, professional, and master while the diploma program is typically a singular structure.  A diploma program in music management is an undergraduate program geared to prepare students for a degree-granting program.

Specialist certificates are generally a 3-4 class program emphasizing an area of study such as creative writing, composing electronic music, drums, audio design, improvisation, logic, and orchestration.  The professional certificate is frequently a 12-18 credit program that provides more grist than a specialist certificate or diploma.  Master certificates, on the other hand, are often 12-27 credit programs that are more in-depth than a professional certificate program.

Online Bachelor Degree in Music Management

A bachelor’s degree in music management is conferred as a Bachelor of Arts (BA) from accredited colleges and universities.  BA programs are 4-year programs for full time students and longer for part-time students.  Bachelor degrees blend liberal arts education such as philosophy, psychology, English, history, and math with core courses.  Core curriculum in music management can include the following types of classes: music theory, ear training, arranging, ensemble, harmony, economics, business management, advanced computer applications, tonal harmony, composition, law, marketing, music publishing, record company operations, music intermediaries, concerts & touring, and music history.  At the completion of the program, students will take a capstone course and complete an internship with an approved record company.

Online Master Degree in Music Management

A master’s degree in music management or related program is a 2-3 year program for full-time students.  Graduate studies are focused in a particular area of emphasis providing a unique depth and breadth to the program.  Students have the opportunity to enroll in programs such as music management, global entertainment, music technology, music innovation, and an MBA in the music business.  Coupling an MBA with global entertainment prepares students to help manage touring artists or grow an international brand.  Similarly, students earning a degree in music management with an emphasis in music technology have the opportunity to grow with a burgeoning music sub-industry such as electronic music.

Music Colleges and Education Requirements

Music management shares many of the same principles as other similar managerial studies, the primary difference coming from the types of contracts and standard industry practices unique to the music industry. As such, individuals will receive education that allows for understanding how to meet client interests, to negotiate with vendors, promoters and labels, as well as other interested parties, as well as become familiar with the laws, regulations and other factors that help govern the industry.

A curriculum may include:

  • Business Management
  • Contracts and Royalties
  • Negotiation
  • Industry Practices
  • Music Technology

Schools may offer specialized education in this field, though such programs are relatively few. Most individuals may cater their management education to a more specific music orientation, including additional education relating to music as a field. Schools that provide specific programs are generally more desirable than constructing one's own program as they generally have experience and connections to the music industry.

Schools Other Students Requested Information From:

Employment Opportunities for Managers

With the growing complexity involved in the payment structures for musicians, specialists in this area are going to become higher in demand. New technology, distribution, and the need to evolve the industry has resulted in a demand for specialists who can reshape the landscape of music industry. Job growth is expected to increase over the next decade as access to music production increases, newer technologies continue to change the industry, and the need for professionals for representation rises.

Largest Employers of Music Managers

  • Management Companies
  • Performing Arts Centers
  • Promoters and Agents
  • Independent Artists
  • Sound Recording Companies

States with Highest Employment of Music Managers

  • California 4,990
  • New York 3,050
  • Florida 970
  • Tennessee 530
  • Texas 330

Top Paying States for Music Managers

  1. Connecticut $123,550
  2. Massachusetts $106,930
  3. Virginia $99,190
  4. District of Columbia $97,770
  5. New York $96,810

The Indie Managers Association works with self-managing parties and independent managers, to ensure their interests are met within the industry and government. The organization also provides resources to assist such managers in performing their duties.

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