n today's multi-billion dollar music business and entertainment industries, there are more record labels, distributors, retailers, publishers, arts organizations and product manufacturers actively promoting the sale and use of music than ever before. Consequently, a greater number of competent, highly-skilled executives will be needed to staff positions that meet the special demands of the industry. The Music Business and Entertainment Industries program prepares students for positions in all areas of the music business and entertainment industries, including the publishing, distribution and retailing of sheet music, music books and magazines; the production, distribution and sales of recorded music in all forms of disc and tape; the teaching of music in a variety of school/studio settings; the performance industry; the music instrument industry; promotion of commercial and noncommercial music; arts/music management, and much more.

Music Business and Entertainment Industries majors take courses in general academics and music business. Guest speakers from the industry frequently join faculty specialists to provide instruction in current industry developments. Career-oriented projects are incorporated throughout the curriculum, enabling students to gain practical experience in a variety of professional situations. Students also may gain practical experience at 'Cane Records, a student-run record label that has all the components of a major record company, and learn more about the industry through the Music and Entertainment Industry Students Association (MEISA), which publishes a monthly newsletter and hosts special panels dealing with various aspects of the industry.

Students continue to study their principal instrument or voice, and perform in ensembles each semester. In the last year of the program, Frost School of Music students may focus on the record industry or arts management. All students earn a minor in business administration. Students also have the option of earning a second minor in the following areas in the School of Business: computer information systems, management, and marketing and finance.

Undergraduates may participate in an internship in a music firm during the final semester of their senior year. Cooperating firms include music publishers, record manufacturers and distributors, retail and wholesale music stores, and artist managers. Students not selecting the internship complete an additional semester of coursework to satisfy the requirements for graduation.

he Master's degree in Music Business and Entertainment Industries provides advanced studies in the business side of the music world. Graduate students study management, marketing, finance, music, and music industry. The legal aspects between composers, music publishers, record companies, producers, managers, performing rights organizations, and mechanical licensing agencies are explored. Recording artists' contracts and the financial arrangements involved are addressed extensively in conjunction with strategies for maximum profitability. Students also examine copyright law as it relates to the protection of intellectual property and industry ethics. An internship or thesis is required.

Degree Programs

Bachelor of Music in
Music Business and Entertainment Industry

Master of Music in
Music Business and Entertainment Industry

Additional Info

'Cane Records

"During my 27 years at the UM School of Music, I was continually stimulated by the school's progressive approach towards music education.  Our goal was to prepare   students to meet the explosive  revolution in communications technology that has changed the art, craft, and business of music almost completely. For me, it was a constant challenge and always a pleasure, and I enjoyed it tremendously."

Alfred Reed, professor emeritus, founder and former department chair, Music Media & Industry, is one of the nation's most prolific and frequently performed composers