Students in the Bachelor of Music or Bachelor of Arts in Music Industry (abbreviated MIND) degree programs have a passion for music and business and want to pursue careers that combine the two. They come to the Frost School of Music to be with others from across the country who have similar interests and to prepare for a professional career in the music industry through study with members of our renowned faculty.
Coursework, extra-curricular participation, and internships are vital components of the degree program. The program is interdisciplinary in nature with emphasis placed upon courses in music industry, music, and business. Majors study music industry topics such as copyright, music publishing, the record business, music contracts, artist management, and music marketing. Students are also required to select and complete a minor, and often choose from those offered in the Herbert Business School or School of Communication.
In the fall of 2023 we are launching our new Bachelor of Arts in MIND program. The following table highlights the differences between our two Bachelor's programs:
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Curricular Component
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Bachelor of Music
in Music Industry
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Bachelor of Arts
in Music Industry
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Curricular Requirements
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BM in MIND Bulletin
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BA in MIND Bulletin
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Audition
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Students applying to the BM must be musicians and pass an audition
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Students applying to the BA do not have to be musicians nor audition
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Music Core Courses
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Students in the BM take ensembles, musicology, music theory, keyboard skills, and music technology courses designed for students who have demonstrated a high level of musical proficiency via audition
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Students in the BA take musicology, music theory, and music technology courses designed for students of all levels of musical proficiency (including no proficiency) and may take ensembles if they pass ensemble auditions
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Music Industry Courses
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Students in the BM take 7 MIND courses + 1 MIND Elective, as well as MIND Forum every semester
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Students in the BM take 10 MIND courses, as well as MIND Forum every semester
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Modern Language Requirement
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Students in the BM are not required to take courses in modern languages.
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Students in the BA are required to take 6 credits of modern languages.
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Gen Ed Requirement
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Students in both programs take the same Gen Ed courses (e.g., English, Math, STEM/P&S Cognate)
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Private Lessons
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Students in the BM are required to take private lessons
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Students in the BA may only take secondary lessons (for an extra fee) if a Teaching Assistant in the relevant studio has availability to teach
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Practice Rooms
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Students in the BM are permitted to use Frost practice rooms
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Students in the BA are not permitted to use Frost practice rooms
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Music Scholarships
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Applicants to the BM will be considered for merit-based scholarships that include both a music and academic component.
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Applicants to the BA will be considered for academic-based scholarships. BA MIND applicants will not be considered for Frost music merit-based awards.
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Music industry students are encouraged to participate in all of the extra-curricular activities that we have available, including participating in student-run enterprises, and getting involved with various music industry-focused student organizations. More information about these opportunities can be found under the Student Life tab on our website.
Our graduates are working in every different area of the industry – music publishing, record companies, music licensing, artist management, live music production, concert management, and intellectual property/entertainment law.
Information for existing UM students wishing to apply transfer into the program:
- BM in MIND: If you wish to transfer into the BM in MIND program, you must go through an audition. Click here to find out more about the process and timeline (scroll to the bottom of the page for the section labeled Transfer Students).
- BA in MIND: If you wish to transfer into the BA in MIND program, the deadline to apply to start the program in the next fall semester is March 1, and the deadline to apply to start the program in the next spring semester is October 1. Click here to fill out the transfer application (you must be logged in to your UM account in another browser window in order to access it).
Are you interested in entering the music business? These day, there are more opportunities in the music industry than ever before, but you have to ensure you’re up-to-date with how the field has evolved in recent years. This is where a bachelor’s degree comes in: you’ll gain foundational skills you need to dive into the industry and get your bearings. Whether you’re interested in working with record labels, digital music, distribution, or another niche, a bachelor’s degree equips you with both theoretical and applied knowledge. If you’re interested in merging music with the legal field, you can begin to combine those interests while you’re an undergraduate as well. A Bachelor of Music in Music Business degree can apply to many music industry interests.
Why Do I Need a Bachelor of Music in Music Business?
Business is not just about having a great vision. It’s about having a wide range of knowledge and network of professional connections. A bachelor of music in music business allows you to work alongside experienced professionals who can teach you how and where to use the skills you gain. By learning from experts in the field, you will be able to apply theoretical knowledge to real-world contexts. Completing a degree can provide you with lifelong mentors who assist in forging connections and expanding your network. At graduation, you’ll have a portfolio of experience ready to apply to the music industry.
What Does a Bachelor of Music in Music Business Degree Entail?
A music business degree is an exciting program to pursue in a city, such as Miami, with a thriving music industry. Participating in internships, student-run enterprises, campus-run record labels, and student organizations focused on the music industry are all valuable opportunities that prepare you for life after graduation. During your degree, you will study music fundamentals like keyboard, music theory, music engineering, and more. You will also learn business fundamentals like marketing, management, accounting, basic law concepts, and more. Together, this tableau of skills equips you to successfully enter jobs, internships, further schooling, and other opportunities post-graduation. Music business graduates have well-rounded sets of experiences.
What Kind of Jobs Can I Get with a Bachelor of Music in Music Business?
A bachelor of music in music business can be applied to your career in flexible ways. Some of the jobs that music business majors have gone on to enjoy have included the following:
- Booking agent, also known as a talent agent
- Attorney for the entertainment industry
- Professional promoter for concerts performing artists, or venues
- Independent entrepreneur
- Music licensing professional
- Public relations professional or publicist
- Music publisher
- Business manager, also known as an account manager
- Producer
- Arts administrator
- Music retailer
No matter what kind of career in the music industry you’re seeking, a bachelor of music in music business degree can help you gain the creative, technical, and theoretical knowledge you need to pursue your path.
What Kinds of Skills Will I Gain with a Bachelor of Music in Music Business?
Business professionals need to have a wide set of diverse skills. Because no two business situations are the same, you will need to be agile, flexible, and knowledgeable. Some of the skills you’ll learn during your music business bachelor’s degree include the following:
- Problem-solving. In the course of any business, you’ll run into situations that require a creative solution.
- Basic legal and contractual knowledge. Though nothing replaces the advice of a lawyer, basic knowledge of contracts and legal documents is helpful.
- Industry knowledge. You’ll learn from industry insiders who can give you the real story about working in music.
- Financial acumen. Financial knowledge is a key area of focus.
How Do I Find the Bachelor of Music in Music Business Degree That is Right for Me?
Gathering information about what kinds of feats a school’s alumni have gone on to accomplish is a great way to determine whether a program is right for you. What are your goals? Where would you like to see yourself in ten years? As you consider a school, make sure that the program supports collaborative classroom learning and one-on-one work with mentors. A school should see you as more than just a number. Experience in collaboration is essential to any role in the music industry.
The Music Business program at the Frost School of Music has been carefully designed to prepare students for the music business of today. The Frost School has been named as one of the top music business programs by Billboard.
