In recent years, the landscape of music education has been evolving rapidly, with music business emerging as one of the fastest-growing major in collegiate music programs across the United States.
And it’s not hard to see why this shift is happening.
Today’s aspiring musicians and their families are looking for more than just stellar performance training.
They’re seeking an education that not only hones their musical skills but also equips them with the know-how to navigate the complex and ever-changing music industry.
After all, in this digital age, being a great musician is just part of the equation – understanding how to market yourself and manage your career is equally crucial.
What sets great Music Business programs apart is their practical, hands-on approach.
These aren’t your typical lecture-based courses filled with abstract theories.
Instead, the best programs offer students real-world experiences both in and outside the classroom, preparing them to hit the ground running in the industry.
Over the years, I’ve noticed that the career outcomes from these programs are particularly impressive.
Graduates are landing roles in management, production, booking, and marketing – some working for established music businesses, others carving out successful careers as independent artists.
Interestingly, many students are choosing to combine Music Business studies with performance majors.
It’s a smart move, in my opinion. This combination creates well-rounded musicians who not only excel in their craft but also understand the business side of the industry.
It’s worth noting that many of the schools we’ll be discussing also boast strong popular music programs.
This isn’t a coincidence – contemporary music schools are increasingly recognizing the need for comprehensive industry training alongside performance studies.
In this article, we’ll explore 10 of the best colleges for music business in the US.
So, let’s dive in and discover which schools are hitting all the right notes in Music Business education!
Drexel University
Drexel University’s Music Industry program stands out for its strong emphasis on experiential learning through its renowned co-op programs.
These employment positions form the core of Drexel’s comprehensive curriculum, which covers all aspects of the music industry from recording to monetization.
The program’s partnerships with venues, labels, management companies, and various music and entertainment businesses provide students with diverse real-world experiences.
A unique feature of Drexel’s program is the student-run MAD Dragon Music Group.
This in-house music company offers hands-on experience in artist management, publishing, and concert promotion, allowing students to apply classroom knowledge to real industry scenarios.
Drexel also offers an exceptional opportunity for select students to pursue a joint BS/MBA in partnership with the prestigious LeBow College of Business.
This option is particularly valuable for those aiming for high-level management positions in the music industry.
The success of Drexel’s approach is evident in its alumni network, with graduates now working as executives, agents, and producers across various sectors of the arts and entertainment industry.
Although Drexel University’s acceptance rate is over 80%, I have heard that this program is the most selective at Drexel.
The majority of the students in this program are admitted through non-binding early action, and they accept a relatively small class out of over 500+ applicants per year.
Berklee College of Music
Berklee College of Music, renowned as one of the most comprehensive contemporary music schools globally, offers an impressive Music Business program.
Many students initially enroll at Berklee for its acclaimed performance programs, particularly in contemporary and jazz genres.
However, I have seen many of my former students opt to dual major in performance and music business as they progress through their studies, recognizing the importance of business acumen in the music industry.
Berklee’s Music Business program offers three specialized tracks to cater to different career aspirations: Management, Marketing, and Entrepreneurial, allowing students to focus their studies on specific areas of the music industry.
Beyond the traditional Music Business Bachelor’s degree, Berklee offers an innovative “Professional Music” major.
This program allows students to design their own curriculum with a business emphasis, working closely with faculty advisors to tailor their education to specific career goals.
Notable alumni of this program include Grammy-winning jazz bassist Esperanza Spalding, CDBaby founder Derek Sivers, and former Prince drummer John Blackwell.
Berklee College of Music offers a world-class option for prospective students seeking a comprehensive music education that seamlessly integrates performance skills with business acumen.
New York University
New York University offers two distinct and prestigious music business programs, each with its own unique focus and strengths.
The Clive Davis Institute of Recorded Music at NYU’s Tisch School of the Arts, named after the legendary music executive, is an incubator for future songwriters, performers, producers, executives, and music journalists.
The program’s core philosophy revolves around entrepreneurship and initiative.
Students are encouraged to develop their artistic passions while simultaneously learning how to turn these passions into sustainable careers.
A highlight of the Clive Davis program is the senior year project, where students create a comprehensive plan for a music business venture. These projects range from launching record labels to developing music technology startups.
The program regularly hosts industry professionals for masterclasses and workshops, providing students with invaluable networking opportunities.
A famous example was Pharrell Williams’ 2016 masterclass, which helped launch the career of NYU student Maggie Rogers after Pharrell listened to her music.
The Clive Davis Institute is highly selective, with an acceptance rate of approximately 12%, accepting 60 out of 500 applicants.
In contrast, NYU’s Steinhardt School of Culture, Education, and Human Development offers a more traditional Music Business program.
This curriculum covers core music business topics such as publishing, concert management, and data analysis in the music industry.
Students also take foundational business classes in marketing strategy and entertainment law.
Both programs benefit from NYU’s prime location in New York City, offering students unparalleled access to internships and industry connections.
University of California, Los Angeles
UCLA’s Music Industry program stands out for its blend of business savvy and creative exploration.
The undergraduate capstone thesis is a hallmark of the program, which all music industry students have to complete by the end of their senior year.
Students can opt for a business-oriented approach, perhaps launching their own record label or publishing company.
Alternatively, they can lean into their creative side with projects like songwriting portfolios.
This flexibility reflects the program’s understanding that success in the music industry often requires both business acumen and artistic sensibility.
The curriculum is comprehensive, covering essential music business topics such as contract law, artist management, and digital marketing & promotion.
Recognizing the importance of a well-rounded education in today’s music landscape, the program also offers songwriting, ensemble performance, and music technology classes.
The idea is to help students enter the industry not just with business knowledge, but with a deeper understanding of the creative process and technical aspects of music production.
Northeastern University
At the heart of Northeastern’s program is the co-op experience, a real-world incubator that’s become a hallmark of Northeastern’s educational philosophy.
As Northeastern’s website itself states: “Co-op is an educational program in which you alternate semesters of academic study with semesters of full-time employment in positions related to your academic and/or career interests in the U.S. or globally.”
The co-op program is a game-changer for music business students.
It’s designed to place students in top companies around the country for full-time paid positions or internships during their undergraduate years.
So, how does this translate for students in the Music Industry Bachelor’s degree program?
Northeastern has forged partnerships with some of the biggest names in the music industry.
Students have found co-op positions at companies like Live Nation, the events promotion giant based in Beverly Hills; Glassnote Records, the label behind chart-toppers like Mumford & Sons and Childish Gambino; and Universal Music Publishing.
These aren’t just name-drops – these partnerships mean real, hands-on experience for students.
Imagine working on a major music festival with Live Nation, or helping to market the next big indie band at Glassnote.
That’s the kind of experience that can set you apart in a competitive job market.
Graduates often find themselves steps ahead of their peers when entering the job market, armed with both theoretical knowledge and real-world experience.
University of Southern California Thornton School of Music
USC’s Thornton School of Music is among the few programs offering both undergraduate and graduate degrees in music industry.
What really sets USC apart, in my opinion, is its faculty, which includes many of LA’s most accomplished music business professionals.
Take Jonathan Azu, for instance. Billboard magazine named him a two-time Billboard 40 Under 40 Power Player.
Or consider Kevin Lyman, who has produced music festivals & tours for Sprite, Vans, and other major companies.
Being able to study with actual people who have “been there, done that” in the industry can be a huge benefit for students.
USC’s program also encompasses a broader understanding of business principles in its curriculum.
That’s why students in this program can also take courses at USC’s prestigious Marshall School of Business and Leventhal School of Accounting. This interdisciplinary approach ensures graduates are well-versed in both music industry specifics and general business practices.
Being in Los Angeles, the entertainment capital of the world, USC students have unparalleled access to internships and networking opportunities.
University of Miami Frost School of Music
The Frost School of Music, one of the few schools catering to classical, jazz, and contemporary musicians alike, offers a Bachelor’s in Music Business and Entertainment Industries.
This program is comprehensive; law, finance, and marketing within the music industry are just some of the topics students will learn about at the school.
What sets this program apart, in my view, is its distinctive admission requirement.
It’s not enough to simply be interested in music business; applicants must also pass a rigorous music audition. This dual focus ensures that graduates are not just business savvy, but also musically proficient.
Then there’s the cleverly named MADE program – Modern Artist Development and Entrepreneurship.
This acronym isn’t just catchy; it encapsulates the program’s mission to address a burning question for many aspiring musicians: “How do I make it in the music industry?”
The MADE program is geared toward contemporary performance students who wish to learn music business skills to help their careers.
Belmont University
Belmont University’s Mike Curb College of Entertainment and Media is a testament to the institution’s commitment to music business, production, and songwriting education.
Named after renowned music executive Mike Curb, this school benefits from its strategic location just two miles from Nashville’s famed Music Row, one of America’s most significant hubs for music industry services, publishers, and performance venues.
The program’s excellence is widely recognized, with publications such as Billboard and Rolling Stone consistently ranking Belmont among the top music business programs in the country.
This recognition stems from the school’s comprehensive curriculum and its emphasis on practical, hands-on learning experiences.
Experiential learning is a cornerstone of Belmont’s approach. Students not only have opportunities to intern with companies on Nashville’s Music Row but also benefit from partnerships with firms in other major music industry centers like Los Angeles, New York City, and Washington DC. This national reach provides students with a broad perspective on the diverse landscape of the music business.
The faculty at Belmont’s Mike Curb College are notable for their industry experience and academic contributions. Many are published experts who have invested their careers in various facets of the ever-evolving music industry. This blend of practical experience and academic rigor ensures that students receive a well-rounded education that’s both current and forward-thinking.
For prospective students and parents, Belmont University offers a unique combination of location, industry connections, and academic excellence.
The program’s focus on practical experience, coupled with its proximity to Nashville’s music scene, provides students with unparalleled opportunities to launch their careers in the music industry.
Syracuse University
The Bandier Program at Syracuse University stands as a premier choice for students seeking an intensive, focused education in music business.
This highly selective program, admitting only about 25 students each year, was initially funded by Sony Chairman Martin Bandier, a 1962 Syracuse alumnus.
What sets Bandier apart is its unparalleled commitment to real-world experience.
The program requires students to complete three internships before graduation, a requirement that I have not seen any other institution match.
This is facilitated by the program’s extensive industry connections and a robust alumni network of music industry professionals.
A highlight of the Bandier experience is the opportunity to spend a semester interning at a Los Angeles-based media company.
The program guarantees internship placement for students accepted into “Newhouse LA,” providing invaluable exposure to the heart of the entertainment industry.
The David M. Rezak Music Business Lecture Series is another standout feature, bringing top industry professionals to campus to engage in lectures on current industry challenges and trends.
DePaul University
DePaul University’s Performing Arts Management program stands out for its strong emphasis on hands-on collaboration with Chicago’s renowned music institutions.
Students in the program benefit from regular opportunities with prestigious organizations such as the Chicago Symphony Orchestra, House of Blues, Chicago Lyric Opera, and the Grant Park Music Festival.
These partnerships provide invaluable real-world experience and networking opportunities in various aspects of the music industry.
DePaul University’s Performing Arts Management program offers a dual focus.
One such focus prepares students for management roles in non-profit music institutions, such as orchestras and opera companies, while the other emphasizes commercial music management, including artist management and concert promotion.
The curriculum is comprehensive, covering essential business fundamentals alongside music industry-specific topics. Students take courses in accounting, economics, and statistics to build a solid business foundation.
These are complemented by specialized courses such as Introduction to Music Business, Legal Issues in the Music Industry, Music Publishing, and Principles of Marketing.
