Accreditation
The University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.
Music with Merchandising or Business Administration Concentrations (BS)
Description
The University offers a bachelor of science (BS) in music with concentrations in music business (merchandising or business administration).
The program merges business and musical expertise, preparing the graduate to enter the music industry with an ability to interact with professionals in both music and business. An important aspect of the program is that students are trained as musicians, which enhances their credibility within the industry.
Students pursue the same core studies as other music majors as well as courses specifically devoted to the evolving demands of the music industry. A variable array of management, economics, marketing, and finance courses round out the curriculum requirements.
- Every student receives a solid foundation in comprehensive, integrated musicianship by participating in performance ensembles, by taking private lessons, by attending concerts, and by studying music theory, music history and literature, piano, and music technology.
- Music business students take a grouping of specific music business courses that serve to bridge both the musical and business worlds through intensive examination of music industry-related topics such as copyright, contracts, management, arts administration, music merchandising, the record business, and venue management.
- The program offers numerous experience-based career development opportunities, the most important being a required six-month internship as the culmination of degree studies. Internships provide an opportunity to work at a variety of jobs, to experience different levels of management, and to address a host of music industry-specific issues such as royalties, product development, artist relations, marketing, and copyright/licensing.
- Students have their own student-run, industry-related organization, the Music Industry Association (MIA).
- Other opportunities include the University's Honors Program and study abroad programs, which range from summer programs to a single semester or a full academic year in over 56 countries.
In addition to the University's regular admission process, there is a separate admission process for a student to be admitted as a music major. For further information, visit the School of Music.
Required Courses
Careers
In 1978, long before other universities had begun to recognize the viability of career training for the music industry, Indiana State University established an undergraduate degree program specifically for that industry. Today, this program has grown to become one of the most highly regarded and successful in the United States.
As the global, multi-billion dollar music industry grows, the demand for highly trained, articulate, and enthusiastic professionals grows as well. Beyond performing, the music industry offers careers in merchandising, publishing, recording, retailing, touring, manufacturing, promotions, movies, television, music print, private music instruction, and music education.
Adaptability is the key to success in the music industry, and Indiana State University graduates are highly trained for the changing circumstance in the music industry. Our graduates display a broad set of skills that make them capable of stepping into music industry functions that are "back office" or "front office." Held in high regard by the music industry, Indiana State University's graduates are uniquely qualified to immediately take their places in the global music industry in positions such as music merchandising, retail operations, manufacturing, music publishing, artist management, arts administration, venue management, and music supervision.
In addition, the School of Music is an accredited institutional member of the National Association of Schools of Music. The Music Education Program holds accreditation with the Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation (CAEP), and the Music Business Program is affiliated with NAMM (International Music Products Association).
Financial Aid & Scholarships
Students have many sources of financial support for their studies, including financial aid, work-study programs, veterans' benefits, and special scholarships for entering freshmen and transfer students.
Music scholarships are awarded through a competitive audition process that begins in November and concludes by March 1 of each academic year. To be considered for a music scholarship for the following academic year, students must have auditioned by March 1.
Further Information
Prospective students should contact the Office of Admissions for further information and assistance.
Currently enrolled students should contact the following:
School of Music
Indiana State University
812-237-2771
The Graduate Catalog and Undergraduate Catalog of Indiana State University are the documents of authority for all students. The requirements given in the catalogs supersede information issued by any academic department, program, college, or school. The University reserves the right to change the requirements at any time.
Tools
Contact
Prospective students should contact the Office of Admissions for further information and assistance.
Currently enrolled students should contact the following:
School of Music
Indiana State University
812-237-2771