Why Earn a Bachelor’s Degree in Music at Indiana State?
The business side of music can be as dynamic, creative, and rewarding as the performance side of the industry. A degree in Music with Merchandising or Business Administration concentrations will immerse you in the music ecosystem and prepare you to connect with artists, promote brands, develop innovative marketing strategies and promotions, and make your lasting mark on the industry.
Go Behind the Scenes in the Music Industry
Combine your musical background with business as you prepare for a rewarding career in the fast-changing music industry. This music degree offers two concentrations – business administration and merchandising – to prepare you for professions on the commercial side of the industry.
At the same time, you will participate in performance ensembles, take private lessons, attend music concerts, and study piano, music technology, music history and literature, and music theory in the School of Music’s designated rehearsal spaces.
NOTE: In addition to Indiana State’s regular admission process, a separate admission process is required for a student to be admitted as a music business administration and merchandising major.
Learn from Our Talented Faculty
Indiana State's instructors are trained musicians and music scholars with experience as performers and business professionals. They bridge the musical and business worlds through specific music business courses, projects, and discussions.
In addition, with our small classes, you will have the chance to work one-on-one with your faculty. They will help you find internships in the music industry and will encourage you to join music ensembles and perform for special events.
Perform in Our Ensembles
All majors in our School of Music must participate in music ensembles for at least seven semesters of their undergraduate degree. These ensembles provide opportunities for you to work with faculty, learn new music, gain performance experience, and perform alongside your peers.
Student ensembles and combos include brass, jazz, piano, percussion, string, and wind, plus several chorale groups, a women’s concert choir, a musical theater/opera workshop, and the University Symphony Orchestra.
Music majors are required to attend a specified number of concerts, recitals, and events in the annual Contemporary Music Festival, a three-day event held on Indiana State’s campus. Indiana State students perform alongside faculty and visiting guests including the Indianapolis Chamber Orchestra.
What You'll Learn in the Music Program
The BS in music provides a strong foundation in comprehensive musicianship. Your classes will focus on specific music business topics including:
- Copyrights and licensing
- Contracts
- Management
- Arts administration
- Music merchandising
- Venue management
- Royalties
- Product development
- Artist relations
- Marketing
You can complete our music bachelor’s degree in four years of full-time study.
In addition, you will also complete an internship with an approved music business. The internship provides experiential learning in all levels of music management. You will observe how professionals address industry-specific issues, including royalties, product development, artist relations, marketing, and copyrights and licensing.
Also, music majors declare a concentration in addition to the requirements for the BS in music.
Music Business and Merchandising Concentrations
Learn even more about the principles of music management, finance, and business practices. This concentration is ideal for students interested in pursuing a graduate degree in music business and careers as music managers, marketing professionals, and related positions. The concentration features courses taught by faculty in the School of Music and the Scott College of Business.
arrow_forward View required courses.Develop an understanding of music marketing, record sales, manufacturing, and product sales. This concentration is ideal for students interested in becoming a music merchandiser and related professions, or to pursue a graduate program in music merchandising and production. The concentration features courses taught by faculty in the School of Music and the Scott College of Business.
arrow_forward View required courses.
Transfer Credit
Indiana State University accepts credit from regionally accredited colleges and universities within the United States, and from selected schools located outside the United States. Credit also may be granted for military training and experience. Previously earned college credit can be applied toward completion of the program per Indiana State's transfer guidelines.
Transfer GuidelinesCareer Possibilities for Music Business and Merchandising Majors
Our music business administration and merchandising program has grown to become one of the most highly regarded undergraduate programs in the United States. Our graduates are prepared for careers in merchandising, publishing, recording, retailing, touring, manufacturing, movies, television, music print, private music instruction, music education, and related fields. Our graduates adapt to changes in the music industry, and they hold prominent positions in music business and merchandising across the globe.
Leading the Future at iHeartMedia
Music business administration alumna Denise Bennett, ’01, excels as a business professional at iHeartMedia. As a Sycamore, she found success through internship programs, music business courses, and advice from her faculty.
Read Denise Bennett’s story.Accreditation
Indiana State University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.
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.
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