The Music Advertising and Public Relations concentration is an exciting new BA degree offered through a partnership between the College of Music and the College of Communication & Information’s Tombras School of Advertising & Public Relations. This degree is designed to propel you towards a career at the forefront of the arts and entertainment industry. 

The Music Advertising and Public Relations concentration allows students to have a focused professional education in music, emphasizing general aspects of the arts and entertainment industries. Students take four hours of music “Performance Electives” (i.e. applied lessons, ensembles, or a combination of both) as well as a core in musicology, music technology, music business, and flexible music electives based on interests and career goals. On the advertising and public relations side, students take courses in topics such as multimedia writing, social media strategy, advertising and public relations principles, legal environments in public relations, entrepreneurship, and management. You can find the full course list for this degree program in the undergraduate catalog.

How to Apply

One of the many benefits to this BA program is that performance auditions are not required for admission. Interviews are required as part of the application process. Only if students wish to complete their “Performance Elective” credits through applied lessons then they must audition for a spot in an applied studio.

Steps:

1. Apply to the University of Tennessee. Visit the admissions website for more information.

2. Submit an application to the College of Music through getacceptd.com/utkmusic.

3. Once you apply to the College of Music via GetAcceptd, a member of the Music Admissions team will contact you to schedule your interview.

Program Highlights

• Unlock your potential: Take courses in keyboard, musicology, music business, and content management, while mastering essential subjects like statistics, economics, entrepreneurship, and English composition.  
• Real world experience: Year four features an internship with an Advertising & PR business, providing invaluable hands-on experience in crafting campaigns, managing public relations strategies, and executing advertising initiatives within the music industry. 
• Personalized support: Benefit from personal mentoring and professional development opportunities in both the College of Music and the College of Communication and Information, ensuring you thrive both academically and personally in your pursuits in music, PR, and advertising. 
• Tailored learning: Choose your path with a blend of lessons or ensembles that suit your preferences. Auditions are required for private lessons and some ensembles, allowing you to tailor your musical experience to your specific interests and talents while integrating coursework in PR and advertising. 
• Flexible curriculum: Enjoy a flexible curriculum where 13 credits come from a basket of options in performance, musicology, jazz, and keyboard, empowering you to shape your educational journey according to your passions and goals. 

Career Opportunities

A Music PR/advertising degree can open doors to a wide range of exciting career opportunities within the dynamic landscape of the arts and entertainment industry. Some potential career paths include: 

• Music publicity 
• Music marketing 
• Talent agent/management 
• Music event coordination/production 
• Record label promotions 
• Brand partnerships management 
• Music Publishing – Synch Promotions 
• Music Curation 
• Talent Pitching/ Buying 
• Continued study in fields outside of music such as business and law  
• Work in non-profit and social entrepreneurship and arts organizations