AAS to BA: Your Pathway to a Career in Music Production & Business
Pellissippi State → University of Tennessee, Knoxville
The University of Tennessee, Knoxville and Pellissippi State Community College have partnered to create a streamlined transfer program for students pursuing music production and business. Through this articulation agreement, you can move seamlessly from an Associate of Applied Science (AAS) in Media Technologies: Audio Production Engineering at PSCC to a Bachelor of Arts (BA) in Music: Music Business Administration at UTK’s Natalie L. Haslam College of Music.
Start at PSCC: Build Your Audio Foundation
At PSCC, you’ll gain practical, hands-on experience with industry-standard tools and techniques. The AAS in Media Technologies equips you with the technical skills needed to succeed in studio settings, live sound environments, and post-production.
Courses include:
- Recording techniques & sound design
- Audio processing & editing
- Live sound and event production
- Post-production workflows
Transfer to UT: Expand Your Career Potential
After earning your associate’s degree, you’ll transition to UTK to pursue your BA in Music with a concentration in Music Business Administration. This program blends music education with real-world business training, preparing you for roles across the music industry from artist management to marketing to entrepreneurship.
Program highlights include:
- Core music theory and history
- Business management & entrepreneurship
- Marketing, branding, and music law
- Internship opportunities with music industry partners
You’ll also benefit from UTK’s state-of-the-art facilities and technology, performance venues, and expert faculty with deep industry knowledge.
Featured Courses
BULW 301 Legal Environment of Business
Survey of legal and ethical topics affecting business. Coverage includes legal and business ethics; dispute resolution mechanisms; and substantive and procedural law of regulation, torts, contracts, property, business associations, and employer/employee relations.
MUBS 303 Music Supervision in Media
Study of the multiple roles of a Music Supervisor encompassing Music Curation, Clearance Negotiator, Creative Music Consultant, Music Editor, Music Producer, and Musicologist. Unveils the crossroads between licensors (Music Creators, Labels, Production Music Libraries, Music Publishers) and licensees (Media Producers, Film Studios, Game Producers, Show Runners, T.V. Producers, Video Producers, etc.). Underscores the critical role of the Music Supervisor as broker of authentic and legitimate music use. Includes case studies of current industry-wide master and synch licensing methods.
MUBS 402 Festival/Live Event Experience
Internship with an approved live festival organization. Focus may include show production, marketing, budgeting and talent buying.
MUBS 301 Advanced Topics in Music Business
Practical research and discovery of industry practices through analysis and assessment of contracts/business structures utilized in the music industry. Topics include industry-wide templates for Record Deals, Licensing, Distribution, Aggregator Deals, Marketing and Promotion Services and Rights Management.
Meet the Director of Music Business & Communications
With over 30 years in the entertainment industry, world-renowned jazz guitarist and recording artist Juan Carlos “JC” Quintero brings unmatched professional experience to the Music Business Administration program. Quintero has worked with major music labels and production companies—including Saban Brands, Genius Brands International/Kartoon Studios, and Funrise Inc.—bridging the worlds of performance, production, and media.
At Saban Brands LLC, Quintero served as the the Music Supervisor and Executive in Charge of Music, where he oversaw music production and rights management for hit television properties like Power Rangers, Paul Frank Industries, Julius Jr., Digimon, and Glitter Force.
Students in the program gain access to JC’s real-world industry insights, professional network, and comprehensive understanding of the music business, from live performance and recording to licensing and brand integration.
How great is it that music students will be in class, sitting next to the future lawyer, … future publicist… The classes themselves are poised to become sort of like mini conventions where networking is essential as the scope of knowledge and experience remains boundless.”
“JC” Quintero
Professor of Practice, Director of Music Business & Communications, Area Coordinator of Music Business & Communications
Why Choose This Pathway?
Seamless Transfer
A clear roadmap means no lost credits or repeated courses
Dual Expertise
Gain both technical production skills and business acumen
Career-Ready Curriculum
Get real experience through internships and project-based learning
Affordable Progression
Start local, finish strong all while managing costs
Professional Network
Build valuable connections in the music and entertainment industries