Music, BA Concentration
Music Business Administration
Where music meets management, entrepreneurship, and innovation.
Program Overview
The Natalie L. Haslam College of Music has partnered with the nationally ranking Haslam College of Business to offer the Music Business Administration concentration. This concentration is built for students who want to work behind the scenes, such as managing artists, organizing events, launching music brands, or navigating the business side of the industry. Whether you see yourself running a label, producing live shows, or overseeing marketing and sales, this program equips you with the skills to lead, create, and adapt.
You’ll pair core music training with coursework in business strategy, marketing, arts management, and entrepreneurship. You’ll study real-world industry models and gain insight into how music careers are built and sustained in today’s fast-changing economy.
If you’re business-minded, creative, and passionate about music’s impact, this is your path.
Why study Music Business Administration?
- Learn how the music industry operates, from publishing and licensing to contracts and touring
- Develop entrepreneurial skills to launch ventures or lead within arts organizations
- Explore marketing, budgeting, branding, and artist development
- Faculty bring real-world experience in music business, law, and production
- Internship opportunities with music companies, venues, festivals, and nonprofits
- Ideal for students who want to work in the music business or pursue an MBA or law school
What can you do with the Music Business Administration degree after graduation?
Graduates from this concentration are prepared for roles like:
- Tour manager
- Event producer or booking agent
- Arts administrator or venue director
- Brand strategist or music marketer
- Startup founder in music tech, management, or services
- Graduate study in arts leadership, MBA programs, or music industry studies
Featured Courses
More course information can be found in the undergraduate catalog.
MUTH 115 Harmony and Analysis through Popular Music
Materials of popular and commercial music including melody, harmony, rhythm, and form. Exercises in song construction, analysis, and writing about music with an emphasis on popular music of a wide variety of styles.
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.
MUBS 303 Music Supervision in Media
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.
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 304 The Live Music Industry
Fundamentals of the Live Music Industry including a realistic perspective of essential aspects of live production. Roles discussed include Promoters, Performers, Management, Booking Agencies, Venue Management, Production, Tour Planning/Management, Artist/Vendor Contracts and Financial Structures. Exploration of industry methods merging technical and administrative components as practiced in Concert Venues, Performing Arts, Theatrical, Trade Show, and Multi-Media Presentations.
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.
Still want to take applied lessons?
Music, BA students have the option to take applied lessons in an instrumental or vocal studio. Students pursuing this option will need to audition for the studio. More information can be found on our Auditions & Interviews page.
Each studio is led by expert faculty and enhanced by opportunities to work with visiting guest artists, professional coaches, and collaborative performers. This close-knit environment helps you refine your technique, shape your artistic voice, and prepare for what’s next.
Admissions and Aid
Choosing the right university to pursue a music degree is an important decision and a significant investment. We want to make sure that you have the information you need to both apply and make attending UT affordable.
Questions? We’re here to help. Contact our admissions team at [email protected].
