Music, BA Concentration
Music Advertising & Public Relations
Where music meets strategy, storytelling and the spotlight.
Program Overview
The Natalie L. Haslam College of Music has partnered with the College of Communication & Information to offer the Music Advertising & PR concentration within the Music, BA degree program. Ideal for students who want to combine their love of music for communication, you’ll explore how to craft compelling messages, promote artists and events, manage campaigns, and build audience engagement.
Whether you’re drawn to social media, branding, marketing, or advocacy, this concentration gives you the tools to shape narratives and connect music to audiences. You’ll build a strong foundation in musicianship, then dive into media writing, public relations, advertising, and campaign development — all while studying real-world case studies and trends in the field.
This is a perfect path for students interested in music publicity, marketing, branding, or content strategy.
Why study Music PR & Advertising?
- 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.
What can you do with a Music Advertising & PR concentration after graduation?
Graduates from this concentration are prepared for roles like:
- Publicist or PR coordinator for artists, venues, or labels
- Social media or content strategist for music brands
- Entertainment branding and advertising specialist
- Communications roles in nonprofit or commercial music organizations
- Marketing assistant in arts organizations or festivals
- Graduate study in media, PR, or arts administration
Featured Courses
More course information can be found in the undergraduate catalog.
ADVT 250 Advertising Principles
Survey of the role of advertising in American business and society. Relationship between advertising and marketing; functional components of the advertising process ― research, media, creative, and management.
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.
ADPR 365 Social Media Strategy
Social media strategy provides students with practical knowledge and analytical skills necessary to evaluate, understand, and implement social media campaigns. ADPR 365 will be comprised of lectures, case studies, assignments, and engaged analysis activities that will help serve as the foundation for building a strong professional social media skill set.
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].
