This exciting new BA degree contains a mix of coursework from the College of Music and the Haslam College of Business. Students take 8 hours of music “Performance Electives” (i.e. applied lessons, ensembles, or a combination of both) as well as a core in music theory, musicology, music technology, music business, and flexible music electives based on interests and career goals. On the business side, students select from one of two tracks – Professional Music Focus or Entrepreneurship in Music Focus – and they take courses in topics such as management, finance, legal environments in business, entrepreneurship, and new venture planning. The capstone requirement includes an independent project in music business and entrepreneurship, a fusion of the two concentrations of the degree.
Since it is a BA degree and has a flexible curriculum with the options and tracks outlined below, it distinguishes itself from other BM music industry and music business degrees by functioning as a true hybrid program between the College of Music and the Haslam College of Business.
How to Apply
The BA Music Business Administration degree requires an interview with the program coordinator. Students must be accepted into the College of Music. Performance auditions are not required, but if students wish to complete their “Performance Elective” credits through applied lessons 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. Submit a digital portfolio showcasing music that you have either played, sung, written or created. Please upload a minimum of two files in your GetAcceptd application.
Program Highlights
- Liberal arts and science-based curriculum with a dual focus on music and business administration
- Take courses in music theory, keyboard, musicology, music technology, and music business, as well as economics, finance, marketing, and management
- Year 3 features an internship with a music-related business, and Year 4 includes a project in music business
- Personal mentoring and professional development
- Take a combination of lessons or ensembles as desired. Auditions are required for private lessons and some ensembles.
- Flexible curriculum: 12 credits come from a basket of options in music technology, performance, theory, musicology, jazz, and keyboard
- Follow one of two tracks: Professional Music Focus or Entrepreneurship in Music Focus
Career Opportunities
- With the Professional Music Focus, work in traditional music business related fields such as music recording labels, streaming services, arts organizations, publishing and legal matters, copyright, artist relations, management, business development, publicity, and promotion
- With the Entrepreneurship in Music Focus, work in more independent music fields such as music business startups, social media and marketing, songwriting, and production
- Continued study in fields outside of music such as business and law
- Work in non-profit and social entrepreneurship and arts organizations
Pellissippi State AAS to UT Music Business Administration BA Advising Plan
Pellissippi State and UT Knoxville now have a 9-semester path to earning your AAS and BA in music industry and business-related skills. For more information, click the button below.
Meet Our Faculty
Juan Carlos “JC” Quintero
Director of Music Business & Communications, Professor of Practice