While the Jacobs School of Music is experienced in turning out virtuosic performers, it’s also a rich community of music lovers, creators, and consumers. In conjunction with this community, the Music Business program was created for students who are interested in the breadth of music as a field: how it gets made and managed, who owns it and who it is for, how it is packaged and marketed, and how it can achieve financial success.
The music business consists of individuals and organizations that create, or support the creation of, musical works and then attempt to create a market for those musical works through commercial means (e.g., streaming, film and TV placement, etc.). The industry is a vibrant, thriving network of creativity and commerce that has evolved significantly and is currently a $100 billion global business in the throes of an over 10-year bull market. But that is just the tip of the iceberg. Music is also a vital tributary to the broader $2 trillion global entertainment and media industry. This exciting, expansive, and prosperous network provides a diverse range of careers, available for individuals passionate about the business side of the industry.
Bachelor of Science in Music Business
The Bachelor of Science in Music Business degree, an Indiana University partnership between the Jacobs School of Music and the Kelley School of Business, combines world-class resources and outstanding academic programs to uniquely prepare you for a career in an exciting and rewarding industry. This degree will allow you to leverage internationally acclaimed faculties from Jacobs and Kelley to prepare you for an expanding field of career opportunities at the intersection of music and business.
The program offers proficiencies in music management, marketing, monetization, distribution, intellectual property, and ethics while working with companies and small businesses across the globe that are shaping the production and consumption of music through expanding avenues of technology and commerce.
Coursework includes relevant textbook readings and hands-on activities and instruction by knowledgeable industry professionals, respected guest lecturers from across the entertainment industry, and experienced professors from Jacobs and Kelley.
Frequently Asked Questions
The Bachelor of Science in Music Business is a new four-year joint degree program at Indiana University created by the Jacobs School of Music in partnership with the Kelley School of Business.
The music business is an exciting, vibrant industry that enables students to follow their passion into the workplace.
The music business is a vibrant $80 billion industry forecast to grow to $141 billion by 2035. Music is also a vital tributary to the broader $2 trillion global entertainment and media industry. This far-reaching palette of business opportunities creates a wide network of post-graduation job opportunities for successful graduates.
The Music Business program is a partnership between two of the most powerful, successful, and highly respected schools in the United States; Jacobs and Kelley are among the top 10 schools in their respective fields.
Additionally, the program is led by professor and director Michael J. Sammis, who enjoyed a successful and varied 40-year career as an executive in the music industry. His passion, expertise, and extensive industry network make the program uniquely rewarding.
The program enables students to learn primarily about the business side of the music industry: how music gets made and managed, who owns it, how it is promoted and marketed, how it is valued, and how it achieves financial success. The curriculum covers a wide range of topics, including music management, marketing, monetization, distribution, intellectual property, and ethics.
The Music Business degree provides a unique blend of music and business expertise. To capitalize on this partnership, the curriculum provides an even-handed blend of Kelley core courses, Jacobs core courses, courses created specifically for the Music Business degree, and general education courses, as follows:
Curriculum Summary
Jacobs Credit Hours
Kelley Credit Hours
Other Credit Hours
Individual School Core Requirements
23
21
Music Business Specific Courses
12
15
Performance Courses
8
General Education Requirements
26
Electives
15
Total
43
36
41
=120
Students are expected to demonstrate a substantive interest in music through their application. There is no requirement or expectation that they can play an instrument or sing at a level required for other degrees at the Jacobs. Additionally, there is no performance audition required for the Music Business program, but we encourage applicants to utilize their application to communicate how music has been an important part of their life. Music courses are a key component of this degree program because:
Music training helps ensure that graduates have a more complete set of tools to help them communicate with and collaborate on the art they will be marketing, supporting, and promoting.
Students in the program should develop both logical and creative cognitive functions so they develop into outstanding candidates for either creative or administrative roles.
The program is designed for students who are passionate about music and, on some level, are interested in seeking professional careers in the music or entertainment industry. The program will appeal to students for different reasons, including, for example, those who:
Wish to work in the music and/or entertainment industry, either in a corporate setting or as an agent/entrepreneur in areas such as music publishing, recording, artist management, and live events.
Wish to pursue a career on the performance side, either as a producer, performer, recording artist, or songwriter.
Wish to understand more about how the music industry functions.
Students can expect multiple opportunities to network with industry professionals, including occasional guest lecturers, master classes, and other campus events. Support and guidance are also provided for internships, and a business immersion opportunity (BUS-D352) is included in the sample course map.
Currently, there is no option to minor in Music Business; however, it is under consideration.
Pursuing a double major and/or dual degree is complex and individualized for each student. Interested students should speak with their academic advisor in the Music Undergraduate Office to determine what opportunities and potential obstacles exist. That being said:
Double majors are not relevant to the B.S. in Business Music degree.
Dual degrees are possible albeit very rigorous. A dual degree can be attained with a wide range of degrees at IU, although it may require longer than the standard four years of study. However, a dual degree combining a B.S. in Music Business and another degree in the Kelly School of Business is not currently permitted.
Scholarships are available and are at the discretion of Indiana University. To be considered for a scholarship, students must apply to the university by November 1.
