Online Degrees in Music Business

Listed below are colleges and universities that offer online degrees or certificates in the Music Business and a detailed list of the programs that are offered.

For Those About to Rock the Music Business

ACDC once said, 'For those about to rock, we salute you,' and although most that credit goes to hair-flipping guitar players on stage, there is a lot of talent worth the salute behind the curtain. Many people have proved that you don’t have to sing on key to make a living in the industry.

There are many positions behind the scenes in the music business that can let you keep your passion for music and have a career. Some of these opportunities include being a part of the production process, being on the managerial staff, doing band promotions and public relations, designing band apparel and cover art, and writing reviews as a music journalist.

If you're a people person, a self-starter and an entrepreneur who loves music, the music business may be the right path for you. But it's important to understand that the industry changes as rapidly as the most popular hit single, so establishing yourself in a career can be a challenge. When looking into careers in the music business, it's easy to be discouraged because for the first few years, the monetary benefits will be low.

Career Outlook For Music Business

Jobs in the music industry may be hard to come by, but jobs open up as quickly as a new band forms. Keep in mind that with new artists, jobs may not be monetarily stable. However, if the opportunity arises to invest in a band you believe will be successful, it may be your key to success or a stepping stone on your resume.

With every step taken in the music industry, networking and meeting others in the industry is essential to moving up and staying in the business. One necessary quality is the ability to utilize the resources around you to push yourself further in the industry, which includes talking to and making connections with the people around you: one day they may offer you a bigger gig.

Research the areas you want to dive into, and the genres of music that interest you the most to get a good idea of how what you want to specialize in. It takes dedication, research and passion to break into the industry, but it’s a rewarding and exciting career. It’s the business that never sleeps and you’ll never be bored.

Salary Forecast for Music Business

When trying to break into the music industry, the salary can be pretty small. For most positions in the business, there are contracts and payment agreements with bands or musicians, so the paycheck often depends on the success of the performers.

For example, a music promoter usually receives a percentage of the proceeds after a show, so the success of that show determines how much money they’ll make. Music promoters can also sign a contract stating they are to receive a set fee, so they will get a designated cut of the proceeds regardless of how successful the show is.

Like with most music business jobs, the salary may be hit and miss at first. But the more experience you have and the more successful the musicians you work with, the bigger the salary will be. A certain degree or skill set isn’t going to necessarily guarantee a larger paycheck, but it will help you gain more experience and learn the tools of the trade quicker.

Education and Skill Requirements

According to U.S. Bureau of Labor of Statistics, only 37 percent of workers in the arts and entertainment industry have no education beyond high school, with the majority of people going on to higher education, which illustrates how competitive the business is becoming. A college education isn't a set requirement for any career in the music business, but with a degree and some experience behind you, you can expect to be better prepared and a step ahead of your competitors.

Many colleges and universities offer different degrees and certificates in areas like music production, music business, songwriting, and instrumental or voice specialization. The music industry is dog-eat-dog, so if you can show you already know how to survive and work in the music scene, you’ll be more successful.

While a degree may not be absolutely necessary, being a people person with a friendly, outgoing personality is a must. You need to have a natural ability to work with multiple people from all angles of the music industry under high-stress conditions. Another necessary characteristic is patience, especially when it comes to investing in a band that you may not see any immediate rewards with.