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MUSIC BUSINESS

From the birth of music publishing to the explosion of digital income streams, the music industry is constantly evolving new and radical music business models.  Our cutting edge music business school curriculum is structured by today’s dynamic developments in marketing, licensing, publishing, and digital distribution.  Students explore social networks, digital stores and labels, and the impact of new streaming and place shifting technologies on the future of the music business.     

McNally Smith music business students study alongside musicians, vocalists, composers, producers, recording and sound reinforcement engineers, in an atmosphere designed to enhance the understanding of these interconnected disciplines. This allows McNally Smith College of Music to provide a true music business college experience. Running their own record label gives students experience with independent labels and direct marketing, and teaches them the unique entrepreneurial skills needed to discover opportunities today and take the lead tomorrow. 

At the music business school of McNally Smith, we prepare students for careers by emphasizing critical thinking and leadership skills and providing practical experience through internships in the music communities of the Twin Cities, Los Angeles, New York City, and Nashville via McNally Smith’s inside track with the industry’s leading entrepreneurs.

Find out more about our Music Business Degree in our information packet.

Course Catalog (pdf)
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Accredited by The National Association of Schools of Music 

Inside the Classroom

Music Economics

The McNally Smith music business degree curriculum is based on understanding traditional and new revenue sources for the music business as an art and a commodity.  Courses explore all aspects of performing rights, publishing contracts, royalty streams, markets, and merchandising, including the impact of digital distribution.  In light of today’s global economy we offer courses on international music business, international marketing, and international copyright and contract law.

Music Business Savvy & Supporting Technologies

Music business students learn finance and accounting, business analysis, and management methodologies for setting goals, self assessment, and team building, with a special emphasis on communication skills.  Courses in tour, artist, and venue management show how to apply music business basics to the entertainment industry.  Our students become proficient in using a laptop, software, and other technologies, such as web design and pod casting, that are critical to today’s music entrepreneur.


Commonly Searched Phrases: Music Business Degree | Top Music Schools | Music Industry | Music Business Career | Music Business College | Music Business School | Music Business Models | Entertainment Business | Student Record Label | Music Entrepreneur | Music Internship | International Music Business

 
DEGREES
 

DIPLOMAS

CAREERS

  • Artist Manager
  • Booking Agent
  • Internet/Media Marketing & Promotion Specialist
  • Post Production/Television Producer
  • Digital Content Manager
  • Music Publisher
  • Intellectual Property Licensing Agent
    Ashly Bew
    Ashly Bew was first introduced to the music business by watching her family operate a music venue, the Antenna, in Memphis, Tennessee.
  • Ashly Bew
    • Steve Cole
    Steve Cole is one of the most celebrated players in contemporary jazz, having sold hundreds of thousands of albums worldwide and scored five #1 R&R Smooth Jazz hits.
  • Steve Cole
    • Bruce Cook
    Bruce has performed in legendary Los Angeles nightspots showcasing original music as a singer/songwriter. He has also worked as an English teacher, and a freelance web designer/consultant.
  • Bruce Cook
    • Anthony Cox
    Anthony Cox comes to McNally Smith from Augsburg College upon completing his Master’s in Business Administration Degree.
  • Anthony Cox
    • Gilbert Davison
  • Gilbert Davison
    • Charles Gehr
  • Charles Gehr
    • Steve McClellan
  • Steve McClellan
    • David Olson
  • David Olson
    • Craig Rice
  • Craig Rice
    • Gary Rue
    Gary Rue is a composer/sound designer/producer for radio, television, and film.
  • Gary Rue
    • Duane Schwarzbauer
  • Duane Schwarzbauer
    • Ron Sobel
    Chair, Music Business
    Ron Sobel is a leading expert in media innovation, progressive revenue models, and adaptive intellectual property licensing. Ron spent 14 years with ASCAP before founding North Star Media.
  • Ron Sobel
    • Todd Walker
  • Todd Walker
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