A degree in music industry management focuses on the principles of managing musicians and technological individuals. Classes include communication skills, management methodologies, music industry career planning and team building. Some basic knowledge of other areas of the music industry is also helpful in this degree, with classes related to production, technology, performance and business strategies. Graduates with a music industry management degree would likely look for jobs in the areas of artist managers and booking agents.
Students can pursue a major in basic music business at many schools, such as San Francisco State University and McNally Smith College of Music. This degree covers the essentials that students need in order to work in the music business as a business person. This includes a liberal arts education along with specific classes in the areas of copyright law, music publishing, finance and accounting, business analysis, goal setting, self-assessment and team building.
Students interested in learning more about the technological side of the music industry can get a bachelor's degree in music business with a concentration in music technology. This degree path provides students with coursework in basic liberal arts, the music industry and composition, performance, production, live sound and hip-hop studies. Students learn about recording equipment, studio space and what it takes to produce a successful record. Students also learn about marketing, promotions, contracts, copyrights and more.
Music economics looks at the field of the music industry from a larger perspective that includes international business, international marketing and international copyright law. This provides students with knowledge about various aspects of the industry, from publishing rights to the way that royalties work. This is a broader degree path than some of the other music industry degrees, but may be helpful for those interested in various facets of the business.