Many graduate music business degrees are in the form of a master's degree, such as NYU Steinhardt's master of arts program and University of Miami's master of music business and entertainment Industry. If you've already completed a master's degree in music business and you'd like to go on to a doctorate, try talking to a relevant supervisor at your educational institution about the possibility of getting help to develop a research proposal.
Graduate music business degrees tend to be targeted at people with an undergraduate degree in a related subject, such as music industry studies or a straight music degree. You'll be accepted into your program of choice more readily and get more out of the program if you're not only passionate about music, but also have an interest in and aptitude for business or management.
A typical graduate degree program in music business will look at areas such as the record industry, arts management and business administration. Musicians in the program will continue to develop their vocal talent and/or instrument playing ability. The courses you take may also offer you the opportunity to gain practical work experience through an internship at a record label. Your educational institution might additionally draw your attention to the resources the Music and Entertainment Industry Students' Association (MEISA) has to offer.
A graduate music business degree can open up numerous doors for you in terms of career choice. You could become a session musician or recording artist, and use your newly learned business acumen to assist in contract negotiations and similar situations.
If you want to enter the more business or administrative side of music, consider using your degree to become a tour manager, promoter, publicist, music publisher, A&R coordinator or marketing representative. In addition to record companies, potential employers include individual unsigned artists, professional orchestras, opera companies, radio stations and music publishing companies.