<p>Hi, I'm thinking of pursuing an arts management major however I don't know how useful it really is, as in, would it really help me land a job in one of the arts institutes or not? (Sorry to sound pragmatic and cynical here!) I'm actually a musician, but I love things arts related, including fine art and theatre and musicals, so I think I might really enjoy studying arts management, but I just want some opinions from you well-informed people here. Would also like suggestions of which colleges have good arts management courses (or related courses.) Thank you!</p>
<p>Edit: I'm also aware that it's usually provided as a Masters program. If so, what are related undergrad programs?</p>
<p>There are a number of programs that will lead to a BA, BFA or BS in Arts Management. Some are broad spectrum, some more specific discipline focused, concentrating on fine arts, creative arts, performing arts. Some are more administration, business centered, some more operational/functional in focus.</p>
<p>I’m by no means anywhere close to claiming depth of knowledge. For a sample, here’s a link to the Hartt/U Hartford program, offered only because I’m familiar with the program as son was at Hartt as a performance undergrad. [THE</a> HARTT SCHOOL: MUSIC-DANCE-THEATRE](<a href=“The Hartt School - University of Hartford”>The Hartt School - University of Hartford)</p>
<p>Of the schools we are looking at, USC has a program called “Music Industry”, DePaul in Chicago has Performing Arts Management, and I believe Cal State U in Northridge, California also has such a program.</p>
<p>At James Madison University where I teach in the School of Theatre & Dance, the School of Music offers both a major and a minor in Music Industry. The major requires students to audition on their primary instrument for admittance, take the full music core, and complete four years of private lessons on their primary instrument. The minor is open to students in all majors at JMU. In the School of Theatre & Dance students who are interested in Arts Administration often will pick up a non-profit studies minor (or the music industry minor) which requires an internship in their field of study. I also interact quite a bit with School of Music students… those interested in Arts Administration either tend to pursue the Music Industry emphasis, or the Vocal Performance or Music Theatre emphasis…some will also pick up the non-profit studies minor, some plan on going to graduate school in arts administration. I am sure that many other schools have similar opportunities!</p>
<p>In addition to the advice given above, if you have any interest in working with orchestras or other large performing arts organizations after graduation, I’d suggest perusing the League of American Orchestras website’s Orchestra Management Fellows program. In addition to outlining the program, they also list bios of all current and former fellows. I’m not saying you have to copy anyone else’s path, but you may find it useful to see how other people reached a very high level in the arts management profession. </p>