I’m a high school sophomore who has had a dream of being in the music industry since I was little. I was in various musicals between 3rd and 8th grade, took vocal lessons in 7th grade, and applied for the best performing arts high schools in New York City. After I was rejected, I kind of gave up on performing. I couldn’t be in the theater program at my school because my schedule didn’t allow it, although I plan to audition next year when my schedule is fixed. Recently I had the idea of entering the executive portion of the talent industry, but I know that requires some degree of musical knowledge and performance talent., especially if I go to a music-oriented college. Some of the colleges I have already contacted have said that I must audition if I plan to major in music business.
How can I build up the skills that I need for a music business major (preferably on my own time and for free, because I don’t think my dad will be willing to pour more money into my “career” after what happened with my vocal lessons)?
P.S. Does it make a difference if I study at a school of music or a school of business if I’m going to be in the music industry? Is the business degree worth more?
Belmont University has a music industry program that is completely separate from the music school. You don’t have to play an instrument or audition.
The University of Hartford has a Performing Arts Management degree that does not require an audition of any sort. Also, look at the music business program at the College of St. Rose in Albany. I can’t recall if you need to audition for that program if you are not also going to minor in performance.
Loyola New Orleans offers a B.S. in Music Industry Studies that does not require an audition. They also offer a B.M. In Music Industry Studies that is audition based and a student can elect either a jazz or classical track for performance. A third option there is the B.S. in Popular and Commercial Music which requires and audition and portfolio presentation. A student could also do some other major and pursue a Music Industry minor. It looks like there is a choice of a business track with that minor.
Here’s a great article from last year about schools to learn the Music Business
http://www.billboard.com/articles/business/6259155/top-music-business-schools-colleges-programs
My D is a vocalist but also interested in Music Business. She’s applied to Loyola for Pop and Commercial Music and is scheduled to audition but I believe, like @saintfan says, there’s a non audition track.
If you’re in New York, you might want to apply for NYU’s Future Music Mogul High School program which is super competitive but could offer great training. https://tisch.nyu.edu/future-artist/programs/future-music-moguls
The following schools also have non-audition programs:
University of New Haven
Drexel
SUNY Oneonta
Middle Tennessee
NYU
New Jersey City University