Hello, this is my first post here…
I’m currently looking for colleges with the music business or industry majors that don’t require you to play an instrument. I don’t know how to play or read music, so I don’t want to apply to a university that requires you to play an instrument.
Some of the colleges I have on my list so far are Cal State Chico, Cal Poly Pomona, Ferris State University, ACM @ University of Oklahoma, and Belmont University.
I was wondering if you are required to play an instrument at Belmont and how hard it is to get accepted. I’ve read you do and don’t have to play an instrument and I’m confused if you are required to at Belmont. I’m also not sure if I’ll even be accepted to Belmont because of my average SAT and GPA.
Should I even bother applying?
And do you guys know of any other colleges that have the major I’m looking for that are easier to get into?
Thanks.
Seattle Pacific University offers a music technology degree and you can combine that with a minor in business. Without your stats it is hard to know what kind of chances you have anywhere.
While you are not required to play an instrument at SPU to be in the music school, you are required to be in the choir, at least freshman year if I recall, and very possibly sophomore as well. There may be alternatives to the choir, I am not sure.
That said, if you don’t know how to read or play music at all, you will have a very hard time in the music business without at least a basic understanding. Music technology for example covers things like sound engineering. Musical knowledge is required for that. It doesn’t require that one be able to play or to sing, but that certainly helps.
It’s actually funny because I used to be like you and wanted to do something in the music industry. BUT, that was only because I really liked music and let’s be honest, 99% of teenagers love music. I came to realize that it was more of a silly dream of mine than an actual career choice. In my opinion, trying to find a degree specifically in the music industry is a terrible idea.
First, ask yourself these questions:
- Do you play any instruments? (you already said no)
- Are you a decent singer?
- Do you know anything about musical composition, production, etc.?
- Do you have any knowledge on creating or editing music tracks with software like Fruity Loops or Logic Pro?
- Do you have any experience at all with music or audio? (DJing, working at a record store, AV club, etc.)
- Do you have any general knowledge on the music business and/or business law?
I could ask a million more questions but I think you get the point. If you have no decent background in music and answered no to all of these, then I really don’t think the music business is for you. Besides, getting a job in the music industry is a whole different beast. We’re talking about an industry that is dying off and has a very, very, very limited amount of job openings (virtually none for recent college graduates). Pretty much the only way to get a job is if you are very talented/knowledgeable or you have big time connections (e.g. your father works in the music industry). Plus, there is a lot of stress involved with jobs like these with very little pay. I hate to burst your bubble or kill off your dreams, I’m just trying to give you my experience and perspective of it. Do you have any other interests? Any other careers you were possibly thinking about?
If not, my suggestion would be to major in something business or marketing related and wait until after you are graduated to see if you still want to pursue the music business or if you want to head a different route. Hope this helps!
Syracuse Bandier.
As someone who worked in the record business back when there was one, for a major label, the industry is a fragment of what it used to be. But, IMHO the right degree will have cross-training skills in consumer marketing, etc that will transfer. Undergrad courses in digital rights management, etc. would be useful if you go the law school route ever. Also, Bandier also has a 5-year MBA option.
^^^Seconding the above recommendation – the Bandier program at Syracuse was my first thought.
http://vpa.syr.edu/academics/setnor/undergraduate/bandier-program
Belmont Music Business program does not require an instrument or any musical background. I am a current student at Belmont and as long as you get accepted to the university, you are accepted to study Music Business at the top MB school in the US. The program is unparalleled and presents unbelievable opportunities; intern/job opportunities at iHeart Radio, Sony, CMA, magazines, and other labels and booking agencies. I am very happy at Belmont and the program is truly phenomenal. Music Business is the most popular major at the school.
http://www.northeastern.edu/camd/music/academic-programs/bs-in-music-industry/
Northeastern has a program - You do have to do some kind of musical thing but they teach you theory still so I’m sure you’d be in the same boat as a lot of people.
UDel:
http://www.udel.edu/apply/undergraduate-admissions/major-finder/music-management/
Also, Drexel has a program
http://www.northeastern.edu/camd/music/academic-programs/bs-in-music-industry/
Hofstra:
http://bulletin.hofstra.edu/preview_program.php?catoid=80&poid=10482
Drexel & Northeastern are both schools that emphasis co-ops to help you get your foot in the door. You should check em out!
In addition, Drexel and Hofstra are both somewhat easy to get into.
Schools that I know nothing about but have your degree:
University of the Pacific
http://www.pacific.edu/Academics/Schools-and-Colleges/Conservatory-of-Music/Academics/Degrees-and-Programs/Music-Management/BM-Music-Management.html
Colorado: Denver
http://cam.ucdenver.edu/music-and-entertainment-industry-studies/undergraduate/music-business/
Generally your major will be called “Music Business” or “Music Management” or something along those lines.