USC Music Industry Masters Program

Colleges and Universities A-Z University of Southern California
1

Hi everyone, I’m a current US undergrad senior. I want to follow a career in the music industry (e.g manager). Thus, unless I go to Law School to become an entertainment attorney, which, especially in LA, is extremely competitive, I am very interested in entering USC’s Music Industry GRADUATE program within the next 2yrs. Can anyone tell me how competitive it is? I play bass guitar and am learning acoustic. I’m trying to produce music using those two instruments and downloaded drum tracks. Throughout High School, I was in the school’s Jazz band playing lead Tenor Sax; while I was a member, we won several awards in city-wide competitions. Also, throughout middle school I completed 6 levels of ABRSM (Associated Board of the Royal Schools of Music) exams for Tenor Sax. How much would this help, if at all?

2

In reality, it will likely come down more to how you did while at USC. If you graduate with a 3.0 cumulative gpa or better and have a solid application packet, you should fare well. Good luck…

3

Thanks! I just have two questions in response.

  1. My GPA is currently 3 but could easily go down seeing as I have two quarters left. It would be higher had I not spent my freshman year as a physics major (which lowered my GPA significantly before I switched majors). Should I bring that up in one of the video responses, seeing as it played a significant role in preventing me from having a much higher GPA?
  1. What about GRE score? Unlike the other masters programs at thornton, the Music Industry program doesn't require one. However, the GRE scores of applicants across the other Music MS programs aren't particularly high. Seeing as the GRE isn't required but helps strengthen the app for Music Industry , would getting a good GRE score compensate?

Also, are you a student or staff member?

4

I am a parent of two USC students (one alumnus and one current). The current is a music industry minor, SCA major. I am just providing my speculation. A strong GRE score is bound to assist your efforts. You could of course bring up any special circumstances and focus on higher trends lately if you think that it shows growth and development. Overall, I suspect that this specific M.A. program is less competitive than many of the others at USC and far less competitive than applying initially as a high school senior. You are simply dealing with a much smaller applicant pool.