The University of Kentucky’s BA in Music Industry is an interdisciplinary degree designed for students interested in the business, management, production, promotion, policy, and innovation sides of the music industry. Drawing on the combined strengths of the Department of Arts Administration, School of Music, Media Arts & Studies, Arts Emergency Management, and Creative Social Entrepreneurship, this program prepares students for a wide range of careers across the commercial and nonprofit music sectors.
This degree does not require an audition, prior musical training, or performance experience. Instead, students focus on how music is created, distributed, monetized, promoted, managed, and experienced in today’s rapidly changing industry. The curriculum also emphasizes hands-on learning through project-based courses, writing-intensive work, ensemble production experiences, internships, and a culminating professional pathway.
The music industry includes many career paths, including:
- Artist management
- Live music production
- Concert promotion
- Music marketing and publicity
- Music publishing
- Music licensing
- Touring and event coordination
- Venue management
- Merchandising
- Recording industry administration
- Digital distribution
- Creative entrepreneurship
- Music nonprofit management
- Music policy and advocacy
