A student plays the piano during a music business class tour.

Music Business

The music industry as we know it is evolving, and the music business program at the University of St. Thomas combines coursework and professional development in music, business and entrepreneurship to prepare you for future changes in this exciting field.

Why Study Music Business at St. Thomas?

You learn to apply business thinking to the music industry, cultivating practical and innovative business and entrepreneurial skills while fostering your creative musicianship. The university’s location in the Twin Cities places us in a vibrant music scene which gives you the opportunity to build your professional network. Our graduates have gone on to careers with record labels, music publishers, concert venues and festivals and more.

A Creative Approach to Business

  • Course Requirements
  • Auditions
  • Four-Year Plan
  • Degrees Awarded
  • Internship Opportunities
  • Course Requirements

    You blend your music coursework with business classes, focusing on topics like music media, popular music, financial accounting, marketing and entrepreneurship. At the same time, you nurture your performance skills and music theory knowledge in ensembles and advanced music coursework. At the end of your career at St. Thomas, you will have the needed skills for an exceptional and fulfilling career.

    Auditions

    Management and Creative Leadership Track

    There is no audition required for students pursuing the management & creative leadership track in Music Business. If a student would like to be considered for a departmental scholarship, they may submit one of the following:

    • A continuous video containing 10 minutes of music showcasing at least 2 compositions of contrasting styles in any genre, or
    • 3–5 tracks that they produced, recorded, performed, or engineered.

    Sound Arts and Music Production Track

    Students seeking to pursue the sound arts and music production track in music business are required to submit representative samples of 3–5 tracks that they produced, recorded, performed, or engineered. For scholarship consideration, all required or optional audition materials must be submitted by February 1st.

    Four-Year Plan

    We recommend connecting with a member of our faculty to plan your degree early on in your college career at the University of St. Thomas.

    Degrees Awarded

    Bachelor of Arts in Music Business

    Internship Opportunities

    All music business students are required to complete an internship at some point during their time at St. Thomas. Our students have interned with companies like Universal Music Group, Warner Music Group, iHeartMedia, Periscope Management and Paradigm Artists. You will work closely with faculty on finding an internship matching your interests.

    Course Requirements

    Course Requirements

    You blend your music coursework with business classes, focusing on topics like music media, popular music, financial accounting, marketing and entrepreneurship. At the same time, you nurture your performance skills and music theory knowledge in ensembles and advanced music coursework. At the end of your career at St. Thomas, you will have the needed skills for an exceptional and fulfilling career.

    Auditions

    Auditions

    Management and Creative Leadership Track

    There is no audition required for students pursuing the management & creative leadership track in Music Business. If a student would like to be considered for a departmental scholarship, they may submit one of the following:

    • A continuous video containing 10 minutes of music showcasing at least 2 compositions of contrasting styles in any genre, or
    • 3–5 tracks that they produced, recorded, performed, or engineered.

    Sound Arts and Music Production Track

    Students seeking to pursue the sound arts and music production track in music business are required to submit representative samples of 3–5 tracks that they produced, recorded, performed, or engineered. For scholarship consideration, all required or optional audition materials must be submitted by February 1st.

    Four-Year Plan

    Four-Year Plan

    We recommend connecting with a member of our faculty to plan your degree early on in your college career at the University of St. Thomas.

    Degrees Awarded

    Degrees Awarded

    Bachelor of Arts in Music Business

    Internship Opportunities

    Internship Opportunities

    All music business students are required to complete an internship at some point during their time at St. Thomas. Our students have interned with companies like Universal Music Group, Warner Music Group, iHeartMedia, Periscope Management and Paradigm Artists. You will work closely with faculty on finding an internship matching your interests.

    Music student giving presentation.

    Career Paths

    We will provide you with the academic knowledge and practical skills to be successful in a variety of careers after graduation.

    • Artist manager
    • Tour management
    • Marketing and social media
    • Music producer or publisher
    • Artist and repertoire director
    • Venue or event management

    Scholarships

    We offer renewable competitive and performance-based scholarships for four years of study at St. Thomas.

    Music Major Scholarship

    The Music Major Scholarships range from $1,500 to $10,000 per year. Admitted students planning to major in music, music performance, music business or music education are encouraged to apply. Supporting materials are due by February 1, and selected applicants receive an audition invitation for the scholarship invitational in the spring.

    Loftus Family Alternative Music Creativity Award

    This award is available to any current St. Thomas student demonstrating great potential in their ability to instigate and sustain artistic creativity through music performance, composition or production. Music faculty can nominate any candidate.

    Mary O. Petra Memorial Endowed Scholarship in Music

    This scholarship is available to any current St. Thomas student pursuing a major or minor in music. You must have a minimum 3.0 GPA and demonstrate financial need. Music faculty can nominate candidates, and students participating in ensembles receive preference.

    Be Ready for What Comes Next

    With a degree in music business from the University of St. Thomas, you set yourself up for long-term success by gaining deep knowledge of the inner workings of the music industry.

    Portfolios

    You build a professional portfolio and network by working closely with the music industry inside and outside of the classroom.

    100%

    One-hundred percent of our students complete internships in the music industry.

    Vast Network

    You have access to a network of students and alumni working with record labels, management companies and more.

    Music student video

    Prepared for the Future

    The practical experiences and knowledge you gain in the music business program sets you up for a successful career in the music industry. No matter what you end up doing after graduation, you will be a flexible and confident professional that is ready for anything.

    Take the Next Step​

    best-value-logo-2022-transparent.pngThere is more to learn about St. Thomas; including our ranking as a Best Value School by U.S. News & World Report, the many classroom and extracurricular activities that will be part of your student experience and so much more. Schedule a visit to see our beautiful campus or start your application today.