B.A. in Music Business
Overview
Tarleton Music Business is designed for students who are passionate about music and business and who want careers that combine the two.
We emphasize a hands-on educational approach that prepares you for entrepreneurial and other careers including music production, contemporary performance, publication, and artist management.
Music Production
Focuses on producing and recording music, doing post-production audio, operating live media and sound reinforcement, and operating audio within a broadcast environment (television, radio, internet).
Contemporary Performance
Focuses on functioning as a contemporary entertainer, working as a studio musician, and maintaining a private teaching studio.
Publication
Focuses on composing and songwriting, scoring for games film, television, and broadcasts, publishing music and music-related products, copyrighting intellectual property, and running a publishing house.
Artist Management
Focuses on managing artists, starting with your own career.
In this degree, you will study the essential aspects of operating musical businesses including marketing, and distribution record keeping, operating legally and ethically (taxes, copyright0, merchandising, preparing and developing new musical products, and creating new media/Internet commerce and platforms.
Why Choose Music Business at Tarleton?
Tarleton offers a unique combination of music with business, quality teaching, affordable tuition, a beautiful facility, a friendly and supportive learning environment. Students will:
- Receive instruction from music industry professionals with over 30 years’ experience.
- Develop a portfolio that highlights your talents and abilities.
- Bring finished projects to the music market through collaborative works with fellow student producers, songwriters, and composers.
- Have the opportunity to perform in a wide range of musical ensembles and settings, including jazz, percussion, and contemporary groups.

Estimated Completion
120 credit hours (4 years)
Application Process
Cost
Locations Available
Department
- Department of Performing Arts
College
Related Degrees
Accreditations
National Association of Schools of Music (NASM)
Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC)
What can you do with a major in Music Business?
In today’s dynamic and ever-changing music industry, students need innovative strategies that will help them take advantage of the wealth of opportunities that exist. Some career choices:
- Music producer and engineer
- Studio owner and operator
- Live music artist
- Studio musician
- Music publisher
- Artist and agency manager
Real-World Learning Opportunities
Tarleton’s Music Business students can intern at professional studios, church, and non-profit organizations, state and local governments, and with professional musicians.
Plan Your Future
Program Objectives
Prepare, encourage, and mentor students for careers in Music Business by ensuring that students receive a broad knowledge base of the industry.
Students in this degree program will:
- Be prepared for graduate school or relevant employment opportunities in the legal field.
- Appreciate the need for legal professionals to practice responsible citizenship and civic engagement.
- Adapt personal and professional decision-making to the legal and ethical principles regulating the legal field.
Coursework Highlights
Class | Number | Class Name |
---|---|---|
LEGL | 3340 | Legal Research & Writing |
LEGL | 4301 | Constitutional Law |
LEGL | 4390 | Legal Studies Capstone |
For more information on courses, please refer to the university catalog.