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What should someone going into the music industry major in and take for extracuriculars?

Hi, so I plan on going into the music industry but I also want to go to college. Is there a major that would be best? Also are there any other music-related extracurriculars I could participate in? #music #college-major #majors #entertainment #music-indudstry #musician #performance

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Tina’s Answer

Hello Jake - It is great to hear you're considering a college degree as well as going into the music industry. I would recommend looking at a major in music business or business or communications. These are broad majors but they can be applied in a lot of career paths. As you consider your future in the music industry a few steps I'd suggest are listed below. College and universities have student activities offices/departments that plan all kinds of events related to music and entertainment. I would recommend you get involved in these organizations when you get into your degree. The music/entertainment industry is about networking and connections so the more people that know you and your talent the better chance you have at being successful. Also, a broad degree in business or communications/marketing can get you an internship or contact that may lead to the next step. Don't give up on your dreams! You may hit roadblocks and setbacks but just keep going! Good luck pursuing your dreams!

Tina recommends the following next steps:

Research music majors and careers online (ie. https://www.usnews.com/best-colleges/music-major-5009)
Schedule 2-3 campus "tours: virtual or in person" to meet faculty and staff to find out what college and major is the best fit for you.
In considering the college also look at extracurricular activities on campus such as: student activities, student union staff, event staffing to get involved outside the classroom.
Talk to local music venue owners and managers to see if you could volunteer to help with events to gain experience and a network.
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Fiona’s Answer

Hey Jake! it is so awesome that you want to go into the music industry. There are so many options when it comes to majoring in music. You could major in music by itself and become a trained musician, but if you are more interested in the business side of things there are plenty of options there as well. For example at Belmont University in Nashville, you can major in Music Business, Music Technology, Entertainment Industry Studies, Songwriting, Audio Engineering, Music Therapy, and the list really does go on. At Belmont (particularly in the School of Music) as a music major you are able to also pick an "emphasis" where you get space in your major to try out different sides of working in the music industry! While these things are not necessary to be in the music industry, it definitely helps to be in an environment where the people around you are trying to get into the same industry.

Good Luck!

Fiona recommends the following next steps:

Research schools that have credible music programs.
See which courses they offer and if they fit your interest.
Trust your gut! If music is something you want to do, there are so many opportunities to follow that in your college career!
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Ereka’s Answer

Hello Jake,
I found this article for you via Billboard, Top Music Business Schools
https://www.billboard.com/articles/business/9365285/billboard-top-music-business-schools-2020-list
In addition, I search for Music Business Certifications via Google, and they offer some great suggestions!

Ereka recommends the following next steps:

Review the list.
Narrow down to your top 3.
Review each program to make your final decision.
Good Luck!
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Joe’s Answer

Hi Jake, I consider myself a "Musician who does engineering to pay the bills". That is to say I love doing music but have not found it to be financially advantageous. Instead, I focused on my other abilities to do something meaningful but left me plenty of margin to do music on the side. Something I found amazing was that in my industry (telecommunications engineering) that there are a LOT of musicians. The music angle of our natural abilities and experiences really bolsters our analytical thinking and creativity.

So my advice would be to look at your other natural abilities, like are you good at math, computers, science? If so engineering combines a lot of these, and the vastness of variety in engineering means you have many many options. Are you really good at writing and talking? Then perhaps take some psychology, philosophy and communication courses.

Joe recommends the following next steps:

Take some of those courses that match your other skills, even if just on the side through an online low-cost or free resource.
If you know somebody in an industry you might be interested in see if you can ask to follow them around a few times. That will spur some ideas on what you might really enjoy.
Imagine the ways you want to use your music major 10 years out. Is it feasible this will fund your lifestyle? If so, great! Then study whatever triggers your curiosity. Take a drawing course or a science laboratory course.
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