Contact:
LACM Admissions
admissions@lacm.edu
(626) 568 8850
Department Head
Erin Workman
erin@lacm.edu
The Master of Arts degree in Music Business is a practice-oriented degree designed to focus on the development of professional competence for students who intend to pursue a career in music as artists and educators.
The degree, including its curricular structure, requirements for admission, continuation and graduation, are guided by the mission statement and purposes objectives of the Los Angeles of Music graduate degree program.
Mission Statement
The Los Angeles College of Music master’s program provides a rich environment where students develop a competitive career path through artistic endeavor, rigorous training, scholarship and unparalleled exposure to the music industry to become influential creative artists, educators, and entrepreneurs.
Purposes/Objectives
Directed by the guiding principle to develop students as successful artistic entrepreneurs, the purposes and objectives, structure and content of the Master of Music and Master of Arts programs focus on in-depth knowledge and competence in a major field of specialization and a breadth of competence through practice and scholarship.
The institution maintains a rigorous admissions policy that aligns with the objectives and goals of the Master of Music programs. The Graduate Studies Committee evaluates applicants for academic accomplishment, musicianship, talent, artistry, and level of commitment.
- All Master of Music and Master of Arts applicants are required to hold a Bachelor of Music (BM) or Bachelor of Arts (BA) in Music from an accredited institution. Bachelor’s degrees in other fields of study are accepted if applicants have the musical training and musicianship necessary to pursue graduate work by successfully passing our entrance exams. Degrees from international institutions are considered with a US equivalency evaluation report from a certified credential evaluator.
- A minimum cumulative grade point average of 3.0 from the applicant’s baccalaureate degree is required for admission.
- Applicants must submit and essay on their goals in pursuing a career in music and what they expect to gain and contribute to the master’s program.
- Applicants must pass an entrance audition and demonstrate advanced proficiency in their major field of specialization.
- Applicants must pass entrance exams that demonstrate competency at the baccalaureate level in Musicianship, Music History, Music Technology and Music Business.
Applicants to the Music Business program are required to submit:
- A 300-500 word essay describing the origins of your interest in the music industry, as well as any background experiences that are relevant to the field. Please include a specific description of your experience in music, either in the creative or business aspects. Include both if relevant.
- A 500-800 word essay responding to one of the following prompts:
- The music industry is constantly changing. Please describe your assessment of the current state of the music industry, the anticipated trends that might set the tone for the next change in the music industry, and any specific challenges you believe will need to be navigated and addressed in the next 3-5 years. Please provide research-based assessments and cite all sources.
- In the role of artist manager, what do you feel are the most essential aspects needed in order to insure success for an independent songwriter and/ or artist in today’s current music industry? Please provide research-based assessments and cite all sources.
- Please submit a video performance that establishes competency on a primary instrument(s). Guitar or piano preferred, but alternate instruments including vocals will be permitted.
Strategy in a Complex Ecosystem (2 credits)
Study of the role and responsibilities of A&R within multiple business models including major label, independent label, publishing, licensing, production companies, and more. This class consists of a weekly two hour lecture.
Revenue Streams and Budgeting Strategy (2 credits)
Students will explore multiple ancillary streams of revenue, study varied models of business strategy, and will gain an understanding of budgeting for small and large scale projects. This class consists of a weekly two-hour lecture.
Advanced Music Business Law & Contract Negotiation (2 credits)
A deeper dive into varied types of contracts, agreements, proposals, etc. that must be understood by the music industry professional. This course will also instruct in a practical manner on the art of negotiation. This class consists of a weekly two-hour lecture.
Live Event & Tour Production (2 credits)
Conceptual study of all business and creative management aspects involved in the production of live events and tours. This class consists of a weekly two-hour lecture
Music Industry Data Strategy (2 credit)
Understanding how to analyze data regarding sales, industry trends, marketing strategies, and more. Students will learn how to craft and implement a broad scope data strategy. This class consists of a weekly two-hour lecture.
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