Academics

• Overview
• Career Information
• Paying for College

Program Overview

The Associate in Science in Music Business — Performance and Production blends musical creativity with industry know-how. As the music industry continues to evolve, success requires the business acumen needed to adapt to the demands and shifts of the music industry.
This program develops your skills in performance, production, and composition—while also giving you a foundation in music business, marketing, legal frameworks, and entrepreneurship. You’ll gain experience in sound recording, music theory, and real-world industry business practices.

Estimated tuition cost:
Program credits:
Estimated time to complete:

• Stack Credentials and Earn Additional Degrees

  Earn the College Credit Certificate (CCC) in Audio Technology while completing your degree, gaining an additional credential and pathway to future academic advancement.

• Valuable Work Skills for Today's Workplace

  An industry-based curriculum focused on artist management, music production, music ensemble, and legal frameworks providing a broad yet targeted career-ready training.

• Community and Corporate Partnerships

  MDC partnerships enhances the student experience with real-world internships and networking opportunities, connecting students to the music ecosystem.

Program Details

The A.S. degree is designed for students who are looking for immediate entry into a career upon graduation. Most discipline courses directly relate to the identified career area. The remaining courses are comprised of general education courses.

The A.S. degree is designed for students who are looking for immediate entry into a career upon graduation. All music business majors complete course work in general education, music business, internship, and principles of business and marketing. The Performance and Production concentration adds training in music theory, sound recording, MIDI electronic music, piano , and music ensemble. Students also choose a wide variety of electives in private music lessons, music production, sound engineering, or film arts to match their interests. Those focused on the management side of music may instead pursue the Management and Marketing concentration.

The curriculum includes:

Additional Concentrations

Those drawn to the management and promotion side of the industry can select the Management and Marketing concentration. The A.S. in Music Business is a single degree program, awarded once, with distinct concentrations available for specialization.

Additional concentrations in this degree program:

• Music Business - Management and Marketing

Career Prospects

Music business careers span across record labels, music publishers, distributors, streaming platforms, live event companies, and media outlets such as radio, television, and digital marketing agencies. Career paths include roles such as:

• Artist or Tour Manager
• Sound Engineers and Technicians
• Music Producer
• A&R (Artists and Repertoire) Representative
• Music Licensing or Publishing Specialist
• Concert or Event Promoter
• Music Distribution or Streaming Specialist

Program Location