The constantly changing climate of the music business serves as the backdrop for the Music Business Area which offers a Bachelor of Music degree with an emphasis in Music Business.

Undergraduate Music Business majors learn by studying a wide range of topics, including Copyright, Record Contracts, Music Publishing, Artists Management, Record Company Operations, Internet Marketing and Distribution and International Music Business.  The Music Business emphasis is designed to combine real-life work experience with classroom instruction in order to prepare graduates for entry and mid-level careers in the music and entertainment industries, as well for a variety of entrepreneurial opportunities as business owners and independent contractors.  Career opportunities for outstanding Music Business majors include positions at major and independent companies in areas such as commercial and independent music production, booking, artists and business management, marketing, promotion, publicity, music publishing and entertainment law.

Faculty in the Music Business Area are active and well-established as singers, songwriters, producers and/or record company executives.  They have provided a variety of services for performing artists, record labels, film companies and management agencies throughout the country as attorneys, managers, marketing and public relations directors and booking agents.

Our program also has two “sister" exchange programs in Europe: Buckinghamshire University in the United Kingdom and Haarlem University in the Netherlands. These programs help develop our entrepreneurial and global mission as well as expose our students to international music industry practices.

Students are encouraged to become active members of the division's multiple student organizations in order to gain hands-on experience working, interning and volunteering with local and regional entertainment companies:

MEISA (Music and Entertainment Industry Students' Association) – A national organization designed to connect students with industry professionals.

BlueT.O.M. (Tigers of Memphis) Records – Our student-run record label that gives students the opportunity to operate their own record company and release their own music.

Grammy University – Student Chapter of the Recording Academy where students get the same benefits as associated members but at a reduced price.

For more information on Music Business, contact Ms. Tonya Butler at tdbutle@memphis.edu.

Faculty:

Ms. Nancy Apple
Ms. Tonya Butler
Mr. Kurt Clayton