Music Studies program to introduce Bachelor's Degree in Music History and Business
The UCLA Herb Alpert School of Music has announced the launch of a new Bachelor of Arts in Music History & Industry. This innovative program is designed to provide students with a holistic education, combining rigorous study of music history and cultural contexts with practical skills and knowledge for the contemporary music industry.
A Comprehensive Curriculum
The Music History & Industry major offers an integrated curriculum covering music history, theory, culture, and contemporary industry practices. It places a strong emphasis on the music business, management, technology, and entrepreneurship within the music industry.
Students will engage with industry partnerships and scholarships, such as the Berry Gordy Music Industry Scholarship, established in partnership with Universal Music Group. This scholarship supports promising students financially and connects them with influential music industry networks.
Preparing Students for a Wide Range of Careers
The program prepares students for careers beyond performance and composition, focusing on industry-related topics like marketing, legal issues, and music production. By leveraging UCLA’s location in Los Angeles—a global hub for music—students will have access to a vibrant music scene and professional connections.
Industry-Focused Education
The program's focus is on the broader music industry ecosystem, including record labels, artist management, music marketing, live venues, and music technology. This approach aims to prepare students for creative roles and business/industry roles in music.
Capstone Course and Internships
The program includes a year-long capstone course where seniors can develop projects with an industry focus under faculty guidance. Students are also required to complete at least one internship as part of the major. Los Angeles' prime position as a hub for global media companies, music production houses, and independent record producers/artist managers is utilized for internships in the Music History & Industry major.
A Commitment to Real-World Preparation
The Music History & Industry major is an extension of the Herb Alpert School of Music's commitment to preparing students for the real-world challenges of the music industry, as stated by Eileen Strempel, inaugural dean of the school.
In addition to the Music History & Industry major, the Herb Alpert School of Music offers degree programs in Music Composition, Music Education, Music Performance, Ethnomusicology, Global Jazz Studies, and Musicology.
The Music Industry minor at UCLA is highly competitive, with a capacity of 60 students and many more interested in applying. The courses are designed to prepare students for the real-world challenges of the music industry, as emphasized by Robert Fink, chair of the Music Industry minor program and vice-chair of Musicology.
The addition of the Music History & Industry major to the Herb Alpert School of Music will allow the school to deepen its work with and impact on the global music industry. It will tap the deep wells of musical creativity and innovation on the UCLA campus, furthering the school's impact on the global music industry.
[1]: Source: UCLA Herb Alpert School of Music website [3]: Source: UCLA Newsroom article, "UCLA Herb Alpert School of Music Announces New Bachelor of Arts Degree in Music History & Industry" [4]: Source: Variety article, "UCLA's Herb Alpert School of Music Launches Bachelor of Arts in Music History & Industry"
Students pursuing the Music History & Industry major at the UCLA Herb Alpert School of Music can expect a comprehensive curriculum that combines music history and cultural contexts with practical skills for the contemporary music industry, including a focus on music business, management, technology, and entrepreneurship. This education is not just limited to academics; students will gain real-world experience through internships, engaging with industry partnerships, and scholarships like the Berry Gordy Music Industry Scholarship, connecting them with influential music industry networks. These opportunities make the program a valuable stepping stone towards a wide range of careers in the broader music industry, such as marketing, legal issues, and music production, while also preparing students for creative and business/industry roles.
