Academics

Explore the Programs at Miami Dade College

Student in a music studio working with a production console

Program Overview

The Music Business Creative Performance option provides a structured program for students who have a strong interest in performing, composing or arranging music, and want to develop a diverse set of skills and knowledge related to the music business/entertainment industries. Students choosing this option study business, music business, music theory and music performance. This is the perfect program for students who want to manage their own careers as performers.

MDC's music business programs are designed for students who intend to seek employment in the music business, and are an alternative to traditional music degree programs. The Associate in Science degree in Music Business combines course work that pertains to the music and entertainment industries with related courses and experiences specific to each of our three Music Business options.

Hands-on projects, insight from music business professionals and experiences in state-of-the-art facilities empower graduates to obtain the skills and knowledge demonstrated by music business professionals.

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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.

All music business majors complete course work in general education, music business, small business entrepreneurship, accounting, computer applications and web design. Depending on their selected Music Business option, students may also complete course work in music performance, sound engineering, songwriting, business law, and other courses specific to their interests.

Each of our three Music Business options concludes with an internship experience within an established professional component of the music industry. The internship experience is an important bridge between academic preparation and career development and may include work in music production, music marketing, music merchandising, artist management, live sound reinforcement, and other facets of the industry. 

The curriculum includes:

  • Ensemble Performance
  • Private Instruction
  • Copyright
  • Business Plan
  • Artist Management
  • Music Licensing
  • Music Marketing

Additional Concentrations

Students may select one of three options as a concentration, but there is only one A.S. program and students will be awarded the Music Business degree only once.

Additional concentrations in this degree program:

Career Prospects

Individuals with music business expertise work with record label companies, music publishers, distributors and many others, in career areas such as:

  • Lead Singer
  • Music Artist
  • Artist management
  • Events production and management
  • Music Performers

Program Location