Music Business, BBA

Why Major in Music Business?

A musician performs on stage with a guitar, accompanied by a band, with colorful lights and a cityscape backdrop. — Curb College Showcase Concert Series is entirely student produced.

Belmont's pioneering Music Business program prepares future industry leaders for careers in the fast-changing music and entertainment world. Located in Nashville, Tennessee with study away programs across the country and around the globe, we put you close to all the opportunities you need to succeed!

According to Billboard Magazine, our program is a “feeder of industry leaders.” With a degree from Belmont, you’ll join many talented music business executives, artists, writers, managers, producers, touring leaders and musicians who graduated from Belmont and went on to shape the industry.

We are proud to be the only music business degree program in the world with AACSB International accreditation. It makes sense... Our state-of-the-art technology, faculty expertise, internship opportunities and one-of-o-kind professional experiences are second to none. This is why Billboard regularly ranks Belmont’s music business degree among the “Top Music Business Schools” in the world. With 50+ years of experience, our reputation speaks for itself.

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Music City, USA and Beyond

Being one block from Nashville’s famous Music Row gives you easy access to today’s industry leaders through our alumni and strong connections. This city—and beyond—becomes your classroom. With a focus on hands-on learning, you’ll have a front-row seat to the music business, taking full advantage of Belmont’s long-standing relationships both inside and outside Nashville. The University’s Belmont USA program also lets you grow your cultural and career experiences in places like New York City, Los Angeles, Washington DC and across the globe.

We’ve built partnerships with some of the most important people and companies in the industry, like ASCAP, Big Machine, BMI, Brad Paisley & Kimberly Williams-Paisley, Creative Artists Agency, Morris Higham Management, the Music Business Association, the Music Licensing Collective, Ryman Hospitality Properties, Sony Music Publishing, TriStar Sports and Entertainment, Universal Music Group, Warner Music Group, Wide Eyed Entertainment, William Morris/Endeavor, and many more.

Events & Speakers

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At Belmont, you’ll build a community that forms the foundation of your professional network. From helping backstage with acclaimed Service Corps student org on events like the Grammy Awards, CMA Fest and Sundance Film Festival to Belmont's own Showcase Series where students plan and run arena concerts, you’ll develop the real-world skills employers crave. Innovative programs like Belmont East in New York City and Belmont at Bonnaroo give you even more chances to grow within a strong, supportive community—both in and out of the classroom.

What You'll Learn

As a music business major, you'll learn important both vital business basics and the ins and outs of the entertainment industry. You’ll dive deep into with classes like survey of music business, copyright law, live events, music publishing, and how record labels work. You can also pick from other interesting courses like music marketing, venue management, music streaming, social and emotional wellbeing, Jay-Z and the business of hip hop, music supervision, the artist’s team, touring, public relations, working in a booking agency and much more!

Depending on your career interests, you can choose from several emphases:

Business
Legal Studies (including 3+3 JD)
Live Event Management

International Music Business
Music Production

Program Details

Curriculum

The music business major is equivalent to a double major in business administration and music business, so you won't need to complete a minor area of study. A major in music business leads to the Bachelor of Business Administration (B.B.A.) and requires a total of 128 credit hours of coursework:

BELL core requirements: 50 hours (minimum)
Business courses: 33 hours
B.B.A. core technical requirement: 3 hours
Major area: 17 hours
Emphasis area: 15-21 hours
General electives: 10-11 hours (minimum)

See All Program Requirements

Courses You'll Take

MBU 1110. Survey of Music Business
This course is a general overview and a study of the major functional areas of the music business. Attention is given to the theoretical foundations and practical application of current business practices in the music industry including supporting organizations and the revenue flow from music consumer to creator.
MBU 1130. Music Business & Entertainment in Nashville
This class provides an overview of the careers in the music business as seen through the cultural lens of Nashville. Students will learn best practices, social norms, and expectations that are unique to the Nashville music industry that will assist the student in assimilating into the Nashville creative culture. Additionally, students will learn of the past and present music business culture in Nashville.
MBU 2000. Career & Professional Development
This course guides students through the career planning process, equipping them to discover professional purpose and achieve career goals. Students will gain an understanding of career exploration opportunities, employment search strategies, and overall career development concepts. Practical skill sets will be developed in preparing professional documents, networking, interviewing, professionalism, and maximizing the internship experience.
MBU 2120 Digital Music Marketing
A study of best practice strategies for digital marketing in the music industry.
MBU 2130. History of the Recording Business
A study of the history of the recorded music business from 1877 to the present with emphasis on the development of independent and major recording labels, popular recordings, social, cultural, economic and political influences, and the stylistic differences of notable historic time periods.
MBU 2131 Venue Management I
A study of venue and event management that provides a practical and theoretical understanding of public assembly venues and how they operate. Whether part of a sport administration, event management, hospitality or other related discipline, this class will address the functions common to all venues, as well as how different disciplines apply to venue management.
MBU 2360 Building an Authentic Career in the Music & Entertainment Industry
This course explores career decision-making in the context of the music industry. The course focuses on research-based concepts of calling, career decision-making, and authenticity and customizes these concepts for the music industry. In addition to theoretical coverage of these topics, this course takes a practical approach to requiring application of these concepts to the development of career strategies.
MBU 2520. Copyright Law
This course provides an in-depth study of copyright law in the entertainment industry including its origins, rationale, protections, and limitations.
MBU 2555. Understanding the Live Economy
This course explores the commercial aspects of the live music industry, including market analysis, financial management, business impact studies, and strategic planning. It is supplemented with industry case studies, financial data reports, and insights from industry experts, offering students a comprehensive insight into the business and dynamic income sources within the live music sector.
MBU 2610. Radio Promotions
A study of the major areas of radio promotion as it relates to the music industry. Students receive an in-depth look at the label’s use of charting, demographics, release plans, sales and the role of research in the life of a radio single.
MBU 2620. Influencing Culture as a Christian in the Entertainment Industry
This course examines the role and influence of Christianity within the entertainment industries with an emphasis on how the Christian faith and Christian ethics influences business practices, marketing and the development of entertainment products and the creative arts, and the role that Christians play as creatives and in professional entertainment workplaces. Emphasis will be placed on raising awareness of strategies for maintaining one’s Christian identity and influencing culture when working in the entertainment industry.
MBU 2630. Jay-Z: The Business of Hip-Hop
Within a framework of music business concepts as they relate to popular culture and entertainment industry success, this course focuses on the business context of Jay-Z’s rise to fame and his status as a hip-hop music icon. The central objective of this course is to unravel some of the dimensions of Jay-Z’s exemplary career in the music industry. The course will be broken into four parts. It will explore the 1) foundations of Hip-Hop and Jay-Z as a 2) Recording Artist, 3) Music Business Executive and 4) Mogul/Cultural Icon.
MBU 3000. Music Business Internship
This formal career education experience enables students to intern at entertainment business organizations for a selected period of time. Grade is pass/fail. (May be repeated up to a maximum of 6 credit hours.)
MBU 3210. DIY Creative
Examining Creative Innovation, DIY Creative helps engage highly personalized self-development, evaluating key professional topics such as: artistic and creative techniques; vocal and instrumental frameworks for health and efficiency; self-publishing; strategic planning for brand development in the music industry, and more. DIY engages reflective discussions, interdisciplinary pedagogical approaches, and foundational content pertinent to any creative.
MBU 3220. Music Streaming
A study of the best practices to promote music on streaming services. We will study programming and marketing techniques and procedures for each major DSP as well as revenue structures for each and how they affect the music industry as a whole.
MBU 3310. Inside a Booking Agency
This course provides an in-depth look into the role of a music agent. Topics covered include how your favorite acts end up touring together, how acts go from playing clubs to headlining major festivals, and how tickets are priced, as well as the process of routing a tour.
MBU 3330. International Music Business
Students in this course will study how music is consumed across the globe. Topics covered include overall music consumption trends per global region, specific consumer trends in the top 25 global markets, discussions with industry executives around the world about how to create impactful marketing plans for foreign and domestic artists, and listening sessions of top regional global artists.
MBU 3450. Music Publishing
This course is a study of music publishing income streams, contracts and licensing, foreign publishing, catalog development and setting up a publishing company.
MBU 3460. The Business of Touring & Merchandising
A study of the business of touring. This course provides an in-depth study of the elements of touring, including topics in merchandise, production, VIP/sponsorships, tour management, and how the touring business has evolved into the leading revenue source for artists today.
MBU 3530. Law and Justice in the Movie & Music Industries
This course provides a study of the role of the music and movie industries in reflecting or shaping U.S. law, policy, and impacting social and organizational justice with a focus on racial justice. The course examines movies and music in which the law, justice, and social movements or issues are featured prominently. The class also examines the legal system, rights within entertainment law, and impediments to justice, including systemic racism, bias, and discrimination.
MBU 3550. Music Industry Contract Law
This course examines the background and principles of contract law as applied to the negotiation, creation, interpretation, and enforcement of binding agreements in the music and entertainment industry.
MBU 3620. Marketing of Recorded Music
A study of the theories and techniques used in the marketing of recorded music by major and independent labels and artists to consumers. Topics include market structure and analysis, distribution methods, promotional strategies, charts, airplay, pricing, research and legal issues specific to entertainment marketing.
MBU 3640. Beyond the Stage
The American as well as the International recording industries are involved in a range of issues outside of the day-to day activities of the music business,from fundraising for organizations to speaking on behalf of organizations on a wide range of issues. Historically, individuals and groups in the music industry have played an important role in Civil Rights,ecology, diversity, social justice, inequality and other topical issues. “Beyond the Stage” addresses the role(s) of individuals, groups and organizations addressing contemporary topics.
MBU 3720. Public Relations in the Music Industry
An applied based overview of the functions and tools of public relations (PR) techniques used to affect public perception and image of an artist within the music industry. Topics include the analysis of media strategy and crisis control, the development of press releases, print and electronic press kits, promotional events and artist-oriented news for media distribution.
MBU 3740. Music Supervision In Film and Television
This course presents the role of the Music Supervisor through an analysis of scripts and the exploration of the musical, financial, legal, and production aspects of placing music in film, television, and other entertainment media.
MBU 3750. Business of Songs
An introduction to the creative aspects of commercial songwriting as they relate to the product development and supply chain of the principal product of the music business - the song. The elements of commercial songwriting will be introduced through analysis of selected hit songs. Students will analyze, evaluate and critique published and unpublished songs for commercial viability. Students will be introduced to the key players in the creative process and their functions, as well as the supply chain from songwriter to consumer.
MBU 3760. A & R Administration
This course presents the artist and repertoire (A & R) operations of recording companies including how contractual obligations impact activities and profitability and how music products are delivered and archived for future re-purposing.
MBU 4015. Senior Capstone
This course is a culminating experience in the major, which also addresses the goals for the Senior Capstone as defined in the course description for GND 4015. These goals include reflection on the students’ whole educational experiences and on their transition from the university setting to post-graduation. 
MBU 4200. Record Label Operations
Practicum-based course applying the operational principles of major and independent record labels, including self-releases by independent artists.
MBU 4210. Venue Management II
A study of who, what, why, when and where of opening and running a successful live music venue, including examining the inner-workings of establishing and running nightly shows from a venue owner perspective. This course will emphasize the entrepreneurial aspects of the development and operations of a live music business.
MBU 4630. Legal Issues in the Entertainment Industry
This course presents an overview of current and emerging legal trends that have significant implications in the entertainment industries.
MBU 4800. Entrepreneurship in the Music Industry
Entertainment entrepreneurship is based on the process of identifying opportunities in the entertainment marketplace, exploring potential resources to pursue those opportunities and committing to action the resources necessary to exploit the opportunities for long-term gain.
MBU 4820. Artist Management
An analysis of the various aspects of artist management including talent agencies, personal management, performance and recording contracts, tours and artist promotion.
MBU 4830. Concert Promotion and Booking
A study of the role of the concert promoter and the organization of concert promoting, including contracts, riders, venues, audience projections/demographics and finance (budgets, corporate sponsorships, gate receipts, etc.).

3+3 for Music Business into Belmont Law

This 3+3 Program (B.B.A. to J.D.) connects the music business to the legal profession giving students to opportunity to earn a B.B.A and Juris Doctor degree in six years to, among other things, save tuition costs. Through this unique arrangement with the Belmont College of Law, this 3+3 program allows students to begin their first year of law school during their fourth year of undergraduate study (by completing their B.B.A. in Music Business, Legal Studies Emphasis).

This program is designed to allow qualified students, if accepted through application to Belmont’s College of Law, who complete the undergraduate requirements in Music Business/Legal Studies Emphasis B.B.A (including the BELL Core [general education]), the ability to matriculate to Belmont College of Law. Upon successful completion of the first year of law school (with at least 29 earned LAW hours), the student will earn their undergraduate degree (B.B.A), and, upon completion of the College of Law’s degree requirements in the College of Law, will earn the Juris Doctor (J.D.) degree.

Beyond the classroom, you’ll have a wealth of opportunities to explore the business of music, make connections, and discover your purpose.

Gain insights from industry leaders like record-breaking songwriter Ashley Gorley, NY TImes best-selling author Alice Randall, Warner Chappell President/CEO Ben Vaughn, artists like Kelsea Ballerini, Brad Paisley, Amy Grant, Tiera Kennedy and so many more, whether in our classrooms as guest speakers, at our seminar series or with them as interns.
Study away and abroad through our programs in NYC, LA, Atlanta and across the world in England, Ireland, South Korea, Australia and more. Programs range from a few weeks away to a semester.
Intern with one of our industry partners in Nashville, Los Angeles, New York or beyond.
Connect with classmates and gain hands-on industry experience by joining one of more than 20 clubs and organizations devoted to the music and entertainment industry – such as Service Corps, CMA EDU, GRAMMY U, and Women in Entertainment.
Receive hands-on experience working at events like the Grammy Awards, Sundance Film Festival, CMA Awards and many more.

aacsb logo Belmont University’s B.B.A. programs are accredited by the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB), the premier agency for bachelor’s, master’s and doctoral degree programs in business administration and accounting.

Fewer than 5% of business schools worldwide achieve AACSB accreditation, and Belmont is the only private college or university in Tennessee that is accredited by AACSB International for BBA, MBA and accounting programs. Belmont’s program is the only AACSB-accredited music business in the world.

Outcomes & Alumni Success

Ashley Gorley talking with other industry execs at an event — Award-winning songwriter and alumni Ashley Gorley speaking at a Curb College seminar

Belmont has a large group of successful alumni, including artists and songwriters like Ashley Gorley, Tyler Hubbard, Gordon Kennedy, Hillary Lindsey, Brad Paisley, Tricia Yearwood, and Hailey Whitters. Industry leaders like Rusty Gaston (Sony Music Publishing Nashville President), Clint Higham (Morris Higham), Dann Huff (producer/guitarist for Kane Brown and Keith Urban), Cindy Mabe (Chair and CEO of Universal Music Group Nashville), Ben Vaughn (Warner Chappell Nashville President/CEO) and Carla Wallace (co-founder of Big Yellow Dog Music) are also part of our alumni. You’ll learn from these professionals through internships, seminars, and classroom guest speakers!

We're committed to your success

Curb College's Professional Development team helps students and graduates grow their skills and networks, preparing them to enter the entertainment industry. To support this, our team offers one-on-one meetings, weekly workshops led by industry experts, off-campus networking events, and hundreds of internships each semester. We serve as ambassadors and connectors for Curb College students and graduates through active involvement in the entertainment world.

It's no wonder that 98% percent of Curb College graduates are employed, pursuing continuing education, or enlisted in the military within 6 months of graduation and 89% of employed graduates are in positions that align with their short or long term career goals.

Learn more about Career & Professional Development

Rusty Gaston

Class of 1998

CEO, Sony Music Publishing Nashville

“It never ceases to amaze me that there's not a day goes by that I don't work with someone directly that either I attended Belmont with or I know they attended Belmont.”

Ashley Gorley

Class of 1999

Songwriter, Founder & CEO of Tape Room Music

“Belmont was so cool because in a class I would maybe manage an artist in a Showcase or I would write a song for somebody that was playing. And then I would find out somebody played fiddle and bring them into the studio and find an engineer... You kind of have to figure out how to how to relate to everybody, how to go talk and beg, trade favors back and forth, and all that kind of stuff which is kind of the way it is in the real world.”

Blair Miller

Class of 2018

Founder & CEO, Chaos Creators Entertainment

"When I came to Belmont, I did not see myself working in the social media marketing side of the music industry. I was actually interested in becoming an entertainment attorney, but through all the classes at Belmont, I was able to study law. I was able to study marketing, and PR, and I realized that I really love the creative side of the industry. And that is where I am now."

Hailey Whitters

Class of 2011

Songwriter, Country Recording Artist

“To be right off the heart of Music Row in the thick of it in Nashville studying music business, It gave me so much confidence, I think, in getting out there and getting out into the industry and trying to make my way.”

Career Possibilities

Whether you love music from the creator’s perspective or love the business of music, the opportunities you have by holding a Bachelor of Business Administration are never-ending. Here are just a few of the careers you’ll be equipped to pursue:

Artist manager
Production
Publicist
Concert promoter
Entertainment attorney
Music publisher
Record Label management
Music marketing
Booking agent
Business manager

Learn from the Best

Our accomplished faculty represent the best of the best. They are experts in what they teach as each of them has worked in the music and entertainment field – as record label executives, publishing company leaders, artists and performers, entertainment lawyers, to concert promoters, marketing/social media experts, venue owners and so much more. They share their expertise through their gift of storytelling!