• Admission
  • Student Life
  • ACADEMICS

    Music Industry

    The USC Thornton Music Industry program prepares students who aspire to shape the future of the music industry, not from the stage, but from behind the scenes. Located in the heart of Los Angeles, the global epicenter of the music and entertainment industries, the music industry program prepares students for dynamic careers across the commercial and creative sectors of today’s music industry. Whether you are interested in artist management, music law, marketing, music supervision, touring, publishing, or entrepreneurship, our program blends rigorous classroom study with real-world experiences and mentorship from leading industry professionals. Our curriculum includes applied courses in music law, branding, live event promotion, festival and venue management, DIY strategies, music and mindfulness, and data-driven decision making, among many others.

    Students are taught and mentored by processionals such as Kevin Lyman, Michael Garcia, Andrew Leff, Andrae Alexander, Bobby Borg, Brian Malouf, Lindsay Wolfington, Sophie Reeves, Cynthia Tucker, Amy Blackman, Jonathan Azu, Loren Medina, Alex Nickson, Michael Kaminsky, Joe Poindexter, Jeff & Todd Brabec, Bobby Borg, Jane Davidson and more.

    Undergraduate Programs

    Bachelor of Science

    Music Industry

    4 years | 128 units

    The BS in music industry is a four-year, 128-unit program, consisting of general education, writing, music industry courses, musicianship courses, and foundational business courses. An internship and capstone project is required for the BS.

    Refer to the USC Catalogue for complete course descriptions and degree requirements.

    Graduate Programs

    Master of Science

    Music Industry

    3 semesters | 35 units

    The three-semester Master of Science in Music Industry program aims to produce the next generation of music industry leaders via a comprehensive yet student-tailored education. Class topics include copyright, concerts, artist management, marketing data and analysis, and a one-semester internship. Additionally, students have four emphasis track options including music performance, supervision, the business of touring/live event promotion, and entrepreneurship.

    Refer to the USC Catalogue for complete course descriptions and degree requirements.

    Minors & Electives

    Minor in Music Industry


    20 units

    The Music Industry minor gives you an opportunity to explore careers in fields such as the record business, music publishing, artist management, radio, concerts, music for film, TV, video games, and the Internet. For performers, it provides the practical knowledge needed to protect your rights, maximize your opportunities, and understand the dollars and cents of the music business.

    Student Ambassadors

    The USC Thornton Student Ambassadors are currently enrolled undergraduate students at the School of Music. They are a great point of contact for prospective and admitted students to learn more about the USC Thornton undergraduate experience. To connect with a current ambassador, chat with one of the students below, or email the Thornton Admission Office at uscmusic@usc.edu.


    Contact

    Michael Garcia, chair

    John Bulda, academic program specialist

    TMC 118
    (213) 740-3224
    contemporary.music@usc.edu