ACADEMICS
Music Industry
The USC Thornton Music Industry program prepares students to succeed in a rapidly evolving industry that is largely rooted in the Los Angeles area. The program combines classroom study with technical instruction and hands-on experience for those seeking a career in the music business.
Facets of the program include artist management, the recording industry, music publishing, music supervision, artist branding and marketing, music law, live concert promotion, festival management, DIY touring, ethics in the music industry, venue management, music and mindfulness, and data analysis decision making for artists. Students are mentored by professionals such as Kevin Lyman, Michael Garcia, Andrew Leff, Andrae Alexander, Lindsay Wolfington, Sophie Reeves, Jonathan Azu, Loren Medina, Alex Nickson, Michael Kaminsky, Jeff & Todd Brabec, Bobby Borg and others.
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 here.
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 here.
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.
Music Industry Faculty
Andrae Alexander
Music IndustryJonathan Azu
Music IndustryBobby Borg
Music IndustryJeffrey Brabec
Music IndustryTodd Brabec
Music IndustryJane Davidson
Music IndustryMichael Garcia
Music IndustryJeremy Gruber
Music IndustryMichael Kaminsky
Music IndustryAndrew Leff
Music IndustryKevin Lyman
Music IndustryLoren Medina
Music IndustryAlex Nickson
Music IndustryJoe Poindexter
Music IndustrySophie Reeves
Music IndustryCynthia Tucker
Music IndustryRichard Wolf
Music IndustryLindsay Wolfington
Music Industry
Spotlights
see allContact
Michael Garcia, chair
John Bulda, academic program specialist
TMC 118
(213) 740-3224
contemporary.music@usc.edu