Follow Us

Instagram Logo TikTok Logo YouTube Logo X Logo

BM Music & Entertainment Industries

Students who wish to pursue a BM degree in Music & Entertainment Industries must choose either the Jazz or Classical track.

Apply Now

For curriculum information please click on the degree programs listed below:

At the end of the sophomore year or, in the case of a transfer student, when a student completes MUSIC 1400 (Survey of the Music & Entertainment Industry) and one additional three credit Music Management course, a review of the student's academic record will be made by the faculty of the program. A student who has earned a 3.0 GPA in the two Music Management courses and an overall 2.5 GPA will be permitted to continue in the Music Management sequence. If either of those requirements is not met, the faculty may recommend that the student not be admitted to additional Music Management courses or may be permitted to enroll in one additional three-credit Music Management course to determine acceptability. The 2.5 cumulative GPA with a 3.0 GPA in ALL music courses should be maintained throughout the program.

Billboard Best Music Biz Programs 2020

Billboard Magazine Ranks WP Music Business Program Among The Nation's Best

The top trade magazine for the music industry, Billboard, listed William Paterson University as having one of the top Music Business programs in the country. Read all about it HERE, then scroll down this page for program highlights.

Music Biz 101 logo

The Music & Entertainment Industries program offers a general introduction to the industry, focusing on the multifaceted entertainment industry and offering course work in licensing, touring, intellectual property rights, public relations, media use, law and ethics, and personal management.

The program is designed to allow students the opportunity to develop a high level of musical competence while becoming knowledgeable about the theoretical and practical aspects of the industry.

The music portion of the curriculum maintains the core of content and standards equivalent to the other Bachelor of Music programs in the Music Department. It allows students to choose between the classical or jazz performance tracks and elect advanced music courses to support their musical goals. In addition, the Music & Entertainment Industries courses permit students to extend their knowledge and experience into specific areas needed to become qualified industry personnel. The objectives of the program are to graduate students who:

  1. Have developed a high level of musical competence.
  2. Are knowledgeable about and are able to intelligently discuss the theoretical and practical aspects of the business, creative and legal components of the music industry.
  3. Possess the ability to analyze, coordinate, and direct the varied activities of a musical career.
  4. Have specialized according to their interests and talents.

 

The core of Music & Entertainment Industries courses has been designed to synthesize the various elements of the course work from general education, communications, management, and music, while providing the essential information particular to the music and entertainment business. Students from any department or school may elect to be involved to the extent of their interests and availability of time. Internships in the center of the industry are required.

The program is appropriately based in the Music Department of the School of Arts and Communication. The department is a member of the National Association of Schools of Music and for many years has enjoyed a reputation for excellence.

Aquarian Magazine Article
Our program was featured in The Aquarian Weekly.
Program Highlights
  • Seven Semesters of private applied music lessons
  • Seventeen credit music business core of courses
  • Cotsakos College of Business Co-Requisites (minor) that when completed results in a waiving of 18 credits of most MBA programs
  • Faculty who work in the center of the industry
  • Visiting Resident Music & Entertainment Industry Expert
  • Yearly guest lecturers by industry leaders
  • Three required internships
  • Campus located 20 miles from NYC

Visiting Resident Music Industry Experts

Industry personnel who spend the year teaching across the curriculum

Aaron Van Duyne III (2008-2009)
Dave Lory (2009-2010)
Joe Riccitelli (2010-2011)
Harvey Leeds (2011-2012)
Sean Rosenberg (2012-2013)
Steve Leeds (2013-2014)
Paul Sinclair (2014-15)
Warner Music Group (2015-16)
Dan Goldberg & Matt Young (2016-17)
John Boulos (2017-18)
Mark Robinson (2018-19)
Kate Hyman (2019-2020)

Click here to view photos of Visiting Resident Music Industry Experts.

Internships

Students of the Music & Entertainment Industries program have interned at major and independent labels, for major and independent publishers, for recording studios, booking agencies, and management companies. Students are encouraged to complete multiple internships in order to gain as much experience and make as many contacts as possible before graduation.

Music & Entertainment Industries Seminar Series

On five Tuesday nights in the spring semester, music and entertainment industry icons come in from behind the scenes to talk about their careers and answer student questions. Guests have included:

  • Julie Greenwald, President/COO of Atlantic Records
  • Lee Anne Callahan-Longo, GM of Beyonce's Parkwood Entertainment
  • Donna Eichmeyer - Live Nation VP of Marketing
  • Kenny Laguna - Producer, Songwriter, Joan Jett manager
  • Tommy Page - '90s Pop star and current VP Brand Partnerships at Cumulus Media

Performance Opportunities

Student ensembles in jazz and classical fields.

Student Club

Music & Entertainment Industries Majors and Minors are encouraged to join MEO (Music Entertainment Organization), a university-sanctioned club run by and for students. Elections are held each spring semester for a President, Vice President, Secretary, Social Media Marketing Manager, and Treasurer. The organization plans and produces events that are held both on and off campus, from a Rap Battle to Spring Jam to Open Mic nights. The organization provides students with additional opportunities and experience that looks great on a resume or LinkedIn profile.

Music Biz 101 & More

MusicBiz101 logo
Music Biz 101 & More is the only radio show/podcast in the United States of America that focuses on the business side of the music & entertainment biz. Hosted by WPU's Dr. Steve Marcone and Professor Dave Philp, Music Biz 101 & More combines industry-insider in-depth interviews with information students & DIY musicians want to know.

Music Biz 101 & More airs each Wednesday night, during the school year, at 8pm on WPSC - Brave New Radio (88.7 FM). Stream it live here: MusicBiz101wp.com Or download the show from your mobile device at Stitcher.com.

Career Path Dave Philp 3-11-14

Hanging Out With David + Dave: Live With Dr. Stephen Marcone Of William Paterson University

Click to view a list of Notable alumni from the Music & Entertainment Industries program.

Click to view a list of the Music & Entertainment Industries program's press features.

Explore the Music & Entertainment Industries YouTube channel

Frequently Asked Questions

Undergraduate

To become a BM Music & Entertainment Industries major an audition is required. See the Audition Information page.

Yes. The audition requirements for any jazz related program are identical to that for a jazz performance major.

Graduates usually follow one of four career paths: continue as performers and are educated about the business; seek and find employment in the music and entertainment business (see our Notable Alumni); become entrepreneurs in areas involving music, entertainment, communications or technology area(s); attend graduate/law school.

An audition is NOT required to complete a minor in program.

A major will receive private applied lessons and complete a co-requisite of courses from the Cotsakos School of Business. When seeking employment in the business, there are few benefits over the minor.

As a minor, one completes a major from any department on campus. Consequently, if you are a business major or a communication major with a minor in music and entertainment industries, you might be better equipped to seek the career of your choice. One may also minor as a BA Major in Pop Music and Social Media. This also has many benefits.

The program gives one an introduction to the entertainment industry with a deep analysis of the strategies employed in monetizing the three important revenue streams; live, licensing, and recording.

This program concentrates on the entrepreneurial side of personal management and licensing as it pertains to copyright. It also has a strong component in social media.

Graduate

The MBA degree is 48 credits and granted from the Cotsakas School of Business. The MM degree is 36 credits and requires an audition or the completion of an undergraduate degree in music. The core of music and entertainment industries coursework is identical.

Although neither is a requirement for graduation, students are permitted to enroll in those courses. Note that an audition may be required.