Program

Associate of Applied Business in Music Management with a Specialization in Production

When most people think of the music industry, they think of either performing as an artist or working for a record label. Most careers in the music industry, however, likely involve people you have never heard of performing music management jobs you never knew existed. This music management degree program is designed to prepare students for careers in music production and music management while also revealing many other entryways into the music industry.

For the first two quarters, all music management degree students complete a series of core classes that develop the foundational skills needed for virtually any career in commercial music. These core classes include music production, music theory, publishing, record label operations and new media. In the third quarter of study, students select one of two areas of specialization – production or music management. Some students even elect to pursue both certificates. Students then dive in deeper into their chosen path.

Production

Students in this track intensify their experience by learning in a studio environment how to record, mix and produce music from a variety of genres. Hocking College is one of the premier music schools in Ohio, in this regard, with labs located at Washington Hall, including two state-of-the-art ProTools recording studios and several recording spaces. Additionally, Washington Hall's large Apple Macintosh computer lab is further equipped with recording interfaces at each station and cutting-edge software for recording and sequencing.

Music Management

Students interested in the business of music and entertainment may elect for lab and coursework in this track. Students learn how to manage artists and artists' careers, book and promote concerts, market and merchandise music, operate a record label, understand entertainment law and copyright issues, and engage in entrepreneurship.  This track prepares students for a wide variety of music management jobs.

Lessons

Music management degree students are required to take at least two quarters of private music instruction. Lessons available include: Guitar, Piano, Voice, Bass Guitar, Brass, Keyboard and Drum Set. Lesson times are arranged with the individual instructor. Additionally, students can also participate in Vocal Ensemble, Percussion Ensemble or the Mixed Ensemble.

Internships and Capstone

All students enrolled in the music management degree program further their studies by completing an internship in the music industry and a Capstone project with their peers during their final quarter. Faculty are available to help locate and solidify internships, proofread resumes and council students where look for positions. Capstone is a series of cumulative projects synthesizing knowledge acquired at Hocking College. Additionally, Management and Production students are brought together to collaborate on projects, such as recording and releasing a digital EP for a featured artist.

Educational Travel Opportunities

Annual trips to large conventions and festivals provide excellent networking and learning opportunities. Past trips have included the South By Southwest Music Festival in Austin, Texas and Potluck Conference in New Orleans, Louisiana (formerly Tape –Op Conference) and a tour of recording studios in Columbus, Ohio. Other trips include the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in Cleveland, OH and the AES Student Summit in St. Louis, MO.

If you already have an intensive musical background you are encouraged to share your experiences with the School of Arts & Sciences. You may receive advanced credit for some courses, based upon experience equated to the college level coursework.

Few music schools in Ohio offer as many opportunities as the music management degree program at Hocking College. Students get a unique, in-depth experience with this program, preparing them for any and all music management jobs that are out there – and if they’re not, this degree program teaches students the skills to make them exist.

Ready to get started?  Apply here for the Music Management program.

Program Outcomes

The following outcomes are skills, behaviors, and attitudes cultivated in students seeking the Associate of Applied Business in Music Management with specialization in production:

• Manages people, projects and self;
• Establishes, builds and maintains business and interpersonal relationships;
• Utilizes human relation skills to balance strengths of artists and demands of the industry;
• Embraces technology and adapts to changes;
• Promotes skills and strengths of the musician;
• Engages in entrepreneurship to plan, execute, promote and improvise careers;
• Develops, maintains, and balances artistic, technical and business management skills;
• Uses professional knowledge and instincts to recognize quality and to engage in risk;
• Exercises judgment and makes ethical decisions as they relate to the music industry;
• Respects physical, mental and emotional health of self and others.

The Hocking College School of Music is a good fit for you if...

• You are a self starter.
• You are a disciplined and critical thinker.
• You are entrepreneurial.
• You love to give criticism and invite others to critique your work.
• You are inquisitive.
• You want to peel the layers back of the music industry to find your niche.
• You are passionate about music.

Curriculum

• 2011 Transition
• 2012 Curriculum

Career Opportunities

Graduates are employed as studio engineers, music producers, artist managers, record label personnel, concert promoters, tour crew, music publishers, booking agents and musicians. Beginning salaries range from $18,000 - $30,000.

Occupation Profile

Hocking College Career Services