B.A. in Creative Industries and Entrepreneurship
York College of Pennsylvania offers over 70 baccalaureate majors across professional pr...
B.S. in Music - Studies in Music Industry & Recording Technology
York, Pennsylvania
INTAKE: August
Program Overview
This B.S. in Music with a concentration in Music Industry & Recording Technology offers a unique blend of musicianship, recording technology, and industry promotion. It provides students with fundamental knowledge of music theory and performance, while also deeply immersing them in the operational, marketing, and legal facets of the music business. The program emphasizes hands-on learning, preparing students for diverse roles ranging from music production and audio engineering to talent management and music marketing. It's built for students who are not only passionate about creating music but also interested in the mechanisms that bring music to the world.
Curriculum: The curriculum is designed to provide a broad knowledge of music while stressing the development of musicianship, performance ability, and an intellectual grasp of the art, alongside a specialized focus on the music industry. Core music courses typically include Music Theory, Music History, and performance opportunities. The "Studies in Music Industry & Recording Technology" concentration integrates courses such as Introduction to Music Technology, Music Production, Commercial Songwriting, Music Entertainment and Promotion, and Music Publishing, Licensing, and Copyright. This comprehensive coursework ensures students are well-versed in digital audio workstations (DAWs), recording techniques, industry trends, and the legal framework of the music business. The program often incorporates "Music in Action" experiences, providing real-world context for theoretical learning.
Research Focus: While the B.S. in Music with Studies in Music Industry & Recording Technology is primarily a professional preparation program, it encourages a research-oriented approach within its applied context. Students engage in academic research that analyzes current practices and trends within the music industry. They are also involved in experiential projects that help develop their technical, entrepreneurial, and artistic skills. Faculty, often with significant industry experience, guide students in understanding evolving technologies, market demands, and consumer behavior within the music landscape. The program's access to professional-grade recording facilities, including sound-isolating booths and a comprehensive music history archive, supports students in their investigative and practical work, fostering an analytical and informed approach to music creation and business.
Industry Engagement: Industry engagement is a hallmark of the York College program, providing extensive hands-on experience crucial for success in the music industry. Students have access to professional-grade recording facilities, including studios and a student-led record label, the York Music Group. This hub provides direct experience in music production, recording, and entertainment business. The program emphasizes mentorship from industry professionals and offers practical opportunities such as internships and involvement with student groups like the Music Industry Student Association. These opportunities, including potential engagement with the college's radio station WVYC, allow students to apply their skills in real-world scenarios, build professional portfolios, and establish invaluable networks within the music and entertainment industries.
Global Perspective: York College of Pennsylvania offers various study abroad opportunities that can significantly broaden a Music Industry & Recording Technology major's global perspective. While not always directly focused on music industry practices in other countries, these programs expose students to diverse cultures and international business environments. For instance, opportunities like those offered through the American Business School of Paris, specifically for business and sports management students, can also be beneficial, providing an immersive experience with diverse international networks. Engaging with different cultural contexts enhances a student's cross-cultural communication skills, adaptability, and understanding of the globalized nature of the music industry, preparing them to work with international artists, labels, and markets.
Location
York, Pennsylvania
Score
IELTS 6
Tuition Fee
USD 26920
Undergraduate Entry Requirements
Academic Qualifications: Applicants for undergraduate programs typically require a minimum academic achievement of 65% or above in their previous academic qualifications.
English Language Proficiency:
- IELTS: Overall band score of 6.0 or 6.5 with a minimum of 6.0 in each component.
- TOEFL: Overall score of 79 or higher.
- PTE: Overall score of 58 or higher.
- DET (Duolingo English Test): Minimum score of 110.
York College of Pennsylvania offers a variety of scholarship opportunities specifically aimed at supporting international students in achieving their academic goals while easing financial burdens. These scholarships are designed to recognize academic excellence, leadership potential, and other special talents among international applicants.
Merit-Based Scholarships: International students applying to York College are considered for merit-based scholarships automatically during the admissions process. These scholarships are awarded based on academic achievements, standardized test scores, and overall application strength. High-achieving students can receive significant tuition discounts, which help make studying in the U.S. more affordable.
International Student Scholarships: York College provides dedicated scholarships for international students, which may include renewable awards throughout the duration of their degree program. These scholarships acknowledge the diverse backgrounds and contributions international students bring to the campus community.
Departmental Scholarships: Certain academic departments at York College offer scholarships to students who demonstrate exceptional performance or promise in their chosen field of study. International students are encouraged to explore these opportunities by contacting their academic departments directly.
A Bachelor of Science (B.S.) in Music with Studies in Music Industry & Recording Technology from York College of Pennsylvania provides a versatile skillset, blending musical artistry with the essential technical and business aspects of the modern music industry. Graduates are prepared for a variety of roles across production, business, and live events, leveraging their hands-on experience in recording studios and understanding of industry dynamics.
Audio Engineer / Recording Engineer: This is a core path, involving the technical aspects of capturing, mixing, and mastering sound in recording studios. Graduates operate professional equipment, set up microphones, and use digital audio workstations (DAWs) to produce high-quality audio for music, film, television, and podcasts.
Music Producer: With a blend of creative vision and technical expertise, music producers oversee the entire production process of a musical recording. They guide artists, arrange compositions, manage recording sessions, and ensure the final product meets artistic and commercial standards.
Live Sound Engineer: These professionals are responsible for the audio quality at live events, concerts, and performances. They set up and operate sound systems, mix audio in real-time, and troubleshoot technical issues to ensure clear and balanced sound for both performers and the audience.
Music Marketing and Promotion Specialist: Graduates can work for record labels, artists, or promotional agencies to develop and execute marketing campaigns. This involves social media management, content creation, public relations, and fan engagement strategies to build artist profiles and promote releases.
Artist Manager / Talent Manager: These professionals guide the careers of musicians and artists. They handle business dealings, negotiate contracts, plan tours, manage finances, and help artists develop their brand and career trajectory.
Music Publisher / Licensing Specialist: Graduates can work for music publishing companies, managing copyrights, licensing music for use in films, television, commercials, and video games, and ensuring that songwriters and composers receive royalties for their work.
Sound Designer: Beyond traditional music recording, sound designers create and manipulate audio elements for various media, including film, television, video games, theater, and interactive installations. They use synthesizers, effects, and samples to craft unique soundscapes.
Event Coordinator / Production Assistant (Music Events): These roles involve planning and executing live music events, festivals, or tours. Responsibilities can include venue booking, logistics, artist liaison, stage management, and ensuring all technical and operational aspects run smoothly.
Music Business Entrepreneur: With a solid understanding of the music industry's business models and a drive for innovation, graduates can start their own independent record labels, production companies, artist management firms, or music technology startups.
Radio Broadcast Engineer / Producer: Graduates can work in radio stations, managing the technical equipment for broadcasts, podcasts, and recordings, or producing radio shows, which involves selecting music, creating segments, and managing audio content for air.
