Mục Lục

Music Business Major (BA/BS)

At first, “Music Business” seems like a contradiction of terms. But, the truth is, the success of any professional musical venture involves business.

Today, you can be in charge of your career development, which is exciting. There will be other people to help you, but it’s still your career. And as the director of your career, it is important for you to know a lot about, not only music, but also business – things like marketing, accounting, music law, and music entrepreneurship.

Careers in music have always been entrepreneurial ventures. And today, there is more opportunity than ever for you to be what you want to be and do what you want to do. We are living in a time when you can design a career that is just right for you, and you can wake up every day and do what you most love. You won’t need a “magic wand” or a “lucky break.” But, you will need to prepare, so that you are ready when opportunities come your way.

**Check individual degree requirements for specific total credit hours.

Additional Details

Meet the Program Director

Dr. Fansler is uniquely qualified to direct our Music Business degrees. In addition to holding academic degrees in vocal performance and musicology, Dr. Fansler was trained by experts in the field of business and entrepreneurship. He took what he learned and used it to build a career for himself as a musical artist. He traveled throughout the United States and other countries, earning a full time living for years – as a “music entrepreneur.”

“My desire is to help you reach your dreams in life, by offering you the best educational preparation for your career. When you succeed, we succeed.”

– Dr. Terry Fansler, Program Director
214-333-5316 | [email protected]

Terry Fansler, Program Director

Questions to Ask When Considering a Career in Music Business

When picking a degree or a career path in the music industry, often many questions come to mind as one decides which career path is best for them.

Getting Started

1. How can I get started in Music Business?

A rewarding career in Music Business begins with the right education and training. Whether your dream is to perform live onstage, write the music you love, or record and produce the music of others, success in the music business is the result of how much you know about what you want to do, and how good you become doing it. Look for a Music Business degree that offers what you want to know and can help you become very, very good at what you want to do.

A Successful Career?

2. How can I build a successful career in Music Business today?

The best way to build a successful career today as a musical artist, songwriter, recording engineer, or independent producer is to:

Learn all you can about what you want to do
Practice your musical skills until you are very good at what you want to do
Think like a “music entrepreneur.”

Combining these three things will enable you to creatively develop a career that serves your clients and customers and, at the same time, leads you to your dreams. So, look for a Music Business degree that features these three elements.

The Ideal Employee Every Company Wants

3. What kind of employees are Music Business companies hiring?

Because of the continuing changes in the Music Business, today’s companies operate with fewer people. This makes it difficult for many looking for a traditional “job” to find employment. However, these smaller companies are all entrepreneurial ventures. With the knowledge and skill in music entrepreneurship, you will learn in this program, you will have a lot to offer those Music Business companies that are looking for the right person if you desire to work for them.

Becoming a Music Business Expert

4. How can I become really good at what I do?

In today’s Music Business, it’s all about three things:

How Much You Know
How Good You are at What You Do
How You Think

1. “How Much You Know” is all about education. You must find a Music Business degree program that offers you a liberal arts background, knowledge about music, knowledge about general business, and the latest information about the Music Business

2. “How Good You are at What You Do” is all about skill development in whatever part of the music field you choose: musical artist, songwriter, recording engineer, or independent producer. The key to becoming excellent at what you want to do is to practice. Find a Music Business degree that understands the importance of skill development based on practice and offers you an “advanced” study or emphasis in your area of interest.

3. “How You Think” is all about how your approach your music career. Today, we live in an entrepreneurial world, which requires musical artists, songwriters, recording engineers, and independent producers to be able to develop and guide their own careers. To do so, they must “think” like entrepreneurs, which means it is essential that you learn to think like a “music entrepreneur.”

Music Business in DFW

5. Why should I study Music Business in the Dallas/Fort Worth metroplex?

The Dallas/Fort Worth metroplex commands national attention in the entertainment business. In addition to both television production and state-of-the-art recording studios, numerous other music businesses, including independent booking agents, concert producers, production companies, music publishers, music licensing companies, record labels, and all types and sizes of concert venues are located in the DFW area.

Music Industry Opportunities

6. What music industry opportunities are there?

Our degrees in Music Business offer you the opportunity to work in the industry because of DBU’s proximity to the DFW music industry. During your senior year, as a Music Business major, you may apply for an internship with a local business that matches your area of interest.

Grammy University Network

7. What is the advantage of the Grammy University Network?

Students pursuing degrees in Music Business at DBU have the opportunity to participate in GRAMMY® UNIVERSITY NETWORK, a unique organization created by the Recording Academy, the producers of the Grammy Awards. The program is designed specifically for college students pursuing a career in Music Business.

The advantage of GrammyU is that it helps us prepare you for your career by providing “out of the classroom” experiences such as networking with industry professionals (including major celebrities), educational programs presented by industry experts, and performance opportunities.

Integrated Faith and Learning

8. Can Dallas Baptist University get me to where I want to go?

We believe we can! The DBU advantage is more than an education. We

Provide a well-rounded and Christ-centered liberal arts education.
Employ committed Christian faculty who give you a spiritual foundation to navigate the Music Business industry with integrity and perseverance.
Prepare students to be servant leaders in their calling and makes real success possible in any field.

View Music Business Degree Requirements >>

Continuing Your Music Business Education

9. Will I need a Master’s Degree?

It depends on what you want to do and how much you want to learn.

Accelerated Degree Option

For undergraduate students studying music business, an accelerated degree is an excellent option for highly motivated students who desire an accelerated 5-year program for earning their Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees. DBU’s Music Business and MBA programs can be combined in an expedited manner where both degrees can be earned by only adding one additional year of study for most students. The accelerated bachelor’s/master’s degree program at DBU offers you a competitive advantage while saving you both time and money.

View Accelerated Degree Requirements >>

Master’s Degree Option

If you are looking for a competitive edge that makes you stand out, consider earning a Master of Business Administration to complement your undergraduate Music Business degree.