Music Business

Study Music Business with Berklee

Discover the opportunities available in music promotion, distribution, concert touring, music publishing, music marketing, and artist management.

Courses

Courses are best for students who are looking to meet a specific need, or simply want to get started with Berklee Online. No application necessary.

  • Next semester starts April 1
  • 12 Weeks
  • 5-10 Hours Per Week
OLMSC-130
Level 1 Level 1
Undergraduate Course
This action-oriented course is designed to help you build your own knowledge of, and confidence in, math in practical ways that relate directly to the world of music.
  • Credit: $1,545
  • Non-Credit: $1,290
OLART-111
Level 1 Level 1
Undergraduate Course
Develop academic writing and expository prose techniques for creating clear and coherent written works necessary for college-level work.
  • Credit: $1,545
  • Non-Credit: $1,290
OLMSC-150
Level 1 Level 1
Undergraduate Course
Learn to read, understand, and modify basic code in a variety of languages, whether in music creation software, web-based applications, or business software, with an organized, logical approach.
  • Credit: $1,545
  • Non-Credit: $1,290
OMBUS-110
Level 1 Level 1
Undergraduate Course
Gain an overview of the music business and how various segments of the industry operate while discovering the career opportunities that are available to you.
  • Credit: $1,545
  • Non-Credit: $1,290
OMBUS-125
Level 1 Level 1
Undergraduate Course
Gain a foundation of the basics behind marketing and selling your music and gain the skill set needed to succeed and thrive in the new music business.
  • Credit: $1,545
  • Non-Credit: $1,290
OLSOC-180
Level 1 Level 1
Undergraduate Course
Successfully complete your music industry-related projects by setting up a process for planning, executing, and monitoring your work to achieve your goals.
  • Credit: $1,545
  • Non-Credit: $1,290
OMBUS-235
Level 2 Level 2
Undergraduate Course
Explore the role and importance of an artist manager, what they do, and how it impacts the career of the artist and their brand.
  • Credit: $1,545
  • Non-Credit: $1,290
OLSOC-200
Level 2 Level 2
Undergraduate Course
Learn effective techniques for choosing the right format, tone, and message for diverse audiences and the most appropriate way to deliver the message.
  • Credit: $1,545
  • Non-Credit: $1,290
OMBUS-274
Level 2 Level 2
Undergraduate Course
Take an in-depth look at the tools and emerging technologies artists can use to generate interest in their music, acquire new fans, and sell their music online.
  • Credit: $1,545
  • Non-Credit: $1,290
OMBUS-240
Level 2 Level 2
Undergraduate Course
Gain a forward-thinking approach to key issues in the music industry and learn and how to create new music business possibilities as well as leverage existing opportunities.
  • Credit: $1,545
  • Non-Credit: $1,290
OMBUS-270
Level 2 Level 2
Undergraduate Course
Create and operate your own publishing company, and learn how to effectively promote and place your songs into income-generating opportunities.
  • Credit: $1,545
  • Non-Credit: $1,290
OMBUS-220
Level 2 Level 2
Undergraduate Course
Learn what it takes to launch and run a successful live music venue, exploring the inner-workings of establishing and running nightly shows at a music club.
  • Credit: $1,545
  • Non-Credit: $1,290
OLSOC-226
Level 2 Level 2
Undergraduate Course
Explore how technological innovation and convergence impact the production and consumption of new media content, and learn how key economic concepts influence and evolve within this economy.
  • Credit: $1,545
  • Non-Credit: $1,290
OMBUS-250
Level 2 Level 2
Undergraduate Course
Learn the skills every musician and music industry professional needs to build a successful touring career from their first gig to their headlining stadium dates.
  • Credit: $1,545
  • Non-Credit: $1,290
OMBUS-385
Level 3 Level 3
Undergraduate Course
Understand how creative works are protected by copyright law, what rights you have as a content owner, and how to leverage your copyrights to generate income.
  • Credit: $1,545
  • Non-Credit: $1,290
OMBUS-391
Level 3 Level 3
Undergraduate Course
Develop the mindset, knowledge, and insights required to pursue an entrepreneurial track and learn to leverage your creativity for business innovation.
  • Credit: $1,545
  • Non-Credit: $1,290
OMBUS-320
Level 3 Level 3
Undergraduate Course
Gain in-depth knowledge on the expertise and strategy required to release, market, publish, tour, and export music in the global music industry.
  • Credit: $1,545
  • Non-Credit: $1,290
OMBUS-381
Level 3 Level 3
Undergraduate Course
Music Business Law for Artists examines the business and legal issues of special concern to songwriters and musicians.
  • Credit: $1,545
  • Non-Credit: $1,290
OMBUS-360
Level 3 Level 3
Undergraduate Course
Gain the leadership tools and the ethical decision-making framework you need to make sound business decisions in real time.
  • Credit: $1,545
  • Non-Credit: $1,290
OLART-400
Level 4 Level 4
Undergraduate Course
Explore the ins and outs of career development and learn from Berklee alumni and employers about what you need to succeed in the music industry today.
  • Credit: $1,545
  • Non-Credit: $1,290
OMBUS-475
Level 4 Level 4
Undergraduate Course
Get a hands-on understanding of music business finance and learn how to apply the critical tools of financial analysis to drive new music businesses.
  • Credit: $1,545
  • Non-Credit: $1,290
OMBUS-496
Level 4 Level 4
Undergraduate Course
Learn how to make money through creative licensing of your music and how to introduce it to music supervisors, ad creatives, video game producers, and more.
  • Credit: $1,545
  • Non-Credit: $1,290
OMBUS-495
Level 4 Level 4
Undergraduate Course
Explore the ins and outs of music supervision so that you can achieve the best possible outcome for yourself or client on either side of a licensing transaction.
  • Credit: $1,545
  • Non-Credit: $1,290
OMBUS-497
Level 4 Level 4
Undergraduate Course
Expand your range of negotiation techniques and licensing practices. Working as a team member on a longform project will build collaborative skills required to succeed in the fast-paced world of music supervision and post production.
  • Credit: $1,545
  • Non-Credit: $1,290
OMBUS-537
Level 5 - Enrollable Level 5 - Enrollable
Graduate Course
Gain a deep understanding of the role of data in the business of music through illustrative case studies and practical application..
  • Credit: $2,817
  • Non-Credit: $2,615
OMBUS-555
Level 5 - Enrollable Level 5 - Enrollable
Graduate Course
Gain an understanding of the finances behind the music industry and surrounding industries by learning the necessary calculations that drive these markets.
  • Credit: $2,817
  • Non-Credit: $2,615
OMBUS-595
Level 5 - Enrollable Level 5 - Enrollable
Graduate Course
Analyze the most important legal issues impacting the contemporary music industry by exploring copyright law, including fair use and public domain.
  • Credit: $2,817
  • Non-Credit: $2,615
OMBUS-505
Level 5 - Enrollable Level 5 - Enrollable
Graduate Course
Analyze how revenue is generated in the music business, examining the history and current status of revenue streams and their impact on the industry.
  • Credit: $2,817
  • Non-Credit: $2,615
OSONG-505
Level 5 - Enrollable Level 5 - Enrollable
Graduate Course
This course explores the intersection of branding and personal and creative identity, giving artists, songwriters, and producers useful career strategies to use when navigating their journey in the music business.
  • Credit: $2,817
  • Non-Credit: $2,615
OMBUS-522
Level 5 - Enrollable Level 5 - Enrollable
Graduate Course
In this course you will gain a professional-level knowledge of cutting edge marketing techniques essential for any music-centric business.
  • Credit: $2,817
  • Non-Credit: $2,615
OMBUS-657
Level 6 - Enrollable Level 6 - Enrollable
Graduate Course
Learn the strategy behind effective artist management, as well as the best approaches for growing and sustaining artists' careers, and much more.
  • Credit: $2,817
  • Non-Credit: $2,615
OMBUS-692
Level 6 - Enrollable Level 6 - Enrollable
Graduate Course
Learn how to become an effective leader in the music industry and how to apply that awareness in multiple environments to give you a competitive advantage.
  • Credit: $2,817
  • Non-Credit: $2,615
OMBUS-664
Level 6 - Enrollable Level 6 - Enrollable
Graduate Course
Expand your knowledge of worldwide laws and regulations, and cultivate your leadership ability to help solve persistent problems in the global music industry.
  • Credit: $2,817
  • Non-Credit: $2,615
OMBUS-676
Level 6 - Enrollable Level 6 - Enrollable
Graduate Course
Learn how to best align brands and musical artists and devise strategies for campaigns that have measurable outcomes.
  • Credit: $2,817
  • Non-Credit: $2,615
OSONG-664
Level 6 - Enrollable Level 6 - Enrollable
Graduate Course
Songwriting Sync Success is a comprehensive look at the many enigmatic ways in which a professional songwriter can make a living beyond just “writing hits.” It draws directly from the author’s personal real-world experience to demystify these intriguing (and often lucrative) arenas of the industry.
  • Credit: $2,817
  • Non-Credit: $2,615

Certificates

Gain the professional credentials and marketable skills you need to succeed in your specific area of the music industry. Certificates range from foundational-skill building to graduate-level. No application necessary.

  • Next semester starts April 1
  • 3-18 Months
  • 5-10 Hours Per Week
Graduate
3 Courses · 9 Credits
Learn how music business law and policy influence revenue streams in the music industry by examining contracts, copyright ownership, and industry case studies.
Graduate
3 Courses · 9 Credits
Become a music business management and marketing expert through hands-on experience, and gain the skills needed to develop an artist and build their fanbase.
Graduate
3 Courses · 9 Credits
Learn how to be an entrepreneur in the music business with an in depth look at finance, money markets, and traditional and non-traditional ways to fund music.
Advanced Professional
8 Courses · 24 Credits
This customizable program allows you to earn an Advanced Professional Certificate in General Music Studies by choosing eight courses from any interest area.
Advanced Professional
9 Courses · 27 Credits
The implications of innovation in the music business extend to management, marketing, licensing, publishing, distribution, touring, finance, and more. In this program you will learn about all of these disciplines to position yourself as a trailblazer in the music business models of the future.
Professional
3 Courses · 9 Credits
In this certificate program you’ll explore the innovations, technologies, and trends shaping the marketing strategies of today’s music business.
Professional
5 Courses · 15 Credits
Learn the ins and outs of music supervision, strengthening your ability to determine whether a given piece of music would fit a mood or scene for film or TV.
Professional
5 Courses · 15 Credits
Gain the skills needed to guide artists through today’s music industry with courses that address major scenarios you will confront as an artist manager.
Professional
5 Courses · 15 Credits
Whether you’re an entrepreneur, a business-minded musician, or anywhere in between, learn how to turn your music industry aspirations into a reality.
Professional
4 Courses · 12 Credits
This customizable program allows you to earn a Professional Certificate in General Music Studies by choosing four courses from any interest area.

Degree Programs

Degree programs are the most affordable and flexible option for earning your music degree from Berklee College of Music. They are the best option for students who want a music education degree and the full Berklee experience.

  • Apply for June 24 semester start.
    • Get a decision within 2 weeks
  • Master's Degree: 1-3 Years
    Bachelor's Degree: 2-4 Years
  • 5-10 Hours Per Week
36 Credits
Learn how to navigate the most pressing issues facing the music business today and create opportunities to be a player in the music industry of tomorrow.
36 Credits
Expand your knowledge and skills in four areas critical to advancing a career in the music industry: music business, music production and technology, songwriting, and film scoring.
120 Credits
Learn about the most pressing issues facing the music industry today and prepare for the opportunities that are available in the modern music business.
120 Credits
“Build your own” music major by selecting coursework from a number of disciplines that align with your personal career goals.
45 of 120 Credits
This major is geared specifically for new and entering students who are not yet ready to declare their major.

New! Masterclasses

With Berklee Online’s new Masterclasses, you’ll have the opportunity to learn from Berklee's acclaimed instructors over the course of one live session for only $99.

Get Access to Free Handbooks

Gain access to real course content from Berklee Online's 12-week, instructor-led online courses. From foundational concepts to advanced techniques, these free handbooks cover a variety of topics, all designed to provide you with marketable skills in music.

What Students Are Saying