Graduate Degree Program
Master of Arts
Interdisciplinary Music Studies Degree
The Master of Arts in Interdisciplinary Studies will 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. In this program, you will have the opportunity to leverage creative, state-of-the-art technology and techniques to empower you in your pursuit of a career in the music industry.
A graduate degree in Interdisciplinary Studies will allow you to create your own program to better align with your interests and career path. Musicians increasingly need knowledge and skills in a number of different areas to succeed and this program provides considerable flexibility in choosing coursework across a number of disciplines.
Your personalized education plan will include core courses in music business, music technology, and genre analysis, as well as additional electives in songwriting and film scoring. You will also complete a culminating experience project that will span two courses, where you will work with a faculty advisor on a project that is rigorous and relevant to your career goals.
By the end of the program, you will be able to:
- Develop a strategy for creating a sustainable music career, pursuing multiple revenue streams within the music industry, creating a livable income
- Leverage best practices within the music business, empowering you to effectively navigate the industry while conducting yourself with professionalism
- Deepen your understanding of your musicality and art through analysis and practice
- Develop a strong personal brand with a clear vision and message
- Hone the music production and recording skills necessary to work in today’s industry
- Use hardware and software instruments to record, edit, mix, and master music
- Apply effective promotion and marketing strategies for the music industry
- Synthesize knowledge and skills in music theory, music production, and music business in a culminating experience
Curriculum
(36 Credits)
-
Business Course (3 credits)
Complete 1 course from the following:
- OMBUS-505Music Business Revenue Streams
- OSONG-505Music Career Strategies: Brand Identity Development for Artists, Songwriters, and Producers
- OMBUS-522The Business of Music Marketing
- OMBUS-537Data Analytics in the Music Business
- OMPRD-690Business of Independent Music Production
-
Music/Genre Analysis Course (3 credits)
Complete 1 course from the following:
- OMPRD-525Critical Analysis of Music Production Techniques
- OCOMP-525Film Score Analysis
- OSONG-555Writing and Analyzing Hit Songs
- OSONG-640Genre Survey for Songwriters: Analysis and Application
-
Music Technology Course (3 credits)
Complete 1 course from the following:
- OCOMP-507Orchestral Mockups in Film Scoring
- OMPRD-525Critical Analysis of Music Production Techniques
- OMPRD-550Advanced Mixing Techniques
- OSONG-570Music Demo Production for Songwriters
-
Culminating Experience Courses
Complete both of the following:
- OIDMS-693Culminating Experience in IDMS 1
- OIDMS-695Culminating Experience in IDMS 2
-
Elective Courses (21 credits)
Complete a total of 7 courses from the following areas. You may choose one or multiple electives from one or multiple areas to meet this requirement.
-
Music Business
- OMBUS-505Music Business Revenue Streams
- OMBUS-522The Business of Music Marketing
- OMBUS-537Data Analytics in the Music Business
- OMBUS-555Music Business Finance for Entrepreneurs
- OMBUS-595Music Business Law
- OMBUS-657Artist Management in the Music Business
- OMBUS-664Music Business Policy
- OMBUS-676Music Marketing: Strategy for Consumer Brands
-
Music Production
- OMPRD-507Architectural, Acoustic, and Audio System Design for the Modern Music Production Studio
- OMPRD-525Critical Analysis of Music Production Techniques
- OMPRD-550Advanced Mixing Techniques
- OMPRD-570Psychoacoustics in Music Production
- OMPRD-599Commercial Vocal Production
- OMPRD-690Business of Independent Music Production
-
Songwriting
- OSONG-505Music Career Strategies: Brand Identity Development for Artists, Songwriters, and Producers
- OSONG-525Songwriting Tools and Techniques
- OSONG-664Songwriting Sync Success: The Art and Craft of Licensing, Film/TV, Advertising, and Production Music
- OSONG-570Music Demo Production for Songwriters
- OSONG-597Songs Unmasked: Techniques and Tips for Songwriting Success
- OSONG-639Topline and Vocal Production
- OSONG-601Collaborative Songwriting
- OSONG-555Writing and Analyzing Hit Songs
- OSONG-676Artistry, Innovation, and a Sustainable Career in the Music Industry
- OSONG-640Genre Survey for Songwriters: Analysis and Application
-
Film Scoring
- OCOMP-507Orchestral Mockups in Film Scoring
- OCOMP-525Film Score Analysis
- OCOMP-588Mixing the Film Score
- OCOMP-590Compositional Voice Development in Film Scoring
- OCOMP-677Synthesis, Sampling, and Sound Design in Film Scoring: Electronic and Textural Resources
How to Apply
1. Fill out the online application (15 minutes).
2. Statement of Purpose: Create a 500-750 word essay, or a 3-5 minute video essay, in which you tell us about yourself and why you would be a great fit for our online Interdisciplinary Music Studies master’s degree program.
3. Compile your résumé or CV.
4. Portfolio: Prepare at least two recent projects that best showcase your experience and abilities, with a particular focus on the areas of music business, production and technology, and/or composition.
5. Attach your official transcripts.
6. Ask for two letters of recommendation.
Read full graduate admissions requirement details here.
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Affordable Tuition
Online graduate degree tuition is $34,304 for 36 credits (includes associated fees). To get started, this degree program includes a non-refundable $75 application fee.