INFORMATION FOR
At the end of the sophomore year or, in the case of a transfer student, when a student completes MUSIC 1400 (Survey of the Music & Entertainment Industry) and one additional three credit Music Management course, a review of the student's academic record will be made by the faculty of the program. A student who has earned a 3.0 GPA in the two Music Management courses and an overall 2.5 GPA will be permitted to continue in the Music Management sequence. If either of those requirements is not met, the faculty may recommend that the student not be admitted to additional Music Management courses or may be permitted to enroll in one additional three-credit Music Management course to determine acceptability. The 2.5 cumulative GPA with a 3.0 GPA in ALL music courses should be maintained throughout the program.
The top trade magazine for the music industry, Billboard, listed William Paterson University as having one of the top Music Business programs in the country. Read all about it HERE, then scroll down this page for program highlights.
The Music & Entertainment Industries program offers a general introduction to the industry, focusing on the multifaceted entertainment industry and offering course work in licensing, touring, intellectual property rights, public relations, media use, law and ethics, and personal management.
The program is designed to allow students the opportunity to develop a high level of musical competence while becoming knowledgeable about the theoretical and practical aspects of the industry.
The music portion of the curriculum maintains the core of content and standards equivalent to the other Bachelor of Music programs in the Music Department. It allows students to choose between the classical or jazz performance tracks and elect advanced music courses to support their musical goals. In addition, the Music & Entertainment Industries courses permit students to extend their knowledge and experience into specific areas needed to become qualified industry personnel. The objectives of the program are to graduate students who:
The core of Music & Entertainment Industries courses has been designed to synthesize the various elements of the course work from general education, communications, management, and music, while providing the essential information particular to the music and entertainment business. Students from any department or school may elect to be involved to the extent of their interests and availability of time. Internships in the center of the industry are required.
The program is appropriately based in the Music Department of the School of Arts and Communication. The department is a member of the National Association of Schools of Music and for many years has enjoyed a reputation for excellence.
Visiting Resident Music Industry Experts
Industry personnel who spend the year teaching across the curriculum
Aaron Van Duyne III (2008-2009)Dave Lory (2009-2010)Joe Riccitelli (2010-2011)Harvey Leeds (2011-2012)Sean Rosenberg (2012-2013)Steve Leeds (2013-2014)Paul Sinclair (2014-15)Warner Music Group (2015-16)Dan Goldberg & Matt Young (2016-17)John Boulos (2017-18)Mark Robinson (2018-19)Kate Hyman (2019-2020)
Click here to view photos of Visiting Resident Music Industry Experts.
Internships
Students of the Music & Entertainment Industries program have interned at major and independent labels, for major and independent publishers, for recording studios, booking agencies, and management companies. Students are encouraged to complete multiple internships in order to gain as much experience and make as many contacts as possible before graduation.
Music & Entertainment Industries Seminar Series
On five Tuesday nights in the spring semester, music and entertainment industry icons come in from behind the scenes to talk about their careers and answer student questions. Guests have included:
Performance Opportunities
Student ensembles in jazz and classical fields.
Student Club
Music & Entertainment Industries Majors and Minors are encouraged to join MEO (Music Entertainment Organization), a university-sanctioned club run by and for students. Elections are held each spring semester for a President, Vice President, Secretary, Social Media Marketing Manager, and Treasurer. The organization plans and produces events that are held both on and off campus, from a Rap Battle to Spring Jam to Open Mic nights. The organization provides students with additional opportunities and experience that looks great on a resume or LinkedIn profile.
Music Biz 101 & More
Music Biz 101 & More is the only radio show/podcast in the United States of America that focuses on the business side of the music & entertainment biz. Hosted by WPU's Dr. Steve Marcone and Professor Dave Philp, Music Biz 101 & More combines industry-insider in-depth interviews with information students & DIY musicians want to know.
Music Biz 101 & More airs each Wednesday night, during the school year, at 8pm on WPSC - Brave New Radio (88.7 FM). Stream it live here: MusicBiz101wp.com Or download the show from your mobile device at Stitcher.com.
CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD a brochure about the Bachelor of Music Degree in Music & Entertainment Industries
Click to view a list of Notable alumni from the Music & Entertainment Industries program.
Click to view a list of the Music & Entertainment Industries program's press features.
Explore the Music & Entertainment Industries YouTube channel
Undergraduate
To become a BM Music & Entertainment Industries major an audition is required. See the Audition Information page.
Yes. The audition requirements for any jazz related program are identical to that for a jazz performance major.
Graduates usually follow one of four career paths: continue as performers and are educated about the business; seek and find employment in the music and entertainment business (see our Notable Alumni); become entrepreneurs in areas involving music, entertainment, communications or technology area(s); attend graduate/law school.
An audition is NOT required to complete a minor in program.
A major will receive private applied lessons and complete a co-requisite of courses from the Cotsakos School of Business. When seeking employment in the business, there are few benefits over the minor.
As a minor, one completes a major from any department on campus. Consequently, if you are a business major or a communication major with a minor in music and entertainment industries, you might be better equipped to seek the career of your choice. One may also minor as a BA Major in Pop Music and Social Media. This also has many benefits.
The program gives one an introduction to the entertainment industry with a deep analysis of the strategies employed in monetizing the three important revenue streams; live, licensing, and recording.
This program concentrates on the entrepreneurial side of personal management and licensing as it pertains to copyright. It also has a strong component in social media.
Graduate
The MBA degree is 48 credits and granted from the Cotsakas School of Business. The MM degree is 36 credits and requires an audition or the completion of an undergraduate degree in music. The core of music and entertainment industries coursework is identical.
Although neither is a requirement for graduation, students are permitted to enroll in those courses. Note that an audition may be required.
