Program Details
This unique business-based program provides plenty of experiential learning opportunities and in-depth knowledge of all areas of the music business, preparing you for a wide variety of music industry careers spanning:
- Major and independent record labels in roles including marketing, publicity, promotion, merchandising and sales, artists and repertoire, and brand partnerships
- Live music including tour management and booking, concert promotion and production, and venue management
- Music publishing and administration including positions in copyright collection societies, industry trade organizations, copyright administration, music licensing, and music supervision
- Artist management (e.g. managing a musician or band, or managing one’s own musical career)
- Digital music management including streaming services, social networks and online music retail
- Event production including planning or managing live music events, conferences, workshops, networking events, and more
- Performing/recording artist, or songwriter
- Music production including live and recording services
You will develop skills in management, marketing, promotion, and small business operations, while learning and practicing the essentials of copyright law and music publishing, event production, live sound reinforcement, and media and business communications. Challenging careers are available for skilled administrators and managers, as well as aspiring musicians and songwriters, who can market and manage entertainment events and revenues; maximize social media; manage tours; work directly with performers as booking agents or managers; prepare promotional materials; plan and organize itineraries; and negotiate, interpret and enforce contracts.
Music Business Practicum
The Music Business Practicum (MBP) course is unique; here, your textbook is life itself and you are the author. You will have a job and it will be your homework.
This course, which you take for four semesters, provides you with hands-on, practical, networking and business experience similar to what you will encounter in the music industry. MBP offers you the chance to learn by doing. In the process you will learn plenty of useful and important things about the industry and yourself.
In MBP first and second-year students work together and with the community to operate our own music industry. There are several enterprises to which you can apply in order to become a valued team member and get a great learning experience. These include record labels, artist management companies, the campus radio station, a recording studio, a music magazine, a merchandising company, an event production company, a publicity and promotion company, photography and video production, and more.
In order to pass each MBP course, you are required to:
- accumulate a minimum of 30 hours of approved, authentic work experience, AND
- successfully complete the required written assignments.
You will continually gain real-world experience for your resumé, which will greatly improve your job prospects. Employers want people with experience and MBP gives you a great opportunity to get exactly that.
Mike Shulga Memorial Award
The Mike Shulga Memorial Award is granted annually to a student in the third year (Semester 5) of the Music Business Management advanced diploma program. Applicants must submit proof of relevant work promoting independent live music. Ideas include performance and venue contracts, artists’ affidavits, evidence of promotion (e.g. social media, posters, ads) venue and promoter contact info, etc. Mike "Star" Shulga was an active force in the Oshawa music scene for more than 40 years. He had a passion for rock n' roll and vinyl, and promoted local artists through his own label and live shows. Community members and friends of Mike are providing this scholarship as a tribute to him, a consummate music fan.
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