Music Industry
FRANCIS MARION UNIVERSITY offers the Bachelor of Science degree in Music Industry.
THE MUSIC INDUSTRY PROGRAM provides training for students seeking an alternative to traditional performance and/or education paths in music. After taking foundation courses in applied music (vocal or instrumental), music theory, history, business and technology, students tailor their courses for their goals by concentrating in one of three specialty areas:
1] Performance track
2] Business track (marketing, promotion, venue management, etc.)
3] Technology track (recording, production, sound reinforcement, etc.)
PROGRAM GOALS are to prepare students for career opportunities within the music business arena. Career opportunities within the music business arena might include: music publicity, marketing, and artist management; music publishing, merchandising, and physical or online retail/distribution; recording and media development; entertainment law; venue management. The program also allows the student to expanding their personal tools to succeed in a career as a performer, composer, and/or educator.
Click here or on the button below to view the updated Music Industry Program Handbook.
The Music Industry Curriculum
A well-rounded education that prepares students to succeed in the modern world is at the heart of the traditional liberal arts education. Graduation requirements for this degree are 51 semester hours of General Education requirements, 53 semester hours of music industry courses, and 18 semester hours of an approved minor. A minor in Business is recommended by the Department of Fine Arts.
This is a rigorous program with high expectation for participating students; the emphasis is on “music.” In addition to courses such as music technology, music commerce, recording and sound reinforcement, students are required to complete four semesters of traditional music theory and select a performance specialty (instrument or voice). Applied lessons in the performance specialty stress a conventional approach to performance focusing on scales, etudes, and classic literature.
Preparation for the Music Industry Program
It is expected that students entering this degree program will have prerequisite vocal and/or instrumental skills. The student must be as capable vocally or on a major instrument as a student auditioning to be a music performance major.
While the ability to read music and formal training in music are not required to enter the program, students who have participated in a structured high school music program or have several years of study with a private teacher are in a much better position to succeed than students who have had no prior formal training. Basic music reading skills (pitch recognition in treble and bass clef and understanding of reading rhythms in quarter, eighth, and sixteenth notes) and basic music theory knowledge (key signatures, major scales, chord structure) are of enormous benefit to students starting the program.
The curriculum is not for persons specifically seeking an audio engineering degree, or seeking a music business designation of any kind. The Bachelor of Science degree in Music Industry develops a well-rounded understanding of the music and music industry arts.
The Music Minor
The purpose of the music minor is twofold. It will provide a viable minor for undergraduate students seeking to reach an early conservatory level of proficiency; and provide the first two years of instruction in music for students not able to enroll in a music major during their first two years of college. USC-C has agreed to accept any student completing this program into their music major program after a successful audition. A student in our program would be two music courses behind in the USC-C music program after completing two years here, but two courses ahead in General Education courses.
(Note: This is not a Music Industry Minor.)
Music Program Facilities
Francis Marion offers a variety of music facilities for students, including practice rooms, a music technology lab, a number of performance venues, and a state-of-the-art recording studio. Learn more about the Music Program Facilities here.
Beyond the Classroom
Our faculty network with other music professionals internationally, so students have the opportunity to experience the industry from all sides.
Students may intern in positions like arts administration and management, recording studios, performance venues, artist touring staff and merchandising.
Professional musicians are brought to campus to perform. Visiting artists often offer masterclasses or discuss the industry with interested students.
Students perform and take part in developing the staging, light and sound design of performances.
Contact Information
To arrange a visit to campus and the Department of Fine Arts, call admissions at 843-661-1231. For more specific information about studies in Music Industry at Francis Marion University, call (843) 661-1385, or contact:
Dr. Terry Roberts
Coordinator of Music Program
Director of Instrumental Activities
TRoberts@fmarion.edu
Dr. Brandon Goff
Technology and Production
BGoff@fmarion.edu
Dr. Paolo Gualdi
Piano and Music Theory
PGualdi@fmarion.edu
Dr. Mary Frances Coleman
Director of Voice and Choral Activities
MColeman@fmarion.edu
Dr. Brian E. Jones
Percussion and Composition
Brian.Jones@FMarion.edu