Descriptor Details

  • Descriptor Title
    Music Careers and Entrepreneurship
  • C-ID Number
    120
  • Units
    3
  • Date of Last Revision
    1/27/2026 03:15:00 PM PST

General Description

A survey of careers in music and closely-related fields, with emphasis on entrepreneurship, individual career options, and planning. Overview of the roles and responsibilities in music performance, education, composition, production, and business. Career research and planning.

Prerequisites

No information provided

Corequisites

No information provided

Advisories

No information provided

Content

  1. Research and awareness of the careers available in music and related industries
  2. Discovering one's own interests, weaknesses, and strengths in area of expertise
  3. Defining and understanding the entrepreneurial mindset
  4. Starting a business
  5. Business productivity software
  6. Marketing onseself
  7. People skills and networking
  8. Personal finance for musicians/artists/entrepreneurs
  9. Funding opportunities in music
  10. Professional presentation

Lab Activities

No information provided

Objectives

Upon successful completion of the course, students should be able to:

  1. Describe the various careers available in the music industry
  2. Define personal strengths and weaknesses from an entrepreneurial viewpoint
  3. Understand the framework of building and sustaining a business in music
  4. Present oneself personally and professionally within the music industry

Evaluation Methods

Methods of Evaluation:  

  • Career research report, presentation, or project
  • Chapter and/or lecture quizzes or exams
  • Report or presentation on a career interview of a music industry professional

Textbooks

Beeching, Angela Miles. Beyond Talent: Creating a Successful Career in Music

Cutler, David. The Savvy Musician: Building a Career, Earning a Living, & Making a Difference

Redman, Michael. The Best Jobs in the Music Industry: Straight Talk from Successful Music Pros

Descriptor Administration

  • Public Review Needed
    No
  • Next Descriptor Review
    No information provided
  • Resubmission Requirements for Courses
    Descriptor changes were administrative only
  • Resubmission Deadline
    Spring 2033
  • Comments

    No information provided

  • Notes

    No information provided

  • Keywords

    No information provided