Student with green headphones on sitting at electronic piano smiling and looking at another classmate.

Music Industry Major (BS)

The best of current business and industry practices, cutting-edge music recording and production techniques, and artistic and musical excellence in a Christian environment.

In the Music Industry major at Houghton University, you will master the latest industry business practices with proficiency in recording and production techniques, while still maintaining a classical foundation in musicianship and theory. Our hands-on approach, coupled with extensive classroom training, internships and professional mentorships, will prepare you to meet the challenges within the music industry, worship arts and entertainment job markets.

Music is not a business. It is an art form in which business is an essential component. Because of this, every musical talent needs a support system behind the scenes. From musical performances and concerts that require the aid of a promotional team, agents, and stage crews to streaming an album of your favorite artist that represents the work of studio engineers, producers, technicians, marketing, legal teams, and distributors, musical business is a vast field of unlimited opportunities.

ClassesCareersMeet the Faculty

ProTools Certification

ProTools is the industry standard in the video game, recording and film industry worldwide. You can graduate with ProTools certification, and will gain hands-on experience with professional software and hardware—including our industry-standard AVID Venue board. Certification provides a huge benefit to students by giving future employers assurance of their proficiency in ProTools. Houghton University is a certified AVID Training Center. AVID (maker of ProTools) recognizes Houghton as a partner in the film and recording industry, so you graduate with hands-on experience with what the professionals use.

The Center for the Arts

The School of Music is housed in the light-filled Center for the Arts, a 44,000-square-foot facility built with the 21st-century music student in mind. From traditional practice rooms constructed with appropriate sound design criteria and soundproofing to the professional-level digital recording studio, including our industry-standard AVID Venue board, and Korg keyboard lab, our graduates are uniquely prepared to thrive in a variety of musical settings and capacities. This is also home to a 225-seat recital hall, a large instrumental rehearsal hall, The Ortlip Art Gallery and a music library with four listening rooms and a separate choral library.

What will I learn?

Through Houghton’s Music Industry major, you will:

  • Participate in hands-on training beginning the first day of classes with commercial-grade programs used by professionals.
  • Explore behind the scenes of the entertainment industry, observing the importance of business, marketing, and artist management.
  • Challenge your abilities to innovate in the production field so your work stands above the rest.
  • Enhance your résumé with Pro Tools certification.
  • Experience a professionally motivated environment that implements all key elements to unlocking a successful career in Music Industry.

124 Credits

83-95

Required Courses

29-41

Elective Courses and General Education

Degree Requirements
student recording piano keyboard in computer lab

Spend a Semester in Nashville

This partnership with CMC Nashville allows Music Industry students in good academic standing to do the following:

  • Study at CMC Nashville during their final semester (Spring, Senior year)
  • Transfer all Houghton Financial Aid to CMC for that semester (i.e. students don’t pay any more than they would at Houghton)
  • Study for a whole semester with leading artists and recording engineers from Nashville
  • Complete the semester with a full concert tour featuring CMC lighting & sound technicians, musicians, singers & managers

Requirements:

  • Be accepted into the CMC Nashville Track for Music Industry
  • Be in good academic standing by the end of the Junior year
Explore CMC Nashville

Learn from the Experts

In the faculty of the Greatbatch School, Houghton has assembled a distinguished group of Christian composers, conductors, performers, teachers and academicians. They have trained at the world's foremost universities and conservatories. Among them are several Fulbright Scholars, acclaimed recording artists and fine performers in all areas. Combining a wealth of professional experience with a love of teaching and a commitment to higher education from a Christian perspective, our faculty provide exceptional opportunities for individual mentoring and professional training.

Experience in the Industry

Work with our director of sound and recording to meet the many production needs on campus including lectures, music performances, chapel, and many other public events, such as touring concerts from some of the biggest names in Christian music.

A Reputable Name in Music and Training

The Greatbatch School of Music at Houghton University has been one of the first accredited members of NASM (National Association of Schools of Music), the principal U.S. accreditor for music in higher education, and is a certified AVID Training Center.

Program Outcomes

Students earning a B.S. degree in Music Industry from Houghton University are prepared for careers in many areas of music-related business ventures, including but not limited to:

Broadcast and Sound Engineering Technician
Christian Worship Music Producer
Announcer
Producer

Employment Expected to Grow 21%

for Broadcast and Sound Engineering Technicians
U.S. Bureau of Labor StatisticsSource

What Graduates Say:

What Employers Say:

Application Requirements

1

Start Your Application

Complete the application here
Apply Now
2

Documents and Supporting Materials

You’ll be asked to provide your official high school transcript and your test scores (can be waived)
Testing Policy
3

Personal Statement

The personal statement portion of our application for admission is perhaps the best place to truly tell your story, to tell who you are and what is important to you.
Personal Statement

Have Questions?

Discover if earning your degree in Music Industry from Houghton University is right for you.

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Contact Us

Call 1-800-777-2556 or email admission@houghton.edu to connect with an admission representative.

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