Music Business Program

Boston
Ages 15-20
The Music Business Program is a five-day, interactive experience designed to teach aspiring artists, managers, influencers, and entrepreneurs how to launch a successful career in the music business. Learn about the ins and outs of every major sector of the music industry—artist development, management, recorded music, publishing, live music, and marketing—as well as the new technologies that are revolutionizing how music is recorded, distributed, marketed, and monetized. Explore the various elements of producing and releasing music, and get a behind-the-scenes look into the career pathways emerging artists take to become established professionals.   Sessions are taught by world-class faculty and industry professionals, providing students with cutting-edge information to stay ahead of the curve, with numerous opportunities for collaboration and creative expression. 
Dates
June 12-June 16
Check-in Time
June 12, 7 - 9 am
Move-out
Coming Soon
Tuition
$1,295
Housing
$895
Registration fee
$50 (nonrefundable)
Register Request Info
 

How to Enroll

  1. Submit your registration.* Begin by submitting your registration online. If applicable, you may need to submit additional supporting materials.
  2. Make your tuition payment by May 1.* All programs have limited capacity, so be sure to complete your full tuition payment to reserve your space in the program.
  3. Request housing. If you will be age 15 or older by the start of your program and require on-campus accommodations, complete the Residence Hall Contract in the Next Steps tab of your registration portal .

*Please note: This program has limited capacity. Submission of registration materials alone does not guarantee participation in the program. You will secure your spot by paying in full. When the program capacity has been reached, registrants who have not paid in full will be placed on a waitlist.

Curriculum

Using case studies, you will follow a DIY musician's career journey from emerging artist to established professional.

By the end of this program, you will be able to:

  • describe foundational music industry terminology, as well as key industry players and their roles;
  • discuss current events and trends in the music industry and their impact;
  • name and describe the primary sources of income available to developing artists, as well as identify potential new sources;
  • identify potential business models, emerging technologies, and new sources of revenue;
  • analyze a case study on the career of a DIY musician;
  • use innovation methodologies to identify solutions to problems faced by DIY musicians; and
  • plan and execute a music marketing campaign for an EP/single release or live concert.
Schedule

During the program, you will attend subject-matter seminars and participate in hands-on workshops that will allow you to practice the concepts learned in class. You will attend panel discussions and interviews with industry experts from all over the world and from various areas within the music business. In addition, you will have numerous opportunities to ask questions and network with other students. There will be a variety of field trips and evening activities designed to enhance the student experience and allow for maximum collaboration.

Requirements

We are looking for ambitious young artists, managers, influencers, and entrepreneurs ages 15 to 20 from all parts of the globe who are ready to learn how to make a living in the music business. If you love being creative, are naturally curious and a great listener, work well with diverse groups of people (or want to learn how to do that), and can’t wait to learn how to take your career—or the careers of others—to the next level, then this is the program for you.

You must be fluent in English but do not have to be a performer or an artist. In addition to Berklee faculty, you'll work closely with creators, entrepreneurs, and other leading experts and educators in the music industry.

Program Directors

  • Tonya Butler
    Assistant Chair, Music Busness/Management

    Tonya Butler is assistant chair of the Music Business/Management Department at Berklee College of Music.

  • Professional headshot of Christopher Wares
    Christopher Wares
    Assistant Chair

    "I have a strong passion for music, business, and education, and I am constantly seeking new and innovative ways to bring them together."

Once You've Enrolled

Once you're enrolled visit our Next Steps for Enrolled Students to make sure you have everything you need for your program.

Check Your Email for Important Information

  • You should continue to check the email that you used to enroll in the program for important information.
  • You will receive a detailed check-in email with information regarding your assigned arrival location, housing assignment, and a link to view your program schedule one to two weeks prior to the start date of your program.
  • When you arrive on campus, you will receive additional program information to guide you through your program.

What to Pack 

  • A laptop
  • A notebook and pencil
  • A smartphone or video camera
  • If you are staying on campus, you can reference this packing list with any additional items you’ll need while attending your program.

 

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