The National Association of Schools of Music has granted the USC School of Music approval for these new degree programs:
Bachelor of Music in Performance with a Concentration in either Technology, Chamber Music or Entrepreneurship – Designed to prepare students for rich and complex 21st-century careers, this degree emphasizes a variety of artistic, practical and entrepreneurial skills. With a strong emphasis on experiential learning, degree seekers explore a variety of traditional and non-traditional performance contexts, while considering business/financial models, branding, marketing, innovation, technological integration, audience development and community impact.
Master of Music in Performance with a concentration in Community Engagement – This degree helps to prepare graduates to be excellent performers who may function as artist/teachers and presenters in a variety of organizational or institutional settings such as schools, arts organizations or service-oriented institutions. Performance and practicum experiences take place on and off campus, providing students with opportunities to cultivate partnerships in the Columbia community.
In addition, there will be two new Bachelor of Arts Concentrations/Minors:
Minor in Music Industry Studies – The minor in Music Industry Studies is designed to prepare music and non-music students for executive and administrative careers in the music industry. Students are immersed in an interdisciplinary curriculum that provides a foundational understanding of business and the music industry. Students have opportunities to put their classroom education into practice through internships and student-produced events. Skills acquired in this program may lead students to a variety of careers in the music industry including Arts Administrator, Record Producer, Personal Manager, Concert Promoter, Booking Agent, Concert Hall Manager and others. Students may also choose to pursue graduate study in music, business management and entertainment.
Minor in Audio Recording – The minor in Audio Recording is designed to provide music students with applicable knowledge and skills in audio recording and music production. Within the context of a liberal arts degree in music, students develop competencies in aural and music analysis, the use of audio hardware and software, microphone theory and technique, and the application of sound in media. Students also learn how to apply their knowledge of acoustics in the recording studio, edit and manipulate audio, solve technical and artistic problems, and communicate with performers. Skills are developed through the execution of projects in various recording situations, studio settings and musical genres.