Music at MTSU

Audio Production  – Do you dream of recording and producing music in a studio or independently? Do you want to create sound for film, television, digital media, gaming, and more? Do you envision yourself running sound at concerts or producing audio for live or pre-recorded broadcasts? Students in MTSU’s Audio Production program can pursue a Bachelor of Science, an M.F.A. in Recording Arts and Technologies, or even a combined path, tailoring their education to their goals and interests. The program’s comprehensive curriculum offers deep insight through electives in areas such as music recording and mixing, mastering, electronic music production, live sound reinforcement, sound for picture (TV, film, etc.), sound design, immersive audio, and broadcast audio.

Music Business – Do you dream of working in music as a manager, marketer, booking agent, tour manager, publisher, label executive, distributor, attorney, or in other key roles? Do you want to learn how the industry operates and how to secure resources and support in a rapidly evolving field? MTSU’s Music Business program prepares students to manage and represent artists, shape their brands, and bring their music to the world. Consistently ranked among Billboard’s Top Music Business Schools, the program combines hands-on learning, expert faculty, state-of-the-art facilities, and real-world experiences to equip students for success in a variety of music industry careers.

Commercial Songwriting – Do you want to write songs that move people and succeed in the commercial music industry? Are you driven to share your musical stories with the world and develop the skills needed to market your songs and launch your career? Our Commercial Songwriting program, located just outside Music City, offers unmatched opportunities. Students receive hands-on instruction from award-winning faculty and gain the skills necessary for a variety of careers, including arranger, producer, singer, songwriter, and publisher.

The MTSU School of Music is a vibrant community with dedicated faculty and numerous opportunities to showcase your skills in ensembles, recitals, and productions. Accredited by the National Association of Schools of Music (NASM), we emphasize both learning and creativity, helping you prepare for exciting careers in music. 

The B.M. in Music offers the following concentrations to refine your studies:

Music Education: Vocal or Instrumental – Are you interested in teaching music to students of all ages? Our music education program helps aspiring teachers to hone their performance and technical skills while simultaneously developing competency to teach music.

Music Industry – Are you interested on one of the other aspects of the music industry? The program prepares students for success in performing, private teaching, retail, publishing, licensing, manufacturing, and marketing the recording industry.

Performance – Does the idea of performing for audiences around the world touch your heart? Our programs in Instrumental Performance and Vocal Performance have produced alumni who perform in opera companies, major symphonies, and Broadway.

Music Composition – Do you long to write music for the ages? Examine the content and construction of music, learn the language of music and what makes it pleasing to the ear, and discover what is involved in creating musical works.

The B.A. in Music provides a broad foundation for studying, performing, and communicating about music and is an excellent choice for students who wish to consider future graduate study. 

For the B.M. in Music degrees, all entering students must pass an audition before the faculty on their major instrument or voice. More information about the audition process is available at music.mtsu.edu. Auditions are optional for B.A. students.