Music Business and Industry, BA

The WVU Music Business and Industry program makes the music industry accessible to anyone, anywhere, providing students with the knowledge and skills to succeed in careers as artists, managers, marketers, event organizers, record label management, and AV professionals. Fully accredited by the National Association of Schools of Music, the program combines hands-on studio experience at Mon Hills Records, ensemble and performance opportunities, alumni mentorship, and industry internships, all within an affordable, land-grant university setting.

Academics

A Music Business and Industry student guitarist lays down a supporting track.

Students interested in music can join the industry anywhere, anytime. Whether they want to be an artist, manager, marketing specialist, event organizer, or AV tech, this program provides opportunities in front of and behind the microphone.
Non-audition, business-focused track makes the major accessible even with a limited musical background or experience.
Gives students the business background to be successful, and the creative execution to stand out.
West Virginia University is fully accredited by the National Association of Schools of Music, which is the gold standard for music programs.
A very affordable degree in a land-grant institution. No longer are students required to live in a big city like New York, Nashville, or Los Angeles.

Mon Hills Records

Mon Hills Records is a student-run record label offering hands-on experience in artist signing, development, and music release.

Hands-On Experience

Students have opportunities to perform in ensembles, contribute to the Summer Concert Series, and gain real-world experience as audio technicians for concerts, recordings, and professional media projects.

Creative Consultant and Mentor Program

The College of Creative Arts and Media ensures student success by pairing alumni mentors with about 60 students per year through the Creative Consultant and Media Mentors program. Additionally, the college has an internship alliance, a group of companies that are looking for and hire interns from the University.

View of Creative Arts Center from a distance on a spring day

Canady Creative Arts Center

The Loulie, Valerie, and William Canady Creative Arts center boasts 4 exhibition spaces, 5 performance spaces, 33 individual practice rooms, and 50 classrooms and studios with plenty of space to create. The loading dock at the rear of the building is a wonderful open-air space with stunning acoustics.

Explore the Canady Creative Arts Center

Music Business and Industry student production engineers discuss changes at the board while classmates perform

Mon Hills Music Group

Mon Hills Music Group is the University’s record label and an experiential lab for students. The recording studio provides real-world experience in commercial production, promotion, and music management.

Explore the Mon Hills Music Group