Program Requirements

The Music Industry program provides a well-balanced experience for musicians who wish to hone their vocal or instrumental abilities while gaining valuable skills in music business, technology, and production. This major emphasis prepares graduates for a wide range of careers in sought-after fields such as studio recording, live sound reinforcement, electronic composition, artist management, the non-profit sector, business development, and audio production for media. 

A minimum of 67 credits is required including the 47-credit Music Industry Core:

The Music Industry emphasis requires the 47-credit Music Industry Core, 20 credits from the Performance Curriculum, and Concert and Convocation Attendance Course (must be taken each semester of residence with a “Satisfactory” grade a minimum of six semesters). A minimum grade of “C” is required in all Music courses counted toward the major. To qualify for graduation all Music majors must meet Performance Requirements and Piano Proficiency.

Concert and Convocation Attendance 

All Music majors must take MUS 000 Concert and Convocation Attendance each semester in residence. Six semesters of MUS 000 Concert and Convocation Attendance with a grade of "satisfactory" are required of all Music majors prior to graduation. 

The Performance Curriculum consists of courses in Major Performing Organizations, Small Ensembles, and Private Lessons. The specific performing organizations required are determined by instrument or voice. 

Performance Requirements for Majors 

To qualify for graduation, all Music majors must pass specific levels of performance as judged by a jury of Music faculty. Majors in the Music Industry emphasis may elect MUS 400 SENIOR RECITAL/SENIOR PROJECT, or a qualifying MUS 499 Internship in Music. Please contact the Music Department for exact requirements. 

Piano Proficiency 

All students with a Music Major or Minor, except for the Music Technology Minor, must pass the piano proficiency examination by the end of the required theory sequence. The two-semester sequence of MUS 173 Piano class and MUS 174 Piano Class may be taken for elective credits to prepare for the exam. The specific courses are not required courses and student assessed to have sufficient piano background may prepare for the exam independently. Please contact the Music Department for exact requirements. 

Partner Courses 

To graduate with the Music Industry emphasis, students must earn 10 credits of music business courses selected in consultation with their advisor. At least 6 of these credits must be considered upper division. To facilitate this, Western has an agreement with the Academy of Contemporary Music at the University of Central Oklahoma to offer a sequence of four music business courses online.