Music Business Certificate Program

Gain the knowledge to tackle the rapidly evolving music industry.

PLAN YOUR STUDIES

Courses

7 Required

3 Elective

F-1 Visa Eligible

Yes

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This program is perfect for...

Aspiring music industry executives, producers, managers, songwriters and publishers

Music industry professionals seeking to expand their knowledge

Musicians

Individuals interested in the business side of the music industry

What you can learn.

Understand and apply the functions of the A&R professional

Learn the key elements of music production

Acquire management skills for touring and artist management

Gain experience in marketing, publishing and legal issues

Learn the fundamentals of a dynamic industry.

The UCLA Extension Music Business Certificate program serves both aspiring and established music industry executives, artists, producers, managers, songwriters, and publishers seeking up-to-date information in the areas of A&R, touring, marketing, legal issues, publishing and artist management.

Courses are taught by industry experts who combine the latest in music industry trends with real-world experience. Most courses are offered in the evenings to accommodate busy professionals.

Duration: 1 year (full-time pace) to 3 years
Unit Requirement: 40
GPA Requirement: minimum 3.0 for certificate completion

This certificate is approved for international students to study full time in the U.S. on an F-1 visa.

International students must meet English language proficiency requirements for admission into the program.

While most certificate programs begin each quarter, some have limited intakes for students studying on F-1 visa. Find this program on the Browse Certificate Programs page to confirm entry quarters before applying.

Learn more:

BMI proudly supports UCLA Extension's Music Business Certificate Program.

Get Started

Step 1: Enroll in a Course

Courses in this program are open enrollment and paid for individually. You may take courses without committing to the program.

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Step 2: Become a Candidate

Establish candidacy in the program to receive tailored information, lock in course requirements, and access exclusive student benefits. Registration fees vary by program and are listed under Cost and Fees.

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Important Note for International Students: Candidacy fees are included in your program fees and do not need to be paid separately.

View Dates & Program Fees for International Students

Cost and Fees

All courses in this program are paid for individually, unless otherwise noted. An application form is required to establish candidacy in this program. From the 'Apply Now' button, complete the online application and pay the application fee if applicable.

Application and Candidacy Fee

$200

Estimated Textbooks and Materials

$550

Estimated Program Tuition

$8350

International Student Fees

Payment Options

Eligible for VA Benefit
Federal Financial Aid is not available

The program is open for enrollment in any quarter for both domestic and international students (F-1 student visa).

Required Courses

Customize your experience

A&R: Making Music from Acquisition to Release

Learn the functions of the A&R professional, including the collective effort needed from all departments—artist and label—in the creation of recorded music in all formats, from inception to acquisition and release.

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Touring, Tour Budgeting and Merchandising

Understand the business and mechanics of the concert touring industry with insights into planning shows, acquiring revenue through ticket sales and merchandising, and maximizing profits through marketing and promotion.

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Legal and Practical Aspects of the Music Business

Discover how to monetize and maintain revenue in the music industry, no matter what your role may be, by exploring copyrights, streaming services, social networks, the nature of talent/business agreements, and much more.

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The Insider's Guide to Music Management

Discover all that it takes to be a successful music manager from finding out what exactly they do, to avoiding management pitfalls, and understanding how managers work in the independent and digital space.

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Marketing

Select 1 marketing course from the list below.

Do-It-Yourself Music Marketing

Learn the exhaustive process of DIY music sales and promotion from developing your brand and identifying your vision all the way to promotions and publicity while creating your own customized, low-budget marketing plan.

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Entrepreneurship for the Indie Artist

Learn exciting, new strategies to successfully launch your independent music career through establishing your brand, monetizing your efforts, harnessing the power of the internet, and building your fan base.

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Publishing

Select 1 publishing course from the list below.

Music Publishing: Law and Business

Understand the world of music publishing for businesses and personal managers. This course gives you a basic understanding of copyright law, songwriting agreements, and more through lectures, discussions, and guest speakers.

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Music Publishing: A Creative and Business Perspective

Learn the basics of music publishing through a multi-platform course that covers everything from effective songs, marketing, copyright and protecting your money, and pitching your music to the entertainment industry at large.

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Production

Select 1 production course from the list below.

Audio Recording Theory

Specifically tailored to independent artists, this course presents a practical and effective introduction to the theory, art, and craft of sound recording.

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The Record Production Process: Professional Practices

An overview of the role of the record producer and their responsibility through all the stages of making a record: pre-production, recording, overdubs, editing, mixing, and mastering.

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The DJ as Music Producer: Ableton Live & DJ Technology

Increasingly, DJing and music production go hand in hand as different but complementary skillsets. DJs who also produce their own music, remixes, or mashups increase their chances to get bookings.

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Elective Courses

Customize your experience

Complete 3 electives (12 units) from courses numbered X 400-499 in Music. Below is a list of suggested electives.

Suggested Electives

Music Supervision for Film and Television

Interested in the business and art of film and television music? Learn exactly what a music supervisor does by drawing on the combined resources of the film and television communities to marry music and moving images.

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Music Licensing: Turning Talent into Dollars

Learn how to turn talent and popularity into revenue through different kinds of licensing rights, how licensing applies to the music industry, negotiating strategies, and more.

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Bringing the Power of Music to Film: A Film Scoring Seminar

This seminar is for film composers, filmmakers, and others interested in the subtle art of film scoring. During the seminar we will examine the crucial contribution music makes to narrative and emotional expression in film.

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The Record Production Process: Professional Practices

An overview of the role of the record producer and their responsibility through all the stages of making a record: pre-production, recording, overdubs, editing, mixing, and mastering.

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Music Industry Internship

Gain firsthand experience in the music industry through an internship in your chosen field. Only candidates in certificate programs are eligible for internship credit.

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An internship in the music industry can provide you with practical experience in a variety of job functions. Certificate students must complete a minimum of 12 units of program curriculum (3 courses) before completing the application for approval to enroll in an internship.

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