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Music Industry Studies

Program Overview

Program Overview

“Music Industry” is shorthand for the complicated and constantly evolving web of diverse companies and individuals that coexist in an ecosystem that has evolved to manage the intellectual property rights, performances, and ancillary products that flow from the work of songwriters and musical artists. Lipscomb’s Music Industry Studies degree offers a broad and deep look at all of the most important aspects of the modern music industry from a uniquely musical and faith-based perspective that is relevant to all genres and markets. You will study the most important music industry issues, including music publishing, record label functions, contracts and negotiations, music licensing, artist development, live music and venue management, marketing for the music industry, and more. Our experiential, mentor-based classes will introduce you to the exciting realms of artist management, booking, music supervision for film and television, and other specialized fields by instructors who have - and in many cases continue to work in those particular areas. Plus you will learn the business of music while becoming a better musician yourself. You will participate in one of our various ensembles and have opportunities to apply your newly acquired expertise in context. You will also have access to high-level industry experts, artists, and songwriters, and will benefit from internships at world-class record labels, publishers, studios, and other institutions. 

The music industry is not a "one-size-fits-all" enterprise. Most artists and songwriters will work independently for most or all of their careers. Many industry workers will become freelancers. But labels, publishers, management companies, streaming platforms, and other elements of this complex and growing industry are looking for tomorrow’s leaders today. Between our well-connected faculty, our geographical proximity to Nashville’s growing creative, business, hospitality, and tourism industry, and our missional commitment to equip the next generation to bring light and life to this dynamic space, Lipscomb School of Music’s Music Industry Studies program is ready to help you impact this diverse and exciting field.

Expert faculty, small class sizes

Learn from award-winning, experienced faculty who actually care about you. Our small class sizes allow us to get to know you personally. We lead an approachable community within our respective programs. Our faculty connections are the experts on their subject matter, too.

Study Abroad

See the world — whether it’s Italy, Austria, Costa Rica, England or another country. Career opportunities will open for you as you sharpen your foreign language skills. Gain the international experience and cross-cultural communication skills you’ll need in our global economy.

Job placement

With a top-tier university education on your resume, you’ll be in high demand, whether you choose to launch your career or begin graduate school. Most of our programs have a placement rate of at least 90 percent within six months of graduation.

Our Faculty

  • Brown Bannister

    Brown Bannister

    Assistant Professor and Director of the School of Music

    Brown Bannister brings nearly four decades of industry experience to his work as Director of the School of Music. Best known as a successful mentor and producer for top Christian...

    Meet Brown Bannister
  • Donald Chaffer headshot

    Don Chaffer

    Artist in Residence

    Artist-in-Residence, Lipscomb University School of Music, College of Entertainment & the Arts. Academic Degrees B.A. Music Academic Department School of Music

    Meet Don Chaffer
  • Donna King headshot

    Donna King

    Associate Professor

    Donna King, assistant professor of music, came to Lipscomb University as a piano instructor in 1987 and began full-time teaching in 1999. She teaches music history and music literature courses,...

    Meet Donna King
  • Jeff McPherson headshot

    Jeff Mcpherson

    Assistant Professor

    Jeff McPherson moved to Nashville in 1985 to get famous, but found success in other ways. He was signed as a songwriter to Hot House Music in 1993, provided the...

    Meet Jeff Mcpherson
  • John Thompson headshot

    John Thompson

    Visiting Professor of Music Industry Studies

    Meet John Thompson

Career Paths

Agents and business managers of artists, performers, and athletes

Represent and promote artists, performers, and athletes in dealings with current or prospective employers. May handle contract negotiation and other business matters for clients.

Music Directors and Composers

Music directors, also called conductors, lead orchestras and other musical groups during performances and recording sessions. Composers write and arrange original music in a variety of musical styles.

Musicians and Singers

Musicians and singers play instruments or sing for live audiences and in recording studios.