While the Jacobs School of Music is experienced in turning out virtuosic performers, it’s also a rich community of music lovers, creators, and consumers. In conjunction with this community, the Music Business program was created for students who are interested in the breadth of music as a field: how it gets made and managed, who owns it and who it is for, how it is packaged and marketed, and how it achieves financial success.
The music business consists of individuals and organizations that create, or support the creation of, musical works and then attempt to create a market for those musical works through commercial means (e.g., streaming, film and TV placement, etc.). The industry is a vibrant, thriving network of creativity and commerce that has evolved significantly and is currently a ~$30 billion global business in the throes of a 10-year bull market. But that is just the tip of the iceberg. Music is also a vital tributary to the broader ~$2 trillion global entertainment and media industry. This exciting, expansive, and prosperous network provides a diverse range of careers, available for individuals passionate about the business side of the industry.
Bachelor of Science in Music Business
The Bachelor of Science in Music Business degree, an Indiana University partnership between the Jacobs School of Music and the Kelley School of Business, combines world-class resources and outstanding academic programs to uniquely prepare you for a career in an exciting and rewarding industry. This degree will allow you to leverage internationally acclaimed faculties from both the Jacobs School and the Kelley School to prepare you for an expanding field of career opportunities at the intersection of music and business.
The program will offer proficiencies in music management, marketing, monetization, distribution, intellectual property, and ethics. Through the Jacobs and Kelley programs, the degree combines world-class resources and outstanding academic programs to uniquely prepare you for a career in an exciting and rewarding industry, working with companies and small businesses across the globe that are shaping the production and consumption of music through expanding avenues of technology and commerce.
Coursework will include instruction by knowledgeable industry professionals, respected guest lecturers from across the entertainment industry, and experienced professors from both the Jacobs School and the Kelley School as well as relevant text readings and hands-on activities.
The Bachelor of Science in Music Business is a new four-year joint degree program at Indiana University created by the Jacobs School of Music, in partnership with the Kelley School of Business.
The music business is an exciting, vibrant industry that enables students to follow their passion into the workplace.
The music business is a vibrant $80b industry which is forecast to grow to ~$141b by 2035. Music is also a vital tributary to the broader $2+ trillion-dollar global entertainment and media industry. This far-reaching palette of business opportunities creates a wide network of post-graduation job opportunities for successful graduates.
The IU Music Business program is a partnership between two of the most powerful, successful, and highly respected schools in the United States. The Jacobs School of Music and the Kelley School of Business are both reputable Top 10 schools in their respective fields.
Also, the program is led by Professor and Director of Music Business, Michael J. Sammis, who enjoyed a successful and varied ~40-year career as an executive in the music industry. His passion, expertise and extensive industry network will make the IU program uniquely rewarding.
The program will enable students to learn primarily about the business side of the music industry: how music gets made and managed, who owns it, how it is promoted /marketed, how it is valued, and how it achieves financial success. The curriculum covers a wide range of topics, including music management, marketing, monetization, distribution, intellectual property, and ethics.
The Music Business degree is a collaborative effort between the Jacobs School of Music and the Kelley School of Business, providing a unique blend of music and business expertise. To capitalize on this partnership, the curriculum provides an even-handed blend of Kelley core courses, Jacobs core courses, courses created specifically for the Music Business degree, and General Education courses, as follows (as a guideline):
Curriculum Summary
Jacobs Credit Hours
Kelley Credit Hours
Other Credit Hours
Individual School Core Requirements
23
21
Music Business Specific Courses
12
15
Performance Courses
8
General Education Requirements
26
Electives
15
Total
43
36
41
=120
Students are expected to demonstrate a substantive interest in music through their application. There is no requirement or expectation that they can play an instrument or sing at a level required for other degrees at the Jacobs School of Music. Additionally, there is no performance audition required for the Music Business program, but we encourage applicants to utilize their application to communicate how music has been an important part of their life. Music courses are a key component of this degree program because:
Music training helps ensure that graduates have a more complete set of tools to help them communicate with and collaborate on the art they will be marketing, supporting, and promoting.
Students in the program should develop both logical and creative cognitive functions so they develop into outstanding candidates for either creative or administrative roles.
The program is designed for students who are passionate about music and are interested in seeking professional careers (on some level) in the music or entertainment industry. The program will appeal to different students for different reasons, including (for example) those who:
Wish to work in the music and/or entertainment industry, either in a corporate setting or as an agent/entrepreneur in areas such as music publishing, recording, artist management, and live events.
Wish to pursue a career on the performance side, either as a producer, performer, recording artist or songwriter.
Wish to simply understand more about how the music industry functions.
Prospective students must complete an application to Indiana University and a Supplemental Application for admission to the Music Business program JSOM Supplemental Application. These two admission processes run concurrently. Current students at IU wishing to transfer into the Music Business track will also need to complete and submit a Supplemental Application.
Admission to the Music Business program does not require an audition but will include a virtual interview. However, we strongly encourage interested students to visit campus and attend one of the Jacobs School of Music daily sessions and tours.
Both Spring and Fall 2026 applications will open September 2nd. Application deadlines are as follows:
Spring Admission: October 1st
Fall Admission: December 1st (Early application deadline); February 1st (Standard application deadline)
Students can expect multiple opportunities to network with industry professionals, including occasional guest lecturers, masterclasses and other campus events. Support and guidance will also be provided for internships, and a business immersion opportunity is included in the sample Course Map (BUS-D352).
Currently there is no option to minor in Music Business, but this is under consideration.
Discussions regarding a Double Major and / or a Dual Degree are often complex and individualized for each student based on their specific situation. Interested students should speak with an Academic Advisor or the Undergraduate Advising Office to determine what opportunities and potential obstacles exist. That being said:
Double Majors are not relevant to the B.S. in Business Music degree since a double major, by definition, exists within one degree (e.g., a Bachelor Music with majors in Piano and Voice, Bachelor of Arts with majors in English and Philosophy, etc.).
Dual Degrees are possible albeit very rigorous. A Dual Degree can be done with a wide range of degrees across the IU campus, although it may often require longer than the standard 4 years. However, a Dual Degree combining a B.S. in Music Business and any degree in the Kelly School of Business is not currently permitted.
Scholarships are available and are at the discretion of Indiana University. To be considered for a scholarship opportunity, students need to apply by November 1st.
