Hayes School of Music

Classes in the Music Industry Studies program include the Hayes School of Music's core curriculum: private instrument/voice study, ensemble participation, specialized classes in music theory, music history and world music.

Additionally, students in this program take specific courses related to three different concentrations:

• Recording and Production
• Marketing and Promotion
• Manufacturing and Merchandising

Courses include theoretical, practical and observational approaches. Successful completion leads to a capstone internship, which generally occurs in a major music center such as Charlotte, Nashville, Los Angeles or New York City.

More information

• A four-year course plan and other details are found in the Hayes School of Music Student Handbook.
• Course descriptions and advising information are found in the Undergraduate Bulletin under the Hayes School of Music.

Core in Music Industry Studies

• Introduction of Music Industry Studies – Familiarizes students with the Music Industry Field
• Music Merchandising and Entrepreneurship – Provides students with an in depth exploration of the music products industry and how to start their own businesses
• Legal Issues in the Music Industry – Focuses on the legal aspects within the industry with an emphasis on contracts artists will use in their professional careers
• Record Company Administration – Students get to work as part of our Split Rail Records to develop local artists through live show promotion and recorded products while learning about record label operations
• Mass Media and Society – Students will study the social impact of mass media
• Professional Development Seminar – Professional skills needed to be successful in the workplace including LinkedIn profiles, resumes, and business writing skills

Marketing and Promotion

• Artist Management and Promotion – Students will focus on touring, booking management and promoting artists
• Music Marketing – Students will design promotional campaigns for local bands including marketing strategies, one sheets, EPKs and other marketing materials used to promote an artist’s career
• Music Management – Students work with local bands to help them set short and long term goals and gain a better understanding of the professional aspects of a career as a musician
• Issues in Music Technology – A project driven course on the implementation of computers and technology in the music industry. Topics include use of the internet as a marketing tool, web design, software used in the recording industry, and video production
• Practicum in Record Company Administration – students will continue to work with Split Rail Records to promote local artists and venues

Manufacturing and Merchandising

• Instrumental Technique Classes – students will choose classes to learn about the different instruments that make up the music products industry
• Professional Selling – Focus is on the development of selling skills, from prospecting for new customers to making a sales presentation. Also includes closing the sale and follow up as well as the development of an understanding of the economic and psychological buying motivations affecting sales
• Issues in Music Technology – A project driven course on the implementation of computers and technology in the music industry. Topics include use of the internet as a marketing tool, web design, software used in the recording industry, and video production
• Practicum in Music Products Industry – Field experience in the music products industry

Recording and Production

• Audio Fundamentals – This course is open to all students in the University and deals with the basic properties of sound, acoustic principles, and basic electrical theory. SAWS such as Logic Pro and Pro Tools will be introduced to students
• Music Production and Recording I – Lecture and demonstration and hands-on recording studio experience. Technical procedures and production approaches form the core of the course of study
• Music Production and Recording II – Operational techniques for the recording studio including studio operations and maintenance skills, familiarity with modern multi-track equipment and application of acoustic and psychoacoustics
• Advanced Audio Principles – In-depth study of professional analog and digital audio systems. Implementation and integrating linear and non-linear recording systems, digital signal processing, console automation and digital audio workstation environments
• Recording Studio Apprenticeship – Recording experiences designed to further the student’s understanding of studio procedures and protocols, and to correspond with the activities of professional studio managers and sound engineers

Graduates of Appalachian's Bachelor of Science in Music Industry Studies degree are leaders in the music industry. They work as producers, recording engineers, talent agents, venue managers and retail managers.

Employers of our graduates include Yamaha International Corporation, Mercury Records, EMI Music Publishing, Blackbird Studios and Boosey and Hawkes Publishing Inc., to name a few.

Among our recent graduates are:

• Dan Millice '10, who served as mastering engineer for Trey Songz' "Heart Attack." It was nominated for a 2013 GRAMMY Award for Best R&B Song.
• Bobby Sain '10 was an executive producer for the 2013 film "Lee Daniels' The Butler" and raised $3 million for its production.
• Michael Alvarado '10, whose ensemble "US" received two million views on Vine and recently signed a contract with a major record label.

Get Help

• For assistance in finding internship, career and graduate school opportunities, visit Appalachian's Career Development Center.
• More about music careers