Music Business Program (MBS)

The music business program of Lebanon Valley College is being recognized by professionals in the music industry as an established and impressive program. The synergy between the music business majors abd the already highly successful music recording technology program majors provides a unique setting in which those who will market music product are in classes with those who will create the music product. The highly succesful yearly Music Industry Conference (MIC-LVC) created and hosted by the music business majors attracts professionals and speakers from Nashville to New York.

The entertainment industry is one of the largest industries worldwide. Next to the film industry, the music industry represents the largest component of the entertainment industry. Publishing, marketing, musical instrument sales, record companies, copyrights, management, music production, evolving Internet opportunities and other components of the music industry are explored in the new program. Wherever music is created or heard, there exists employment opportunities.

The music business program, created jointly by the music department and the business and economics department, is a true interdisciplinary venture designed to create motivated individuals who understand the creation and marketing components of the music industry. The program is housed in the music department and results in a Bachelor of Music Degree with an emphasis in music business. Music business majors study not only the components of the music industry, but also study to better understand and perform music in a true liberal arts environment.

On-campus organizations such as MISA (Music Industry Student Association), AES (Audio Engineering Society) and the WLVC radio station allow opportunities to network, apply learned skills, and interface with the professional music industry.

Classes in music, business and economics, combined with internship experience, and the natural synergy with the music recording program result in a unique and effective educational experience focusing on the music industry.

Program Requirements

Degree: Bachelor of the Arts: Emphasis in Music Business

Basic concepts of accounting including accounting for business transactions, preparation and use of financial statements, and measurement of owners' equity. An introductory course for non-accounting majors. 3 credits.
Cost-volume-profit relationships, cost analysis, business segment contribution, profit planning and budgeting as a basis for managerial decision making. Prerequisite: ACT 161 with a minimum grade of "C-" or better. 3 credits.
A study of the principles of management and leadership as they apply to the effective and efficient operation of for-profit and not-for-profit organizations regardless of their size. Emphasizes the organization's structure, leadership, interpersonal relationships, managerial functions, and methods for assessment and control. Prerequisite: BUS 130 or permission of the instructor. 3 credits.
The development of writing, speaking and listening skills for business management. Prerequisite: ENG 111 and 112. Writing process. 3 credits.
Elementary principles of law relating to the field of business. The course covers contracts, govern- ment regulation of business, consumer protection, bankruptcy, personal property, real estate, bailments, insurance and estates. 3 credits.
A study of small business, including organization, staffing, production, marketing and profit planning. Cases are used extensively in presenting the course material. Prerequisite: ACT 162; BUS 185. 3 credits.
This course examines how the music business operates, delving into a wide range of issues and areas such as publishing, record labels, retail, distribution, agents and managers, and current issues in the industry. Writing Process. 3 credits.
An in-depth examination of publishing and recording contracts, music copyright law, and music licensing. Prerequisite: MBS 371 or permission of the instructor. 3 credits.
This course for music business majors explores entrepreneurship in the music industry. The class revolves around the creation of a practical music business and an accompanying detailed business plan that is submitted to a participating financial institution for review. Student teams also engage with actual music businesses to provide marketing, distribution, research, and other services. The class discusses techniques and practices of management, operations, marketing, and other skills needed to run a successful music business. Prerequisites: MBS 371 AND 372 (taken in the sophomore year); BUS 340 and/or permission of the instructor. 3 credits.
Prequisites: Completion of all program requirements and permission of the instructor. 3-12 credits.
Designed for music majors and minors and graded on a satisfactory/unsatisfactory basis. Music core course. 0 credits.
A study of the rudiments of music and their notation. Harmonization of melodies and basses with fundamental triads. Analysis. Music core course. Prerequisite: audition for admission or permission from instructor. 2 credits.
A study of diatonic tonal harmony, including all triads and seventh chords, nonharmonic material and elementary modulation. Music core course. Prerequisite: MSC 115 or permission of the instructor. 2 credits.
The singing and aural recognition of intervals, scales, triads and simple harmonic progressions. Music core course. Prerequisite: audition for admission or permission of the instructor. 2 credits.
A continuation of MSC 117, emphasizing clef readings, modality, modulation and more complicated rhythmic devices and harmonic patterns. Music core course. Prerequisite: MSC 117 or permission of the instructor. 2 credits.
A historical survey of U.S. music emphasizing stylistic developments and illustrative musical examples from colonial times to the present. Includes American musical theater, jazz, folk and popular styles. Writing process. 3 credits.
A survey course in the history of Western music (in the context of world musics of various cultures), with emphasis on stylistic developments and illustrative musical examples, from early music through the Baroque era. Music core course. 3 credits.
A survey course in the history of Western music (in the context of world musics of various cultures), with emphasis on stylistic developments and illustrative musical examples, from the classical period to the present. Music core course. 3 credits.
First course sequence designed for music majors with minimal piano skills in preparing for piano proficiency. 1 credit.
Second course in the sequence designed for music majors in preparing for piano proficiency. Prerequisite: MSC 510 with a minimum grade of "C-" or better, or permission of instructor. 1 credit.
Third course in the sequence designed for music majors in preparing for piano proficiency. Prerequiste: MSC 511 with a minimum grade of "C-" or better, or permission of instructor. 1 credit.
Fourth course in the sequence designed for music majors in preparing for piano proficiency. Prerequiste: MSC 512 with a minimum grade of "C-" or better, or permission of instructor. 1 credit.
Designed for music majors with minimal vocal skills. Preparation for department voice proficiency requirements. 1 credit.
Individual instruction - voice, piano, orchestral, and band instruments. 1 credit.
† indicates a required course

One of:

This course examines how individuals and firms make choices within the institutions of free- market capitalism. Individuals decide how much of their time to spend working and what to buy with the earnings of their labor. Firms decide how much to produce and in some cases what price to charge for their goods. Together these choices determine what is produced, how it is produced and for whom it is produced in our economic system. 3 credits.
This course extends the study of consumer and producer choices to discover how they affect the nation's economy. Macroeconomics deals with the economy as a whole as measured by the key variable of inflation, unemployment, and economic growth. Emphasis is on both Keynesian and classical theories and how they predict what monetary and fiscal policies can be used to affect these variables and reach national economic goals. Prerequisite: ECN 101. 3 credits.

Also required is a music ensemble (8 semesters).