Music Industry Studies

Bachelor of Arts (B.A.)

Student records the keyboard

Make your mark with a music industry major

UW’s B.A. in music with an emphasis in music industry studies is an exciting new degree that’s designed to support popular music makers, entrepreneurs and recording studio engineers with the most in-demand skills in the music industry.

This uniquely flexible program is designed with double majors in mind and doesn’t require an audition or prior musical experience. Throughout the program, students have access to weekly recording studio time, take songwriting courses, learn all popular music instruments and gain production experience.

Ready to make your mark on the music industry? Apply today!

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Student records the keyboard

This program is currently offered in
the following locations:

Laramie Campus

About the Music Industry Major

UW’s B.A. in music with an emphasis in music industry studies is a unique, flexible program that’s perfect for students who want to customize their skillset. All students take various core courses relating to music business, popular music instruments, recording and audio production. Then students can customize their degree by choosing electives in their area(s) of interest.

Students get hands-on learning opportunities through internships, running sound for on-campus events and by recording themselves and others in our professional recording studios. Students also learn how to put their own music on streaming platforms.

This major doesn’t require an audition or prior experience with musical instruments.

Concert on UW's campus

 

 

Students are required to take a variety of foundational music courses before progressing to advanced major courses. Please work with your academic advisor to ensure all prerequisites are completed.

Professor and music industry major student work together

 

Music Industry Major Highlights

Notable Faculty

UW’s department of music is home to many accomplished performers and educators.

  • Will Flagg: Will Flagg is a producer/engineer/multi-instrumentalist who is the instructor of music production at the University of Wyoming. He brings formal education and professional experience to his students and strives to foster their creative needs while supporting their vocational options.
  • Dr. Tiger Robison: Dr. Robison is associate professor of music education at the University of Wyoming where he teaches courses in popular music pedagogy, songwriting, general music methods and aural theory. He also teaches music in the Wyoming Pathways from Prison Program.
  • Nicole Riner: Nicole Riner teaches flute and entrepreneurship classes in addition to overseeing the music entrepreneurship certificate program. Nicole has performed with orchestras and at music festivals in the United States, South America and Europe.
OUR FACULTY

Music industry majors have access to experiential learning throughout their studies. Students interested in live sound will get hands-on time in our recording studio. Once proficient, students run live sound for on-campus and off-campus events. This includes booking the acts, running live sound and recording. Students interested in recording learn how to record live acts as well as themselves and others in a professional recording studio. Those interested in recording original music will get to bring their music to streaming platforms in our songwriting course.

 

All students complete a capstone project prior to graduation. These projects may include live sound, recording and mixing and mastering tracks, among other topics.

 

The music industry major consists of exciting, one-of-a-kind courses.

  • Songwriting Methods
  • History of Rock and Roll
  • History of Hip Hop
  • Recording Lab

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What can you do with a music industry major?

With a music industry major, you can pursue careers in artist management, music production, concert promotion, music marketing, publishing or talent scouting. This degree also prepares you for roles at record labels, streaming platforms, event companies and media organizations. Whether you're interested in working behind the scenes or launching your own creative projects, a music industry major gives you the skills and connections to thrive in the business side of music.

Studying the music industry gives you a behind-the-scenes look at how the business of music really works. You'll build skills in marketing, management, production and entrepreneurship while gaining hands-on experience through internships, campus events and collaborations. This major helps you turn your passion for music into a career by connecting you with industry professionals, emerging technologies and real-world opportunities to grow your network and creative portfolio.

UW music grads hold a wide variety of job titles, including:

  • Music producer
  • Music teacher
  • Conductor
  • Vocal director
  • Performing musician
  • Artistic programs manager
  • And more!

Our graduates pursue fulfilling careers as performers, educators, program managers, conductors and more! Here are some of the places they’re making an impact:

  • San Francisco Symphony
  • Oregon Ballet Theatre
  • Denver School of The Arts
  • Chamber Music Northwest
  • Iowa Public Radio
  • Edison School of the Arts
  • Laramie County School District

Studying the music industry in Wyoming offers a unique blend of hands-on learning, small class sizes and access to a supportive creative community. At the University of Wyoming, you'll work closely with experienced faculty, get involved in student-run music events and gain real-world experience through internships and industry partnerships. Surrounded by Wyoming’s inspiring landscapes and vibrant campus life, you’ll have the space to create, collaborate and prepare for a career in the fast-paced world of music and entertainment.

"Since the beginning of this program, I have become more thoughtful about the future. I have looked more into future plans and seeing what needs to be done in order to achieve my goals."

- Senior B.A. Student