B.S. Music Business

A man plays a white guitar during a live production

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 Study your passion alongside passionate professors in the College of Fine Arts

Why study music business at North Central University?

North Central’s Music Business major will prepare students to be a respected leader in the music industry. In courses taught by experienced faculty, students will study the legal, financial, artistic, and ethical issues associated with the music business. Students will gain hands-on recording training using the latest technology in North Central’s state-of-the-art facilities. Plus, internship opportunities in Minneapolis will help students get real-world industry experience and develop an extensive network of industry professionals.

A man looks down, focusing as he plays his bass

A Major that Produces Results

Right in the heart of Minneapolis, a city known for its musical influence and history, North Central students are in one of the best places for a career in music business. After four years, graduates will be prepared to navigate the legal, financial, and ethical issues of the music industry. Students will also be able to record in studios and live settings, develop marketing and advertising campaigns, and communicate in the music industry.

Through internships that are weaved into the education standards, students will have the opportunity to engage in real-world experience even before graduation and to start developing valuable connections as they pursue a fulfilling career. Our graduates succeed in a variety of jobs and careers including agents, advertisers, marketers, recording and sound engineers, music critics, and much more.

Program Highlights

Internships opportunities in Minneapolis

Our unique urban location gives students opportunities to establish a career.

Music Production: Live students at North Central have unique opportunities to intern at local recording studios, churches, agencies, and businesses. Internships present new challenges and learning experiences as students prepare for their career after graduation and get one step closer to living out their calling.

Students will be supported, mentored, and coached by their advising professor throughout their internship and have opportunities to reflect on the process. This will give them insights into their passions and God-given talents, and help them pursue a fulfilling career path. Plus, when students finish their internship, they will have an impressive portfolio, experience to add to their resumes, and a network of professionals in the industry who can recommend or hire them!

Our internship possibilities include:

State-of-the-art facilities

Our McPherson Studios feature the latest technology and recording spaces.

McPherson Studios is North Central’s state-of-the-art recording facility, featuring the latest equipment and technology including a Pro Tools HD system (loaded featuring McDSP and Antares plug-ins) with a Digidesign Control 24 interface, Genelec and Westlake monitors, and a wide selection of microphones and outboard equipment. Our Control Room is a great place to work with comfortable leather sofas and a warm atmosphere. The Studio A recording room is over 1200 square feet with enough room to record a choir, a big band, or an orchestra. Studio A also features a Yamaha grand piano with full MIDI capability. There are two additional rooms when isolation is needed for the session.

Artists who have recorded with us:

  • Sara Groves
  • Ben Gowell
  • Kristi Northrup
  • David Pedde
  • David Juve
  • Sovereign Grace Music Kids Project
  • Jeff Kerr and River Valley Worship Team
  • David Santisteven
  • Emmanuel Christian Center Youth Worship Team

Thriving Music Scene

Minneapolis is home to world-class venues and prominent local musicians.

Minneapolis has a lot to offer for people who love music. The city’s venues are second to none, from the world-famous First Avenue to the historic State Theatre which are regular stops for touring musicians. With everything from classical to hip-hop, international artists to local up-and-comers, we have something for every musical taste. In fact, Travel and Leisure Magazine recently voted Minnepolias the fifth best city in the nation for music.

Our location in downtown Minneapolis means students will never be far from the action, and they will have plenty of opportunities to experience the Minneapolis music scene for themselves.

Return on Your Investment

College of Fine Arts students receive hands-on experience and peer mentoring from the first day of class to graduation right in the heart of Minneapolis, a city known for its music and music connections. On top of that, North Central is one of the most affordable accredited Christian colleges in the nation, making it an easy choice to commit to NCU.

financial aid

100%

Traditional undergraduate students receive financial aid

internships

100%

Completed an internship in their chosen field (our students have resumes that reflect someone that has been in their career field for 3+ years at graduation)

Recent Jobs after Graduation:

  • Music Educator 
  • Conductor
  • Recording Artist
  • Worship Leader
  • Composer 
  • Private Instructor 
  • Recording Artist
  • Manager
  • Booking Agent
  • Recording and Sound Engineer
  • Music Critic
  • Professional Performer
  • Actor
  • Scriptwriter
  • Producer
  • Stage Technician
  • Designer
  • Worship Pastor
  • Audio Editor