BA Music History and Industry - The UCLA Herb Alpert School of Music

Classically trained violinist Stephanie Economou M.A. ’14 is part of a new generation of female film composers. Photo: Pamela Springsteen

The Bachelor of Arts in Music History and Industry was designed as a hybrid pathway to study the history and culture of music as an artform while also gaining practical skills required to meet the challenges of today’s evolving music industry. Building upon the Herb Alpert School’s existing Bachelor of Arts in Musicology and its popular minor in Music Industry, this new program combines practical hands-on training with the study of music within the context of different societies, cultures, and theories.

NOTE: As of Fall 2023, the Music History and Industry BA is closed for application. Students seeking a professional degree in Music Industry are encouraged to consider the new BA in Music Industry. Students interested in pursuing a music history-focused pathway into the music industry are encouraged to apply to the BA in Musicology and elect the Music Industry Minor.

Program Highlights:

Capitalize on L.A.’s prime position as a hub for global media, music production, and independent record producers/artist managers with an industry internship
Gain musical literacy and real-world hands-on training by taking a holistic approach to understanding music and the music industry
Craft a senior year capstone course that allows you to develop music industry focused projects under the guidance of faculty

More News

Mike Curb to Establish New Recording Facility for Students at The UCLA Herb Alpert School of Music

From Music Row: This contribution continues the long-standing philanthropic partnership between the Mike Curb Foundation and the School of Music, which has spanned over ten years. The facility will be

A Conversation with Pulitzer Prize-Winner Michael Abels

The compositions of Michael Abels are marked by eclectic themes and sounds, creating rich soundscapes that explore connections between global musical traditions. In 2023 he won the Pulitzer Prize for

What Made Motown Hitsville U.S.A.?

Every year, incoming music industry students at The UCLA Herb Alpert School of Music gather for a common experience, the “music industry forum.” The class, which meets for an hour

Conducting

Graduate study and training in choral, orchestral, or wind conducting

MM/DMA

Ethnomusicology

The study of global musical traditions through performance training, research, and field work

BA MA / PhD Minor Iranian Music Minor

Global Jazz Studies

Jazz performance and musicianship courses are paired with African American Studies

Music Composition

Mentorship in the creation and realization of music for concerts, opera, and visual media

BA MA / PhD

Music Education

Preparation for music educators leading to a BA and teaching credential in just four years

Music Industry

A leadership-focused professional degree which prepares students to transform the creative, entrepreneurial, and executive structures of the music industry

BA Minor

Musicology

The scholarly study of the histories, cultures, and critical interpretations of music and music-making

BA MA / PhD Minor

Music Performance

Study and training towards professional performance careers in Western classical music

BM MM/DMA