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

A Hybrid Pathway into Music
and the Music Industry

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
Tiffany Naiman Breaks Down the World Cup Halftime Entertainment Show
The 2026 World Cup brought a renewed focus on entertainment. Tiffany Naiman, director of the Berry Gordy Music Industry Center, explores why music has become central to FIFA’s global strategy
Remembering Clive Davis
The music icon helped to transform the music industry, working with the likes of Whitney Houston, Bruce Springsteen, Alecia Keys and many more. Musicologist Robert Fink helps explain his rise,
"In Practice 2026" Features School of Music Graduates
The Chancellor’s Council on the Arts featured four members of The UCLA Herb Alpert School of Music’s class of 2026 in its magazine celebrating UCLA arts graduates.

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