Minor

Music Industry

The Bachelor of Arts in Music with a Music Industry emphasis at UNC Pembroke is a professional degree designed for today’s evolving music landscape. Featuring an innovative curriculum, the program blends musical studies with cutting-edge technology and entrepreneurship. As one of the first programs to partner with Media Integration and Entrepreneurial Studies, it offers students a unique interdisciplinary experience. Graduates gain the skills, creativity and adaptability needed to thrive in a constantly changing music industry.

Degrees

BABachelor of Arts

College of Arts & Sciences

Department of Music

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Male at a sound board and a guitar player in the background

The curriculum is centered on a broad study of the many elements of the modern music industry, including a historical tour of the recording industry and an intense study of recording techniques in Audio Production and Studio Techniques. Students receive significant experience performing in large and small group settings and can perform in many other ensembles in a wide variety of styles. The program features three tracks: Jazz, Songwriting and Classical.

Technological proficiency is imperative in the contemporary music industry. The Music Industry program has partnered with Media Integration Studies, a collaborative curriculum of music, graphic design, digital video and animation that focuses on creating original digital content in a student-centered studio environment.

Media Integration Studies

Three courses in Entrepreneurship are designed to stimulate entrepreneurial thinking and assist and support entrepreneurs in their new ventures. These courses provide a foundation for students to envision, grow, and sustain their future businesses. Studies culminate in the development of a viable business plan ready to be enacted. Upon graduating from UNCP, students will receive a Bachelor of Arts in Music with Music Industry Emphasis degree and a Certificate in Entrepreneurship.

Certificate in Entrepreneurship

Music

Technology

Media Integration Studies

Entrepreneurship

Certificate in Entrepreneurship

Careers in the music industry are as diverse as the music itself. We offer three tracks designed to best aid students in pursuing their career goals.

Classical

This track combines classical music training with hands-on experience in audio production and recording. You’ll study your instrument or voice in depth, perform in ensembles and learn the ins and outs of capturing, mixing and editing music in studio settings.

You'll gain:

Private instruction and classical performance experience
Studio training in recording techniques and editing
Opportunities to record department concerts and run sound for live events
A foundation for careers in performance, recording, teaching or graduate study

Whether you're behind the mic or behind the board, you'll be ready for a career in the classical music world — with modern skills to match.

Jazz

At UNCP, jazz is more than a genre – it’s a way to express, innovate and connect. In this track, you’ll dive deep into jazz theory, improvisation, arranging and performance, all while being mentored by experienced performer-educators.

You’ll:

Perform in combos, big bands and community festivals
Develop skills in improvisation and jazz arranging
Collaborate with faculty and visiting guest artists
Prepare for careers in performance, education or media production

Whether you’re a seasoned soloist or new to the style, we’ll help you find your sound and your stage.

Songwriting

This innovative track blends your love for songwriting with digital production and entrepreneurial training. You’ll write original music, record and produce your tracks and learn how to build a career as an independent artist or content creator.

You’ll study:

Lyric writing, form and structure across genres
Studio production using digital tools and software
Media integration with video, animation and graphic design
Entrepreneurship by developing a business plan and launching your brand

By graduation, you’ll not only have a portfolio of original work, but also the skills and confidence to release it into the world.

To join the UNCP Music program, prospective majors and minors must complete a supplemental music application and audition to demonstrate proficiency in their primary instrument or voice. Requirements vary by area and may include prepared pieces, scales or sight-reading. Auditions can be completed in person or virtually.

Music Application

music sheet with hand holding it