The degree, established in response to strong student interest, is rooted in music performance while drawing on the strengths of the Department of Performing Arts’ Audio Technology Program and the Kogod School of Business. It offers students the opportunity to develop skills in live performance, recording and production, music marketing and promotion, and project leadership—preparing you not only to shine on stage but to navigate the complex business and creative aspects of today’s popular music industry. 

We spoke with Ann Kang, Music Program director, about this new opportunity. 

Tell us a bit more about this degree and what makes it special. 

The core of the degree is music performance—either vocal or instrumental—supported by courses in music theory and history. The “enterprise” component includes courses on recording, marketing, and the entertainment industry. Together, they will give students the tools to be a successful musician or start a music career. Elective upper-level concentration credits let students tailor their studies to their areas of interest. The degree is also designed so that students who want to focus more on the business side of music can pursue a double major with the BS in Business and Entertainment at Kogod School of Business. Only a handful of US universities offer performance-centered degrees like this. 

What’s the backstory behind this degree? 

Songwriters’ Hub rehearsal. Photo: Kate Zuckerman 

This new degree is designed for students who want to pursue a career as a contemporary artist beyond just learning how to sing or play an instrument. As a program, we strive to serve the interests of as many types of music students as possible. Back in 2022, we launched the Songwriters’ Hub after Professor Matthew Brown noticed rock bands rehearsing what we would call “commercial” or “popular music” in Katzen late at night. Before the Hub, there was no existing ensemble or faculty to help fill that genre. It was an experiment, and it really took off and grew through word of mouth. Our students were so excited that they had faculty support and dedicated space and gear to pursue their interests.  

The Hub serves more than 50 vocalists, songwriters, instrumentalists, and students who want to record and mix music. For the first time at AU, it brought students from different disciplines together to write and record songs in an academic setting. Through the Hub’s success, we recognized that our existing BA was rooted in a traditional model and not meeting the needs of all our students. 

What excites you the most about the new BA?  

This degree will bring fresh energy to the program. It reflects our innovative and forward-thinking approach, responding to today’s music landscape while preparing students to pursue career opportunities in the field hand-in-hand with their passion for music.