The 18-month program combines music creation, production, artist development, marketing, and entrepreneurship to help students build the skills and projects needed to pursue careers in today’s music industry.
HOLLYWOOD, Calif. — Musicians Institute (MI) is introducing its Associate of Arts in Music Artist, Production, & Entrepreneurship, an 18-month degree program designed for aspiring independent artists looking to develop their creative abilities while gaining the practical skills to build and manage their own music careers.
As the music industry evolves, independent artists have more opportunities than ever to create, release, and promote music on their own terms. Building a sustainable career, however, requires more than musical talent. Today’s artists also need skills in production, branding, marketing, content creation, and music business.
What You’ll Learn in MI’s Independent Artist Degree Program
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Developed in response to growing student interest in a more comprehensive independent artist education, MI’s new Associate degree brings these disciplines together in one hands-on program. Over six quarters, students develop skills in musicianship, songwriting, recording, mixing, mastering, and music production, while exploring artist identity, visual branding, social media strategy, video production, media relations, and music business.
The curriculum connects creative development with real-world application. Students create and produce original music while building the visual identity and promotional materials for an independent artist project. Coursework also explores production for outside clients and vocalists, film and television placements, and short-form social media content.
Students also learn the business fundamentals of an independent music career, including intellectual property, music registrations, collaboration agreements, split sheets, work-for-hire arrangements, and synchronization licensing.
The program culminates in a hands-on final project: a four-song EP supported by album artwork, an electronic press kit (EPK), artist website, visual branding, a music or promotional video, and a release and marketing plan. The completed project is evaluated by a panel of instructors from across the program’s disciplines.
By combining music creation, technical training, and entrepreneurial skills, the program prepares students to take a more active role in shaping their own careers in today’s music industry.
For more information about the Associate of Arts in Music Artist, Production, & Entrepreneurship, contact MI Admissions or visit mi.edu.
About Musicians Institute
Located in the heart of Hollywood, California, Musicians Institute provides career-focused education in contemporary music performance, songwriting, production, audio engineering, music business, and related disciplines. Through hands-on instruction, industry engagement, and opportunities to develop as artists and professionals, MI prepares students to pursue their goals in the evolving music and entertainment industries.
Learn more at mi.edu.