BA & BM in Commercial Music
ISC - Lipscomb University, United States
First Year Course Fee
USD 35,752
Course Accredited By
SACSCOC
- So learn from those who know the music business best. Let us prepare you to be an industry professional. We'll teach you more than industry skill. Our mentor-based approach to the teacher-student relationship drives every academic decision we make. We will give you the tools you need to adapt to a changing industry.
- You'll have small-class access to excellent resources and top-notch faculty. Scholars, musicians and entrepreneurs with hearts for mentoring guide our seminar-style classes and ensembles. Take up the opportunity for extended time with Music City professionals as you learn about the ins and outs of contemporary music. We can develop your unique gifts in performance, songwriting, production or business into a career where you can serve and work successfully.
- We also offer many ensembles and special opportunities to take part in.
Program Foundations
- Our program is Nashville-centric and adaptable, designed for emerging entrepreneurs who need a broad understanding of the music business. You will develop the basic performance skills and musical understanding needed to enhance studio work, live sound events or recording session arrangements. You’ll gain the technical knowledge to participate in a studio session or make a songwriter demo. Then, go deeper. Study intensive instrumental or vocal performance with professional Nashville musicians. Work alongside award-winning producers in our studio, or workshop your original songs in seminars with Nashville hitmakers.
Enrollment Cycles
- August 2023
- January 2024
Entry Requirements
Direct Admission
- TOEFL (iBT) Overall 79
- IELTS Overall 6.5
- Pearson (PTE) 60
- Pearson Versant 64 or higher
- Duolingo 105
- GPA: Undergraduate: 2.5 for Direct Admission
Music, Commercial, B.A.
Total hours required: 56
Required Courses:
MU 1111 - Aural Skills I
MU 1121 - Aural Skills II
MU 1133 - Theory I
MU 1143 - Theory II
CMU 1102 - Introduction to Audio Technology
CMU 1023 - Introduction to Audio Production
CMU 1013 - Introduction to the Music Industry
CMU 2082 - Identity and Artistry
MU 2402 - Music Literature
CMU 3023 - History of Popular Music
CMU 2013 - Music Entrepreneurship
CMU 3000 - Upper Division Hearing
MU 4020 - Piano Proficiency or MU 4030 - Guitar Proficiency
CMU 499V - Senior Project
Choose Production:
CMU 2023 - Music Production I
CMU 2033 - Music Production II
Or Songwriting:
CMU 2043 - Songwriting I
CMU 2053 - Songwriting II
11 additional hours to be chosen from:
Additional private lessons (beyond those required, 4 hours maximum)
Additional CMU or MU ensembles (beyond those required, 8 hours maximum)
Any CMU or MU courses, except:
Fundamentals of Music (MU 1103)
Class Piano (MU 1641 , MU 1651 , or MU 1671)
Class Guitar (MU 1741)
All prerequisites apply to elective courses.
Additional Requirements:
Private lessons, MU 1x11 (50-minute, 1-hour credit), for 8 semesters.
Participation and passing grade in a commercial music ensemble for 4 semesters.
Passing grade in MU 2000 Recital Seminar for 8 semesters.
Pass upper division hearing in specialization area at the end of the sophomore year.
Music, Commercial (Songwriting or Production), B.M.
Total hours required: 72
Specific courses required:
CMU 1013 - Introduction to the Music Industry
CMU 1102 - Introduction to Audio Technology
CMU 1023 - Introduction to Audio Production
MU 1111 - Aural Skills I
MU 1121 - Aural Skills II
MU 1133 - Theory I
MU 1143 - Theory II
CMU 2082 - Identity and Artistry
MU 3013 - Jazz and Pop Music Theory
CMU 3023 - History of Popular Music
MU 2402 - Music Literature
CMU 3000 - Upper Division Hearing
MU 4020 - Piano Proficiency or MU 4030 - Guitar Proficiency
CMU 2013 - Music Entrepreneurship
CMU 3042 - Catalog & Portfolio I
CMU 3052 - Catalog & Portfolio II
CMU 3033 - Studio Arranging and Improvisation
CMU 4033 - Business of Songwriting & Music Production
CMU 4042 - Catalog & Portfolio III
CMU 390V - Commercial Music Internship (two semesters)
CMU 499V - Senior Project
Specialization Courses:
Choose Songwriting:
CMU 2043 - Songwriting I
CMU 2053 - Songwriting II
CMU 2063 - Lyric Writing Lab
Or Production:
CMU 2023 - Music Production I
CMU 2033 - Music Production II
CMU 3013 - Pro Tools Mix Techniques
Additional Requirements:
6 hours CMU or MU electives, 3000- or 4000-level
Private lessons, MU 1x11 (50-minute, 1-hour credit), for 8 semesters.
Participation and passing grade in a commercial music ensemble for 8 semesters (4 for credit).
Passing grade in MU 2000 Recital Seminar for 8 semesters.
Pass upper division hearing in specialization area at the end of the sophomore year.
Music Minor, Commercial
Total hours required: 17
Specific courses required:
MU 1111 - Aural Skills I
MU 1133 - Theory I
CMU 1023 - Introduction to Audio Production
CMU 1013 - Introduction to the Music Industry
CMU 2023 - Music Production I or CMU 2043 - Songwriting I
CMU 2013 - Music Entrepreneurship or CMU 3023 - History of Popular Music
Two credit hours selected from:
MU 1661 - Piano
MU 1611 - Piano
MU 1641 - Class Piano I
MU 1651 - Class Piano II
OR
MU 1761 - Guitar
MU 1711 - Guitar
MU 1741 - Class Guitar I
- Undergraduate Direct Admit
- Direct Admit $35,752
- Program Tuition
- Estimated Room, Board & Fees $16,044
- *Pricing is subject to change
- Undergraduate Direct Admission Scholarship
- Scholarship Available - Upto $6,000
- *Direct admission scholarship is available in each year