Overview

A degree in Commercial Music from Samford University allows you to carve your own path with concentrations in business, music production, performance and songwriting.

Each area of study requires general knowledge of the entire music industry culture and its highly interconnected web of people, skills, resources, technologies, and careers, as well as specific knowledge. Those who pursue careers in this field need general competencies and skills in leadership, entrepreneurship, music, financial management, collaboration, communication, business, and technology.

Industry Exposure

We host an annual How to Make it in the Music Industry symposium featuring top artists and music industry leaders. Students get an up close and personal look at the industry while making connections for internships and future careers. Guest lecturers have included Ruben Studdard (American Idol), members of the Zac Brown Band, Simon Lythgoe (executive producer for American Idol), Mama Jan Smith (vocal producer for Justin Bieber, Usher, and Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson), and Steve Schnur (Worldwide Executive and President of Music for Electronic Arts).

Students can participate in industry-related excursions like the National Association of Music Merchants (NAMM) event in Los Angeles, the South By Southwest festival in Texas, backstage tours of local arena concerts and private tours of music businesses all over the country.

Guest lecturers and artists are an integral part of our curriculum. Recent guests include Leland Sklar (bassist for James Taylor and Phil Collins), Chris Fryar (drummer for Zac Brown Band), Monroe Jones (Grammy Award-winning producer for Third Day and Ginny Owens), and Andy VanDette (mastering engineer for Rush and Avenge Sevenfold).

Industry Experience

Professors who teach in Samford’s Commercial Music program have a wealth of music industry experience. Students can take lessons from members of the Zac Brown Band, learn songwriting from artists who have had songs on the Billboard charts, and learn how the music industry functions from actively involved producers, managers, engineers and songwriters. Despite the program being small enough to focus on individual students and their goals, our faculty is second-to-none.

Community

The Samford community is key to the success of our students. Faculty are dedicated to empowering students and supporting them through their Samford experience and beyond.

Career Preparation

Commercial Music opens doors to a variety of emerging fields and career opportunities.

Performance

Artist
Church Musician
Concert Promoter
Game Audio Designer
Orchestra Manager
Studio Musician
Touring Musician
Worship Leader

Programme Structure

Courses include:

Commercial Music Seminar
Purpose and Development
Music Industry
Music Industry Revenue Streams
Music Technology
Recording Techniques
American Popular Music
Songwriting
Music Production

Key information

Duration

Full-time
- 48 months

Start dates & application deadlines

Starting 2026-08-24 00:00:00

Apply anytime.

More details

Rolling Admission - Decisions will be released once a month, typically beginning in December until the class is full.

Language

English

Duolingo English Test

120

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IELTS

6.5

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Credits

128 SCH

Delivered

On Campus

Campus Location

Homewood, United States

Disciplines

Music View 2691 other Bachelors in Music in United States

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Academic requirements

We are not aware of any specific GRE, GMAT or GPA grading score requirements for this programme.

English requirements

Duolingo English Test

120

Take A Free Practice Test!

TOEFL^® IBT

Schedule TOEFL®

IELTS

6.5

Prepare for Your English Test

Cathoven AI IELTS Preparation

Learn your IELTS Score

AI-powered IELTS feedback. Clear, actionable, and tailored to boost your writing & speaking score. No credit card or upfront payment required.

Trusted by 300k learners
98 accuracy using real exam data
4.9/5 student rating

Other requirements

General requirements

Completed International Undergraduate Application
$50 application fee
Official government documentation (passport, visa)
Documentation for financial support (bank statement, minimum balance $50,260)
Translated and notarized transcript
If your high school courses were not taught in English
WES Course by Course Evaluation
SpanTran/TEC Course by Course Evaluation
ECE Course by Course Evaluation
Personal essay
Letter of recommendation
ACT/SAT scores (student may request waiver)
English Proficiency

Tuition Fees

Tuition fees are shown in and the most likely applicable fee is shown based on your nationality.

International Applies to you

Applies to you

Non-residents

42590 USD / year

≈ 42590 USD / year
Out-of-State

42590 USD / year

≈ 42590 USD / year
Domestic

Applies to you

In-State

42590 USD / year

≈ 42590 USD / year

Living costs

Homewood

United States

850 - 1300 USD / month

The living costs include the total expenses per month, covering accommodation, public transportation, utilities (electricity, internet), books and groceries.

Funding

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Scholarships Information

Below you will find Bachelor's scholarship opportunities for Commercial Music.

Available Scholarships

You are eligible to apply for these scholarships but a selection process will still be applied by the provider.

About

Overview

Industry Exposure

Industry Experience

Community

Career Preparation

Programme Structure

Key information

Duration

Start dates & application deadlines

Language

Prepare for Your English Test

Credits

Delivered

Campus Location

Disciplines

What students do after studying

Academic requirements

English requirements

Prepare for Your English Test

Other requirements

General requirements

Tuition Fees

International Applies to you

Domestic

Living costs

Homewood

Funding

Need help with your student visa?

Scholarships Information

Available Scholarships

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