Music History and Industry University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA)

Overview

The Music History and Industry B.A. at the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) offers a unique academic pathway that bridges the gap between traditional musicology and the contemporary commercial landscape. This programme is designed for students who wish to understand music as a cultural force while gaining the entrepreneurial skills necessary to navigate the professional sector.

As a liberal arts degree, the curriculum focuses on the historical and social contexts of music alongside practical applications. Students are encouraged to explore the evolution of various genres while developing a critical understanding of how the industry operates on a global scale. This approach ensures that graduates are not only scholars but also informed practitioners ready for the modern workforce.

Why Music History and Industry at University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA)?

Studying at the Herb Alpert School of Music provides students with access to world-class faculty and a vibrant creative community. The programme is distinguished by its location in Los Angeles, a global epicentre for the music and entertainment industries. This geographic advantage allows for unparalleled networking opportunities and exposure to professional environments.

A defining feature of the curriculum is the mandatory internship within the Los Angeles music industry. This requirement ensures that every student gains hands-on experience and builds professional connections before graduation. The university also provides extensive resources through the Career Centre and departmental advisers to help students align their academic interests with their future career goals.

Tuition Fee Breakdown

• International fee: USD 53302 per year
• National fee: USD 53302 per year
• Local fee: USD 15700 per year

Visit the Fees and Funding section for a breakdown in your local currency.

Syllabus

The curriculum combines theoretical study with creative production and business fundamentals. Modules may include:

• Musicology
• Popular Music Creation
• Music Production
• Music Industry
• Ethnomusicology
• Global Jazz Studies

Students also engage in coursework covering the fiscal, entrepreneurial, and legal requirements of the contemporary music world. The programme structure allows for exploration in the first two years, with a requirement to formally declare the major by the start of the junior year.

Careers with Music History and Industry

Graduates are prepared for a wide range of roles within the creative arts and commercial music sectors. The combination of historical knowledge and practical business training makes alumni competitive for positions in artist management, music publishing, and legal consultancy. The programme's focus on entrepreneurship also supports those looking to start their own ventures.

By completing the mandatory internship, students often transition directly into roles within major record labels, talent agencies, and production houses. The diverse skill set acquired at the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) allows graduates to pursue careers in music journalism, archive management, and digital media distribution across the global entertainment industry.