Overview
|
|
Why Study Popular Music Industry at PBA?
Develop your talents as an artist, songwriter, performer, and producer through Palm Beach Atlantic University’s Bachelor of Arts in Popular Music Industry. Students combine musical creativity with industry-focused skills in songwriting, performance, recording, production, and music business while learning from experienced faculty in a collaborative, Christ-centered environment.
- Performance & Production: Gain experience both on stage and behind the console while developing skills in performance, recording, and production.
- Songwriting & Creativity: Write and produce original music while developing your unique artistic voice.
- Industry Preparation: Build practical knowledge of the business and professional skills needed to enter today’s music industry.
- Collaborative Learning: Work alongside fellow musicians, songwriters, engineers, and producers in a creative College of the Arts community.
What You'll Learn
Students in the Popular Music Industry program learn to:
- Apply jazz and popular music theory
- Improvise vocally or instrumentally across musical genres and styles
- Develop effective songwriting skills
- Create and perform a professional 45-minute concert
- Record and produce original music
- Develop the professional skills needed to enter the music industry
Program Details
The Popular Music Industry program combines performance, songwriting, recording, production, and music business preparation to equip students for today’s evolving music industry. Through collaborative projects, live performances, original recordings, and faculty mentorship, students develop both the artistic and technical skills needed to turn their musical talents into professional opportunities.
PBA offers a variety of courses that students can choose from within this program. Take a look at what you’ll be learning while working toward your degree.
Students can customize their academic experience through elective coursework, minors, and additional majors that align with their academic and career goals. Explore the opportunities available at PBA.
Students in the College of the Arts develop their talents in creative learning environments designed to support music performance, recording, production, songwriting, and collaboration. Students gain experience both behind and in front of the console while developing original music and preparing for professional careers.
Learn from experienced faculty members who bring professional expertise in performance, songwriting, recording, production, and the music industry. Through hands-on instruction, collaboration, and personalized mentorship, PBA professors help students develop their artistic identities and the professional skills needed to succeed in music.
Students build professional experience through original songwriting, recording projects, live performances, collaborative productions, and music industry experiences. As part of the program, students create and produce a professional recording of original music and develop a 45-minute popular music concert, providing substantial portfolio and performance experience before graduation.
Entry Requirements
- Completed application
- Official high school transcripts
- Additional admissions materials as required
- Music audition, if required for current admission
Visit the Office of Admissions and College of the Arts for current application, music admission, scholarship, and financial aid deadlines.
Career Outcomes
Popular Music Industry graduates develop skills in performance, songwriting, recording, production, and music business that prepare them for creative and technical careers across the music and entertainment industries.
Potential career paths include:
- Professional Musician
- Singer/Songwriter
- Music Producer
- Recording Artist
- Sound Technician
- Recording Engineer
- Music Teacher*
- Live Performer
- Music Industry Professional
- Songwriter
*Some teaching positions may require additional certification or education.
Related Articles
What Can You Do with a Music Degree?
Student Stories
Popular Music Industry students develop their artistic voices through songwriting, performance, recording, production, collaboration, and faculty mentorship. These experiences help students strengthen their musical talents while preparing to create, perform, and work professionally in the music industry.
“If you are searching for excellent teaching and training to become a professional performing musician, there is no better place to be than in the Popular Music program at Palm Beach Atlantic University.”
— Jessalynne Madden, Popular Music Student
Ereina Totman: Using Music to Serve and Worship
Watch Ereina Totman’s story below to learn how studying Music and Worship Leadership at PBA helped her develop her musical gifts through performance, mentorship, and a Christ-centered education. Ereina’s experience demonstrates how PBA students can strengthen their abilities as musicians and leaders while discovering meaningful ways to use their talents.
Financial Aid
PBA’s robust scholarship program awards over $3 million every year. Invest in your learning with major-specific scholarships and other financial aid opportunities, which are awarded to 97% of our undergraduate students. Explore the resources below to learn more about tuition, financial aid, and scholarship opportunities.
