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Bachelor of Arts
Commercial Music
This program empowers students to become musicians with artistic, technological, and entrepreneurial skills to thrive in the 21st century.
Is This Program for Me?
A degree in commercial music 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.
What Will I Learn?
The program instills and fosters a do-it-yourself attitude necessary for any entrepreneurial musician, while offering a unique approach to the commercial music industry.
Classes explore songwriting, performance, copyright, licensing, royalties collection, deal structures, music production and the latest techniques and innovations in audio technologies.
As an industry-recognized Avid Learning Partner, Samford’s Commercial Music production students differentiate and distinguish themselves as Pro Tools-certified specialists, demonstrating measurable value to potential future employers in recording, editing, and mixing.
Music history classes cover 19th century to present along with global music influencers, and all students benefit from classes in songwriting, music production, live performing and touring.
Our commercial music program offers several student-led ensembles that provide an outlet for students to perform. Students participate in diverse ensembles with unique performance and sound engineering opportunities from theatrical productions to worship services.
Practical experience is available on campus through University and School of the Arts-based events such as the Annual Step Sing, Your School Your City and Celebrate Christmas.
Key Skills
- Audience/Fan Engagement
- Audio Engineering
- Branding and Marketing
- Critical Thinking
- Effective Communication
- Entrepreneurship
- Industry Knowledge and Know-how
- Music Arranging
- Music Production
- Project Management
- Revenue Stream Creation
- Songwriting
- Touring and Life Performance
Plans of Study
“I chose to come to Samford for music because the campus itself felt like home. The commercial music program just sealed the deal. ”
“Every faculty member I met made a conscious effort to have a relationship with me. I could tell there was purpose and meaning behind everything they told me. What made me ultimately go with Samford was the connections I see myself making through my time here. My goal is to be professional drummer while also working in audio engineering and live sound.”
—Jacob McLendon, commercial music student
What Makes Us Different?
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.
Administration
- Fundraiser
- Nonprofit Admin
- Business Manager
- Venue Manager
- Arts Advocate
Industry
- Artist Management
- Booking Agent
- Music Supervisor
- Promoter
- Producer
- Publishing Staff
- Record Label Staff
- Songwriter
- Streaming
- Distribution Staff
- Sync Licensing Agent
Performance
- Artist
- Church Musician
- Concert Promoter
- Game Audio Designer
- Orchestra Manager
- Studio Musician
- Touring Musician
- Worship Leader
Retail/Merchandiser
- Artist Relations Staff
- Marketing Specialist
- Product Representative
- Product Developer
- Product Sales Publisher
- Tech Support Representative
Technology
- Audio Engineer
- Instrument Tech
- Product Designer
- Software Designer
Application Information
Freshman applications for next fall are open.Freshman Early Action applications close November 1st.The freshman first scholarship deadline is December 1st.Transfer applications for the spring semester close Dec. 15.Freshman FAFSA priority and scholarship deadlines are Feb. 15.Decision day is coming! Freshman applications for fall enrollment close May 1st.Transfer applications for fall enrollment close July 1st.Freshman applications for fall enrollment are closed. Applications for next year open August 1st.Transfer applications for fall enrollment are closed. Applications for next year open September 1st.
