The Commercial Music program at TSU is first and foremost a music degree. Upon completion of the program, students receive a Bachelor of Science degree in Music, with a Concentration in Commercial Music.

Because it is a music degree, Commercial Music students study piano, music theory, music history, as well as enroll in private applied lessons, seminar, present a recital, and participate in one of the Commercial Music ensembles. Students must know how to read music.

Within the Commercial Music core, students study various careers and business practices of the music industry.   Also part of the core experience is participation in the internship program. Once a student meets certain perquisites the student is placed in the area that most meets the student's goals and talents. Commercial Music majors have interned at BMG/Sony, EMI, Integrity Music, BMI, MCA, MCG, Lyricanvas Recording Studio, Absolute Records, and at other music related businesses, such as radio stations.

Each Commercial Music major is also required to participate in one of the Commercial Music ensembles. The ensembles perform at local schools and various civic events.

The ensembles have even performed on the Bobby Jones gospel music television show.

Unique to the Commercial Music concentration is the option to pick one of three emphases.  The program offers emphases in Business, Technology, or Performance.

The Business emphasis is a business minor that is already prescribed in the school catalogue. It includes information about accounting, marketing, and management.  Central to the Technology emphasis is the recording classes. Students have opportunity to study signal flow and recording technique. Lastly, the Performance emphasis requires students to study a second applied, participate in a second ensemble, and present junior and senior recitals.

The Commercial Music program is growing! Nashville is one of the major hubs of musical activity. It has one of the highest concentrations of musicians and studios in the nation. Many genres of music are present in Nashville, and as trained musicians, we prepare our students to perform whatever style is asked of them.  

If you want more information regarding the Commercial Music program at Tennessee State University, contact me at macrawford@tnstate.edu, or call me at 615-963-5210.

Let us help you reach your musical dreams!

Dr. Mark Crawford

Coordinator, Commercial Music Program