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Commercial Music Program

Study and perform popular music styles in a university setting.

The Commercial Music program at TSU is first and foremost a music degree, in which students study various careers and business practices of the music industry. 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. The ensembles perform at local schools and various civic events throughout the Nashville area, and have even performed on the Bobby Jones gospel music television show.

A unique element of the Commercial Music concentration is the option to pick one of three emphases: 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.

The Technology emphasis focuses on the technical as well as musical aspects of recording and production in the modern music industry.

 

TSU's off-campus recording studio facility, MidTown Sound, is a working professional studio on Nashville's Music Row,
the center of Music City's recording and business activity.

Lastly, the Performance emphasis requires students to study a second instrument, participate in a second ensemble, and present junior and senior recitals.

All Commercial Music students attend a required Performance Seminar class, which includes a combination of student performances and guest speakers from all areas of the music industry. Scheduled guests for spring 2013 include:

Jan 29, TV personality Evan Farmer
Feb 5, manager Rick Barker
Feb 12, branding/sponsorship expert Ken Sandridge
Apr 2, barbershop quartet, Lunch Box
 

Upcoming special Commercial Music Event: Your Music - Your Money: Learn How to Make Both Work for YOU!
Careers, Copyright, Music Publishing, Booking Gigs, and more. Presented by the TSU Department on Music, hosted by Dr. Mark Crawford, and featuring artist Kimberlie Helton.

Saturday, March 23, 2013, 9am-5pm in Jackson, Tennessee. Click here for the informational flyer .

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Another key element of the Commercial Music core experience is participation in the internship program. Once a student meets certain prerequisites the student is placed in the area that best 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 many other music related businesses.

Nashville is a major hub of musical activity, and has one of the highest concentrations of musicians and studios in the nation. Many genres of music are present in Nashville, and we strive to prepare our students to be able to perform whatever style is asked of them.

For more information regarding the Commercial Music program at Tennessee State University, contact me at macrawford@tnstate.edu or call 615-963-5210. Let us help you reach your musical dreams!

Dr. Mark Crawford
Coordinator, Commercial Music Program