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Commercial Music Studies at TSU
Preparing for careers in Popular Music

The Commercial Music program at TSU is a concentration within the music degree. The degree in music requires Commercial Music students to study music theory, music history, private applied lessons on a primary instrument, present a senior recital, as well as participate in one of the Commercial Music ensembles. As a music degree all students are expected to know how to read music.

Within the Commercial Music concentration, student complete courses related to the music industry, technology, and performance. Upon completion of the degree, a student receives a Bachelor of Science in Music with a Concentration in Commercial Music.
The Commercial Music program provides students the option of choosing from one of three emphases: Business , Technology, or Performance.

The Business emphasis is for students who want to know more about the fundamentals of business. The emphasis is modeled after the general business minor in the College of Business. It includes classes related to economics, accounting, marketing, and management.

The Technology emphasis is for students who want to know more about the recording process. Classes provide concepts and practice related to capturing and manipulating sound.
 
Lastly, the Performance emphasis is for students who want more performing opportunities. This emphasis requires the study of a second instrument and participation in a second ensemble.
 Two significant requirements of the music degree and the Commercial Music concentration include the presentation of a Senior Recital and completion of the Major Field Assessment, as well as completion of an internship.

Because the degree is a performance degree, all Commercial Music students are required to complete seven semesters of Seminar. The intent of the Seminar class is to provide opportunity for students to perform the literature they are studying with their private applied instructor. The completion of seminar and applied lessons culminates in the Senior Recital and the completion of the Major Field Assessment.

All Commercial Music students are required to complete an internship. The internship is an opportunity for students to gain authentic work experience, expand their network and increase their contacts. Past students have interned at record labels, music publishers, radio stations, theme parks, and other music related entities.

Nashville is a major hub of musical activity. According to the Tennessee Entertainment Commission, Nashville is ranked number one in the nation for total workforce size in the music industry (www.tnentertainment.com/ent/music/).

For more information regarding the Commercial Music program at Tennessee State University, contact Dr. Mark Crawford at macrawford@tnstate.edu or call 615-963-5210.

Commercial Music Resources

Students performing at Opry Mills Nashville

Performance at Nashville Sounds Baseball Game

For more information contact Dr. Mark Crawford Coordinator, Commercial Music Program