Music
Commercial Music
LEARN WHAT THE MUSIC WORLD IS REALLY LIKE
In our Commercial Music degree, you don’t just study music—you make it, and you live it. Whether your dream is to perform Pop, Rock, Latin, or Jazz, you'll be in award-winning bands that feel like the real deal. Our groups are designed to match your style, challenge your skills, and launch you toward the career you’ve always imagined. Guided by faculty who are industry veterans, you’ll gain insider knowledge and real-world experience that take you from the spotlight of live shows to the precision of the recording studio.
This isn’t just college—it’s your first step into the music industry.
Why Choose KU for a Commercial Music Degree
We Deliver Excellence
With 10 Downbeat Awards in just the past seven years, KU Commercial Music has earned its place among the nation’s top programs. When you choose us, you’re choosing a school nationally recognized for quality, creativity, and success.
Learn from the Best
No matter your focus—voice, saxophone, guitar, piano, audio, drums, composition, and more—you’ll study one-on-one with exceptional faculty who are both accomplished performers and dedicated mentors. Our location, just a short trip from New York City and Philadelphia, gives us and you access to two of America’s most vibrant music scenes.
Training Tomorrow’s Professionals
We hold our students to a high standard—musically and personally. That combination of artistry and professionalism is exactly what gets you gigs and builds a lasting career.
World-Class Education, Affordable Price
KU delivers a premier Commercial Music experience without the staggering price tag. While other programs cost $60,000–$90,000 a year, our tuition and housing are significantly more affordable—making your dream career in music an attainable reality.
Hear From Our Commercial Students!
WHERE WILL KUTZTOWN TAKE YOU?
Our Commercial Music degree opens up a wide range of career paths—both creative and technical—depending on your focus (performance, studio and live audio production, business, etc.). Here’s a breakdown of potential job opportunities by category, many of which describe what some of our most successful alumni are currently doing:
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Performance & Creation
Recording Artist / Performing Musician – performing live, touring, or recording your own music
Studio Musician / Session Player – playing for other artists’ recordings, film scores, or TV soundtracks
Songwriter / Composer – writing for yourself, other artists, or media (film, TV, video games, advertising)
Arranger / Orchestrator – creating arrangements for bands, vocal groups, or media projects
Music Producer – overseeing recording projects, developing sound and style with artists
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Production & Technology
Audio Engineer – recording, mixing, and mastering in studios or live settings
Sound Designer – crafting sounds for film, television, games, or theater
Live Sound Engineer – managing sound for concerts and events
Music Technology Specialist – working with DAWs, MIDI, and digital audio systems in studios, schools, or houses of worship
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Business & Industry
Artist Manager / Booking Agent – managing performers, tours, and career development
A&R Representative – scouting and developing new talent for record labels
Music Publisher / Licensing Agent – placing songs in film, TV, ads, or video games
Label Operations / Marketing Staff – working in promotion, distribution, or digital strategy for record labels or streaming services
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Media & Entertainment
Film / TV Composer – scoring projects for visual media
Video Game Composer / Sound Designer – creating adaptive, interactive soundtracks
Advertising Composer / Jingle Writer – creating catchy, branded sound
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Media & Entertainment
Private Instructor / Clinician – teaching instrument, voice, or production
Music Director (church, theater, etc.) – coordinating ensembles and performances
Music Technology Educator – teaching recording or production in schools or community programs
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Emerging & Hybrid Roles
Content Creator / Influencer (Music-Focused) – building an online brand through platforms like YouTube, TikTok, or Twitch
Sync Artist / Producer – creating and pitching tracks specifically for film, TV, and streaming placements
Entrepreneur – launching your own label, studio, or music-related startup
From YOUR FIRST CONCERT to A finished track—it’s your journey
Fresh tracks every semester!
Have a listen to some of our recordings and see what we’re all about - WHICH WILL YOU PICK?
Want more? Follow us on Instagram: kucommercialmusic
STUDENT LEARNING OUTCOMES
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MUSIC: COMMERCIAL (BA)
- Perform with competence as soloist and ensemble members.
- Identify, define, and engage the elements of music in sound and notation.
- Describe current practices and historical trends in music.
- Demonstrate technology-based skills used in the music industry.
- Describe the management and operating systems of the music industry.