The online Master of Arts in Music Business and Industry at West Virginia University (WVU) is a gateway to success in the music industry. Graduates of the program have gone on to secure key positions at major record labels, manage prestigious orchestras and excel as audio engineers. Even current students are making waves, earning recognition for their exceptional skills. Through testimonials from alumni and students, find out how the program's comprehensive curriculum and real-world experiences prepare individuals for successful and fulfilling careers in music.
Benjamin Wilson
Sr Licensing Administrator, Warner Music Group
Nashville, TN
Benjamin Wilson knew he wanted to complete WVU’s master’s degree in Music Business and Industry after completing the undergraduate program because he wanted a more in-depth and specialized education in music publishing to make himself more desirable in the field.
Through the online Music Business and Industry program, Wilson could focus on a sector of the music industry that most interested him.
Wilson applies the knowledge he gained about music publishing in his career working in the Publishing & Licensing department at the third-largest record company, Warner Music Group.
Getting into the music industry is more luck than skill. I was one of 623 applicants for my first job. Do not be discouraged, and keep persevering until you get that job offer! Benjamin Wilson
Wilson encourages prospective students to explore the program and the classes to find a sector of the music industry that they’re passionate about. Students can dive deeper into subject matters like live music, music publishing and recording tech, giving you an idea of what those careers could look like.
Cassandra Muhr
General Manager, Washington Symphony Orchestra
Washington, PA
Cassandra Muhr’s passion for music has always been there, but she wasn’t sure which aspect she wanted to pursue. She discovered her interest in music management by interviewing artists for her college radio show. As she explored her options, she found the online M.A. in Music Business and Industry at WVU and knew it would help her expand her knowledge of the industry.
Cassandra Muhr has gone from Marketing and Communications Manager for a brass band to general manager at the Washington Symphony Orchestra. “Neither of these jobs would have been attainable without my Music Business & Industry degree," she adds.
"I planned to work and wanted to pursue my graduate degree to deepen my understanding of the music industry. The online program enabled me to study various aspects of the industry while simultaneously gaining practical experience in my field," Muhr added. She found the connections she made in the program to be one of the most rewarding aspects.
Muhr worked full-time while completing the degree. She found the workload manageable, thanks to the support of her professors. She also found value in collaborating with Mon Hills Music Group, enriching her experience and skill set.
Network, network, network! It is so important in the music industry to establish connections. Don't be afraid to reach out to someone who is in a position you would be interested in learning more about. Those connections will be important in helping you find a job that you enjoy and that fits your goals. Enjoy the journey. Cassandra Muhr
Chris Kuskey
Audio Engineer
Nashville, TN
After completing the Music Business and Industry bachelor’s degree at WVU, Chris Kuskey decided to continue his education at the graduate level as a graduate assistant in the master’s degree in Music Business and Industry. The GA opportunity paired with the opportunity to deepen his knowledge of the music industry was too good to pass up.
Kuskey felt the bachelor’s degree gave him a primary sense of each facet of working in music, while the master’s degree took that fundamental understanding and expanded each topic in greater detail. “It felt like seeing behind the curtain of the topics I learned about in the undergrad program,” said Kuskey.
After completing the degree, he moved to Nashville to pursue audio engineering and performance. He uses the knowledge he gained from WVU every day in his career. “Having such a firm understanding of the machinations of the music industry has made so many conversations with clients and colleagues possible. I also feel confident being able to parse what is good advice and good opportunities and what is not,” Kuskey added.
Kuskey found the course materials to be very important but found the outside-of-class environment to be what makes the program special. With lower barriers to entry to the music industry in Morgantown, he was able to gain much more meaningful experience more quickly than he would have been able to in a larger city. The skills he learned in Morgantown have given him a leg up in bigger markets.
If you’re a singer-songwriter, audio engineer, or aspiring music business professional looking to make a career out of your passion, I cannot recommend the music industry program enough. Chris Kuskey
Jennifer Colwell
Director of Performing Arts, Canterbury Woods Performing Arts Center
Williamsville, NY
Jennifer Colwell wanted to further her knowledge of the music industry by studying in-depth aspects of the industry. WVU’s M.A. in Music Business and Industry gave her the perfect opportunity to apply the knowledge she was gaining to everyday situations within her local music business.
Her favorite aspect was reading and studying real-life situations in the music industry, learning the history about how the industry began, as well as the online interactions she had with fellow classmates online.
Colwell is currently the Director of Performing Arts for a local performing arts organization. “In this role, I negotiate, write and review contracts between the venue and the artist, promote and market the performing arts center to gain awareness within the community, seek out and book talent to perform, such as dance recitals, musicians, musicals, theatre groups, etc.,” Colwell added.
There is a lot of competition in the music industry, so take it seriously, study and learn the ins and outs of the industry, network and build relationships, and gain experience needed to start in the industry. Jennifer Colwell
CJ Rhen
Current Student
After studying Music in Composition and Music Performance at the School of Music, CJ Rhen chose to continue his education within WVU’s M.A. in Music Business and Industry.
“This program allows me the freedom to create the projects I want to make at my own pace, all while giving me the professional work and experience that takes my skill set to the next level,” Rhen said. “I love studio-engineered recordings because of the intricacy of working in the mix. There are countless methods, skills, procedures and creativity that go into them. The music industry at WVU and West Virginia is full of unrealized opportunities. You have to take the initiative and create them yourself and the community and university will always support you.”
Then was recently recognized with an award for Best Engineered Studio Recording from DownBeat Magazine.
Zackery Busch
Lincoln County Schools
Hamlin, WV
From undergraduate to graduate education, Zackery Busch jumped right into the Music Business & Industry Master of Art program upon completing his undergraduate studies at WVU. He wanted to continue working with the world-class faculty in WVU’s School of Music.
Busch recommends students to “apply yourself. Take advantage of the opportunities given to you and create opportunities for yourself using the knowledge you gain from the program.”
During his time in the program, his favorite aspect was getting real-world experience by working with colleges at Mon Hills Records. The opportunity is “one that can’t be beat.”
Gaining knowledge of how sound works in different spaces and scenarios has been vital in his work with the Lincoln County Schools marching band.
The online Master of Arts in Music Business and Industry at WVU has proven to be a catalyst for success in the music industry. The program's focus on real-world experiences and comprehensive curriculum equips students with the knowledge and skills necessary to thrive in this competitive field. If you're passionate about music and aspire to build a rewarding career, explore the program further and request more information. Your future in the music industry awaits.
Music Business and Industry, M.A.
Whether you own a music business, want to advance in the music industry or are looking for a pathway to teaching music in higher ed, this fully online master's degree will give you invaluable knowledge and skills to be a visionary leader in the music industry. Learn more about our online program.
Request More InformationMeet the Author
Stefanie Moore
Marketing Manager
Stefanie is a marketing manager in the Marketing Communications Online Programs through the College of Creative Arts and Media at West Virginia University. She is an alumna of WVU's M.S. in Integrated Marketing Communications (IMC) and has been working in marketing for over 6 years after beginning her career in the newspaper business. She's a marathon runner and she recently ran a qualifying time for the Boston Marathon.