The music you listen to, the artists you discover, the gigs and festivals you just have to attend - these wouldn’t exist without an industry working behind the scenes to develop, market, organise and create the experiences we all love.
If this is your passion, there is an industry for you! Work as an artist manager, tour manager, festival organiser, booking agent, publicist or venue manager. Work at a record label in A&R, marketing or publicity, or start your own record label. Do you want to be a music supervisor or publisher placing songs on TV shows, advertising or film?
The Bachelor of Business in Music Industry will provide you with the skills and experiences you need to excel in these professions.
Real-life industry experiences and facilities include:
The Bachelor of Applied Business in Music Industry is specifically designed to support emerging music professionals with a combination of highly-trained teachers, extraordinary opportunities and unique experiences creating a bridge to industry. The music business program is perfect for emerging music professionals that want to make a career in music business and entertainment.
Students will be taught and mentored by music professionals in an environment that supports and encourages them to achieve industry-ready skills, so they graduate ready to thrive. This is done by integrating real-life experiences in a supportive atmosphere. This fusion of education and industry is reflected in our teachers who, as well as teaching, currently work for or run publishing companies, record labels, touring companies, music festivals, booking agencies, entertainment law, public relations and social media companies.
Music business students work closely with music performance, production, and composition students, as well as having access to graphic design and fashion students to create cross-discipline projects in an exciting and talent-rich environment. This results in projects being already underway and gaining traction when the students graduate. There are many examples of a successful career beginning while still studying.
Student Quote
“Box Hill is actively helping me develop my music business career. The first hand experiences I have had here include setting up my own record label, doing A&R and recording in Sing Sing East. These types of industry opportunities in the Applied Business degree are invaluable...” - Isaac Boribon, 2nd Year Student, Bachelor of Applied Business in Music Industry
As music is an international language, you may be interested in Study Abroad options.
Keep in touch with us via our BHI Music Facebook page.
Last updated:
14 Apr 2021 at 02:00PM AEST
Box Hill Institute reserves the right to alter or delete details of a course offering, fees or other information provided
Full time: 3 years (classes take place on weekdays and are generally held over 3 - 4 days in the week)
Mode of delivery is face-to-face
There are many employment opportunities. After successful completion, you may wish to apply for positions within the entertainment and performance industry, such as a:
Graduates will:
International students must have completed an Australian Year 12 or international equivalent with a pass.
To assist your application you may wish to present a folio demonstrating your experience within the music industry.
Interview: you will be asked a series of questions relating to your suitability for the course. You should demonstrate a clear understanding of career goals and an aptitude for the course of study, including any relevant industry experience.
PLEASE NOTE: Box Hill Institute only accept enrolments from international students who are 18 years of age or above at the time of course commencement.
A minimum IELTS overall score of 6.0 (Academic) with no band less than 5.5 or approved equivalent.
For other accepted tests, please visit the English Language Requirements page.
International students please apply through:
See how to apply or contact the international office for more information.
Successful completion will enable you to apply for:
If you exit having completed the second year of the Bachelor of Applied Business in Music Industry, you will be eligible for an Associate Degree in Applied Business in Music Industry.
This course is accredited by the Tertiary Education Quality and Standards Agency (TEQSA) and the qualification is aligned with the Australian Qualification Framework (AQF) level 7 and Box Hill Institute Graduate Attributes.
International | |
Annual Tuition Fee | $19,270 |
Annual Service Fee | $166 |
Annual Material Fee | $0 |
Retain Course Items (Year 1) | $0 |
Estimated Annual Fee | $19,436 |
Retain Course Items are purchased once by the student prior to commencing. Those items then become the property of the student. Fees listed are at 2021 rates and may increase annually over the duration of delivery. The student tuition fees listed are subject to change given individual circumstances at enrolment. For more information please contact our Course Advisors on 1300 BOX HILL.
First year: 10 core subjects
Second year: 10 core subjects
Third year: 9 core subjects and an embedded semester length internship
Prerequisites: Technology Applications 1
The purpose of this module is to introduce the student to the different sectors that operate within the music industry: where they come from, what they do and how they do it. The subject offers an historical view of the development of the business side of the music industry. Students will also learn how to operate effectively in the music industry in terms of professional communications. This subject will develop understanding and skills necessary to communicate effectively in the modern Music Business environment. Students will develop their understanding and ability for formal oral and written communication, negotiation, meetings, conflict resolution, problem solving and interpersonal skills within this environment.
Contact hours are 1 hour lecture, 2 hour tutorial each week for 13 weeks.
This core subject offers students an understanding of the historical development, conventions and language associated with music and popular culture, through a study of the comprehensive history of the music industry and associated products from the establishment of colonial America to today. Political climates, world events and shifts in popular culture are examined to reveal how they have shaped the music industry. This subject also considers changes in recording technology, the delivery of recorded products and the impact that those changes have had to date on the music industry.
Contact hours are 1 hour lecture, 2 hour tutorial each week for 13 weeks.
The aim of this subject is for students to investigate real business scenarios (which present music business opportunities related to music events), design solutions and produce outcomes which are likely to satisfy key participants and stakeholders. With a focus on planning and delivering events through the innovative Music Industry Business Office (MiBO), the subject aims to create practical and real workplace skills that are applicable to the music industry and in wider business scenarios.
Contact hours are 1 hour lecture, 1 hour tutorial for 13 weeks.
Music Industry Studies 2 continues directly from Music Industry Studies 1. Students will expand upon and consolidate concepts, knowledge, understanding and skills concerning the music industry with a particular focus on conceptual and theoretical understanding of the principles, practice, roles and functions of band and artist management and administration. Students will develop key skills of band and artist management.
Contact hours are 1 hour lecture, 2 hour tutorial each week for 13 weeks.
This subject serves as an introduction to the operation of law in Australian industry and commerce. It addresses the Australian legal system, sources of law, the law of contract including the law relating to professional negligence. This subject considers contract law in relation to its application in common music industry contracts such as recording and publishing deals, artist management contracts and venue agreements.
Contact hours are 1 hour lecture, 2 hours tutorial each week for 13 weeks.
The aim of this subject is to provide students with relevant business approaches and principles to successfully work within the music industry. This subject provides students with a thorough conceptual understanding of marketing principles and fundamentals. The key focus will be on the application of these concepts to all aspects of the music industry, including music-specific topics such as image making for performing artists and the practice of public relations.
Contact hours are 1 hour lecture, 2 hour tutorial each week for 13 weeks.
This is a workshop-based subject that mentors students through the process of booking and promoting multi-bill shows at established venues. Students will build on skills developed in Applied Business 1 with an increased focus on promotional and communication skills, as well as further emphasis on finding and developing talent.
Contact hours are 1 hour lecture, 1 hour tutorial each week for 13 weeks. Music Industry Publicity, Promotions & PR provides the student with an understanding of core promotional activities required in todays music industry market, and the ability to incorporate them into an integrated marketing plan. Students will construct strong promotional campaigns across all platforms, and develop skills such as writing media releases, organising news conferences, undertaking media training for artists and briefing agencies, as well as handling communications in a crisis situation. The ethical and regulatory issues that can arise in promotional activity will also be studied.
Prerequisites: None
Assessment: Assessment 1: 500 word media release + 500 word supporting documentation, 20% Assessment 2: Promotional Plan, length 2,000 words, 40% Assessment 3: Examination - 2 hours, 40%
This subject further develops knowledge and skills in the Music Industry suite of subjects. The first part of this subject looks at record companies in depth: their history, structures and operations, and contracts. It will consider the different types of recording deals and contracts available. The subject will then consider how to choose the best deal for an artist and how to fulfil the artist’s contractual obligations. The subject covers the skills required by artists or their managers to gauge specific recording contract potential for best fit with the music act. The second part of this subject involves the research, planning, preparation and successful completion of an Artist & Repertoire (A&R) Journal. Students will learn the fundamentals of A&R, including production schedules, recording processes, release schedules, budgeting for a release and presenting a pitch. Assessment will enable students to undertake the A&R procedure with a real band of their own selection.
Contact hours are 1 hour lecture, 2 hour tutorial each week for 13 weeks.
This subject presents an introduction to the provision and management of special events such as music festivals, local music shows, state-wide and national touring. Students will learn the critical elements of creating, staging and facilitating music events such as securing venues, catering, logistics, safety and risk, travel, accommodation, band requirements and marketing. Students will also gain an understanding of the role that these events play in society, and how they contribute to, and impact upon, host communities.
Contact hours are 1 hour lecture, 2 hour tutorial each week for 13 weeks.
This subject provides students with a comprehensive understanding of key concepts pertaining to music copyright and considers the fundamental role that it plays in the exploitation of music, artwork, photography, film and merchandising, as they relate to the music industry. The principles and functions of collection societies and of copyright-generated royalties are also considered. International systems for copyright exploitation and protection will be studied and this subject concludes with consideration being given to the future of copyright and possible changes in current legislation.
Contact hours are 1 hour lecture, 2 hour tutorial each week for 13 weeks.
This is a practical subject that builds on skills and knowledge acquired in the previous subjects in this stream. The aim of this subject is to mentor students through the process of creating and maintaining a functioning and profitable on-campus 360-degree record label. Artists will A&R and sign artists, organise distribution, marketing, international licensing, and book shows, including supports, and tours. The structure of the group will mirror the organisational structure of a record label with various departments responsible for the different label functions. Each artist will have a label manager responsible for overseeing the functions of the label in respect of the artists signed.
Contact hours are 1 hour lecture , hour tutorial for 13 weeks,
This subject builds on skills and knowledge acquired in the ‘Technology Applications’ suite of subjects. The subject will discuss the concept of social media and the evolution of this new form of communication from simple online communities to large networks. The role of technology in changing the techniques marketers use to communicate with their consumers will be investigated, including business strategies for incorporating social media into marketing and promotions, and how this technology can be effectively managed and controlled. This subject will investigate how consumers use social media to circumvent the traditional methods of marketing and promotion and begin talking directly with other consumers via technologies like Facebook and Twitter. The subject analyses underlying theories of community and how Web 2.0 technology has enhanced this concept of online communities and social networks to incorporate the Internet. The subject will also provide students with hands-on experience including the creation of marketing and products using Web 2.0 technology.
Contact hours are 1 hour lecture, 1 hour tutorial each week for 13 weeks.
This subject explores the body of knowledge that constitutes the evolving nature of the music industry, and provides a thorough theoretical foundation and understanding of the functions, driving forces and operations that shape this industry. In this subject, which continues from Music Industry Studies 3, students will expand upon and consolidate concepts, knowledge, understanding and analytical thinking as they consider the future of the music industry. This subject provides a conceptual framework for students to evaluate the current trends and changes within the music industry, impacts of changes in the operating environment and possible outcomes and future projections. Students will explore how the music of the future will be delivered and accessed by consumers. It is expected that students will develop maturity in undertaking self-initiated and self-directed work, reflective thinking and practice, creativity and innovation, and critical evaluation of their own work.
Contact hours are 1 hour lecture, 2 hour tutorial each week for 13 weeks.
This subject introduces the underlying general principles and practices of accounting, a framework that represents an international ‘language of business’. This subject enables stakeholders to explain and apply the concepts underlying accounting systems and practice. Students will understand how accounting reports and financial statements can inform decisions made for organisations, including those taken by managers and stakeholders, and the basis upon which useful financial information is sourced, prepared, and presented.
Contact hours are 1 hour lecture, 2 hour tutorial each week for 13 weeks.
This subject provides students with a comprehensive understanding of key concepts in music publishing. The principles and functions of the publishing industry as a system within the music industry, and role of the publisher in collecting copyright-generated royalties are also considered. This subject includes an in-depth study of the different types of publishing contracts and dissects some typical publishing contracts. Students will be able to use contracts to determine deal points that will assist them in calculating publishing income.
Contact hours are 1 hour lecture, 2 hour tutorial each week for 13 weeks.
This is a practical, workshop-based subject that aims to mentor students through the process of creating and maintaining a functioning and profitable campus, 360-degree record label. Building on the skills and knowledge developed in Applied Business 3, students will further their skills in the knowledge of distribution, marketing and promotions, international licensing, and book shows for their artists, including supports and tours. The structure of the group will mirror the structure of a record label with different departments responsible for various label functions. Students will work in small groups of 2-4 students.
Contact hours are 1 hour lecture, 1 hour tutorial each week for 13 weeks.
This subject builds on skills and knowledge acquired through the ‘Technology Applications’ stream. This subject will develop the basic skills of website authoring, from design to implementation. Students will develop skills in the creation of digital content for a Content Management System (CMS) and learn how to apply principles of web design to develop a website using a CMS.
Contact hours are 1 hour lecture, 1 hour tutorial each week for 13 weeks.
This subject presents an introduction to social science research methodology and business statistics. It seeks to provide students with critical thinking and analytical skills as applied to empirical research. The subject consists of two sections: the first deals with social and business research methods as well as contemporary research issues; the second covers basic descriptive and inferential statistical techniques.
Contact hours are 1 hour lecture, 2 hour tutorial each week for 13 weeks.
This subject builds on knowledge and skills acquired in the Music Industry Studies stream. The subject will examine theory and policies relating to international business from a management and organisational perspective. Topic areas will include international trade, foreign investment, international finance and consideration of the Australian music industry in the international context. The approach taken will be to demonstrate the similarities in theoretical perspectives between the Australian music industry and international markets, in order to allow students to analyse opportunities to develop international business. There will be an emphasis on the import and export of the artist and music products.
Contact hours are 1 hour lecture, 2 hour tutorial each week for 13 weeks.
This subject builds on knowledge and skills acquired in the Applied Business suite of subjects. In this subject, using collaborative investigative, planning and management methods students will acquire, and apply, knowledge and key practical skills that prepare them for entry into the music industry. A significant reference will be made to import/export initiatives working in concert with the Music Industry Studies 5 (International Business) subject. The campus record label—Boxer Records—component of the subject will study the key elements of applied research and entrepreneurial thinking in relation to idea and business creation, and the contextual potential of the music video. It will also consider the current climate of the music industry, so that students can ally entrepreneurial thinking to their own music industry careers. Students will be actively encouraged to continue developing their business networks with a view to gaining potential internships for the upcoming semester.
Contact hours are 1 hour lecture, 1 hour tutorial each week for 13 weeks.
This subject builds on skills and knowledge acquired in the ‘Technology Applications’ stream of subjects. In this subject, students will develop, analyse, and conceptualise and create content-rich media that meets the needs of music industry clients. To reach the maximum potential audience, artists and music businesses need to have a wide range of content-rich media available for use as promotional tools. This subject aims to provide students with skills, knowledge and the technical ability to allow them to assess and analyse the multimedia needs of their clients. Students will generate different types of media suitable for different types of client groups. The types of media skills required include shooting and editing video, embedding content into media, and considering appropriate file type conversion, and merging and synchronising different media such as audio/film/graphic material.
Contact hours are 1 hour lecture, 1 hour tutorial each week for 13 weeks.
This unit provides students with an understanding of entrepreneurship, innovation and new venture generation, and start-up. Students will learn how to leverage business management knowledge and use it successfully in entrepreneurial ventures. A key focus will be the development of enterprising and entrepreneurial attitudes, skills and behaviours, to ensure the effective establishment of ideas, management or work, regardless of organisational context.
Contact hours are 1 hour lecture, 2 hour tutorial each week for 13 weeks.
This subject explores the body of knowledge surrounding management theory and practice, and evaluates the impact on management decision-making in the Australasian context. The subject develops student understanding of the changing contexts of, and demands on, management, particularly as relevant to Music Business. Theories and practices of individual and group behaviour in the context of organisations and their environment are explored. This subject provides fundamental knowledge and skills for students planning a career within organisations. The nature, contexts and practices of management and leadership, change management, human resource management and time management will be studied through theory, case studies and the sharing of personal experiences.
Contact hours are 1 hour lecture, 2 hour tutorial each week for 13 weeks.
Students will learn about the theory and nature of sound and develop fundamental skills in understanding audio signal flow, music recording and the use of advanced music recording software and digital audio workstations. The key outcomes for students are to gain a working knowledge of studio production principles and practices, as well as the knowledge and language needed to communicate with professionals in team settings on music initiatives. Students will record and manipulate audio, work with midi, edit and use effects, and mix a final product. Students explore the aesthetics of music and are challenged to review music from a wide range of genres and styles. Students will gain skills and knowledge in the perception and descriptions of music, as required for working in the music industry. Further, students will develop the capacity to assess artists, performances and recordings in a wide range of styles and genres in relation to social and cultural contexts in which the music is produced and presented.
Contact hours are 2 hour lecture, 2 hour tutorial each week for 13 weeks.
This subject builds on knowledge and skills acquired through the ‘Music Industry Studies’ subject stream. Through this particular subject, students will gain a thorough understanding of sources of funding available to support the music industry, including government grants. They will gain a comprehensive conceptual understanding of the Federal and State funding frameworks, the principles of grant writing, evaluation and management, and the responsibilities of individuals and entities funded by the taxpayer. This subject will include developing an understanding of entrepreneurial innovation and export grants, as well as traditional arts funding sources.
Contact hours 1 hour lecture, 2 hour tutorial each week for 13 weeks.
This subject aims to provide knowledge and skills needed to successfully manage a career, and work professionally in the music industry. Conceptual, procedural and dispositional capacities will all be considered. Students will gain an understanding of their own strengths, weaknesses, knowledge, skills, abilities, graduate attributes and employability skills. Students will reflect on their profile using this broad framework and apply it to a career management strategy. At the end of this subject the student will have completed a music industry internship that will complement their career development goals. Students will be involved in activities within a professional Music Business environment, which could include a record label, a music publishing business, performance venue, or a promotional entrepreneur, for example. The student will execute and then review their internship as they observe, gain, analyse and critically assess skills and knowledge gathered in this placement, and reflect on the implications for and refine future career goals and directions. Students will be supervised by an industry professional, and/or, an academic mentor. The internship must be negotiated with, and approved by, the subject co-ordinator.
Contact hours are: 1 hour lecture per week for 13 weeks, and 12 full days at the students' internship site. Applicant background | Semester one / Full year intake - 2020 | |
Number of students | % of all students | |
(A) Higher education study (includes a bridging or enabling course) | <5 | NP |
(B) Vocational education and training (VET) study | 0 | 0% |
(C) Work and life experience (admitted on the basis of previous achievement not in the other three categories) | 0 | 0% |
(D) Recent secondary education: Admitted solely on the basis of ATAR (regardless of whether this includes the consideration of adjustment factors such as equity or subject bonus points) | NA | NA |
Admitted where both ATAR and additional criteria were considered (e.g. portfolio, audition, extra test, early offer conditional on minimum ATAR) | NA | NA |
Admitted on the basis of other criteria only and ATAR was not a factor (e.g. special consideration, audition alone, schools recommendation scheme with no minimum ATAR requirement) | <5 | NP |
International students | 0 | 0% |
All students | 6 | 100% |
Notes:
We expect to enrol between 20 and 25 students.
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