Contemporary Music Industry

Music and technology are being used in more settings than ever before, creating an abundance of new career opportunities for professional leaders who are strong both artistically and administratively. Bushnell School of Music and Performing Arts has designed an innovative curriculum that will prepare the next generation of leaders for a wide variety of jobs and entrepreneurial opportunities in the entertainment industry. Students may also choose to apply these skills in producing quality worship and performance experiences in the Church.

Why Choose Contemporary Music Industry at Bushnell University?

In addition to its innovative curriculum and strong faculty, the CMI Program will help the student in the following:

• Possess highly developed music production skills
• Possess an excellent working knowledge of technology and music
• Possess significant leadership skills in production and professional settings
• Possess additional training as an artist and businessperson

Career Opportunities

Careers Related to Contemporary Music Industry:

• Audio Engineer
• Audio Programmer
• Sound Board Operator
• Lighting Technician
• Mastering Engineer
• Music Technologist
• Production Director
• Production Coordinator
• Sound Designer
• Stage Manager
• Studio Manager
• Technical Director
• Technician

Auditions & Scholarships

All students who desire to pursue a degree in Christian Worship, Contemporary Music Industry, or Music must complete the audition process in addition to fulfilling the Bushnell admission requirements.  *The audition provides the faculty with an opportunity to measure your potential success as a major or minor and to determine whether you will be admitted to the program.  Scholarships may be awarded to eligible students.

*Students interested in ensemble participation only may still complete the audition process to be considered for an ensemble and to be eligible for a potential participation scholarship.

Audition Process:

The audition process consists of three components:  essay application, personal interview, and music audition.

Essay Application:

The essay should be approximately 350-500 words and help us get to know you. The topics that you should address are: Why are you interested in studying Music, Christian Worship or Contemporary Music Industry? Why Bushnell? What are your career goals at this point in your life? What ministry experiences have you had? And what relevant training have you had for your intended major to this point (private lessons, courses, ensembles, internships etc.)?

The application must be submitted prior to your scheduled audition.

Performing Arts Audition Application

Interview:

The personal interview is designed to help us get to know you better and to be able to interact with you personally. The interview can be part of your on-campus music audition. You should be nicely dressed and be ready to interact with faculty regarding your essay.

Audition:

For the performance portion of your audition, please prepare two selections in your strongest performance area(s).  If possible, we would encourage you to prepare songs in differing styles.  In addition, students auditioning for the Music major may be asked to sight-read vocally or instrumentally.

*Non-music audition alternative: Bring portfolio of your work or resume of experience with you to your interview.

Audition Dates:

The department has dedicated the following dates as audition days:

• Fall Preview Day
  • Please note the financial aid priority deadline for Fall 2023 applicants. It is best to audition by this date for priority scholarship consideration.
• Spring Preview Day

• • Please note the financial aid priority deadline for Spring 2024 applicants. It is best to audition by this date for priority scholarship consideration.

• If unable to attend a designated audition day, specially scheduled auditions can be made on most weekdays (Monday-Friday) throughout the year. Schedule a Individual Student Visit.  Select “Audition for Performing Arts” on your requested appointments and they will help coordinate a specific time.
• Though on campus auditions are preferred, if travel distance makes it impractical for you to perform, an on- campus audition then you may record and submit a video audition. Contact music@bushnell.edu for further instructions.

Courses in the Major

Prerequisites for Contemporary Music Industry

• Music Fundamentals
• The Christian Artist
• Class Piano I
• Rhythm Section Methods
• Class Guitar I

Requirements for Contemporary Music Industry

• Music Technology
• Survey of Music Business
• Music Theory I
• Ear training & Sightreading I
• Grove Collective Practicum: Live Production
• Ensemble
• Internship
• Capstone

Choose a Concentration…

Live Sound & Production Concentration

• Live Sound Production
• Lighting & Design
• Video Production
• Choose 9 credits from the following:
  • Principles of Management & Leadership
  • Management of Information Systems
  • Legal and Ethical Issues in Business & Management
  • Operations Management
  • Studio Techniques I
  • Studio Techniques II
  • Music Arranging & Production
  • Marketing
  • Branding, Advertising and Promotion
  • Sales Strategy and Management
  • Digital Marketing

Studio Recording Concentration

• Studio Techniques I & II
• Music Arranging & Producing
• Choose 9 credits from the following:
  • Principles of Management & Leadership
  • Management of Information Systems
  • Legal and Ethical Issues in Business & Management
  • Operations Management
  • Group and Organizational Behavior
  • Live Sound Production
  • Lighting & Design
  • Video Production
  • Marketing
  • Branding, Advertising and Promotion
  • Sales Strategy and Management
  • Digital Marketing

Courses in the Christian Worship Minor

Prerequisites for Contemporary Music Industry Minor

• Music Fundamentals
• The Christian Artist
• Rhythm Section Methods
• Class Guitar I

Requirements for Contemporary Music Industry Minor

• Music Technology
• Survey of Music Business
• Grove Collective Practicum: Live Production
• Ensemble
• Choose 9 credits from the following:
  • Legal and Ethical Issues in Business & Management
  • Management of Information Systems
  • Principles of Management & Leadership
  • Operations Management
  • Group and Organizational Behavior
  • Marketing
  • Branding, Advertising and Promotion
  • Sales Strategy and Management
  • Digital Marketing
  • Live Sound Production
  • Lighting and Design
  • Video Production
  • Studio Techniques I
  • Studio Techniques II
  • Music Arranging and Producing