College of Performing Arts unveils new music industry studies major

Collage by Sienna Lewis, Staff Photographer

As a former strategic and corporate communication major, sophomore Jorie Dougherty was considering transferring to a school with a music business major in order to pursue her dreams in songwriting, music publishing and management. However, the newly formed music industry studies program, which began at the start of the 2025-2026 school year, convinced her to become one of 21 students declaring this brand new major in the College of Performing Arts.

For professor and Bertea Family Chair in Music Amy Graziano, the music industry studies major is a dream 10 years in the making. Graziano developed multiple music minors within the College of Performing Arts (CoPA), including music business and film music. Seeing the success of these programs, Graziano, with guidance from Professor Emeritus Jeff Cogan and Lecturer Jeannie Gayle Pool, obtained accreditation through the National Association of Schools of Music this past summer.

The new major is an emphasis under the Bachelor of Arts in music. According to Graziano, Chapman’s program differs from other schools’ music industry programs by combining a core of music classes with a particular focus. The required core classes for the new program include music theory and history, as well as individual instruction and participation in a Chapman ensemble of students’ choice. In addition, students choose from one of three focuses: business and arts administration, recording and producing or media music.

In contrast, University of Southern California, a school Dougherty considered transferring to, has three similar majors with significant overlap: music production, a Bachelor of Music in music industry and the more business-focused Bachelor of Science in music industry.

“There are separate degrees where you're learning one aspect of the industry, rather than getting this broad background (through Chapman’s program), which we think makes students more marketable,” Graziano said.

Both Dougherty and sophomore Nia Chhen Stewart declared the major at the beginning of this school year after Graziano advertised it in their introduction to music business class last spring. 

Chhen Stewart, who was initially enrolled in the music business minor, decided to instead add music industry studies as a double major alongside public relations, advertising and entertainment marketing because it allowed her to receive class credit for playing the saxophone.

“I thought (the new program) was exactly what I was looking for because I was bummed declaring the minor that I wouldn’t get as much playing time, and ensemble and lessons count toward the major,” she said.

Graziano stressed the importance of these music classes within the new major, even for students looking into a more business-related career.

“Students really learn what it’s like to make music, because that will only help them as they go into the industry,” she said.

While many jobs within the music industry don’t require a college degree, Graziano said that the new program will expose students to many music professionals who they can find opportunities from networking.

“A lot of success in the music industry is who you know, and (the music industry studies major) will allow students to get to know lots of people,” Graziano said, citing Pool’s introduction to music business class, which brings in guest speakers from the music industry each week.

Additionally, students in the program will collaborate through hands-on projects to gain real-world experience. For example, students in the film music class get the chance to produce a score for a Dodge College of Film and Media Arts senior thesis film.

Another unique aspect about the major is that some of the core classes are taught by Dodge College or Argyros College of Business & Economics professors, highlighting the program’s interdisciplinary framework. For example, Chhen Stewart is taking accounting and finance for non-majors.

“I’ve never done anything remotely related to accounting before, so it’s definitely new, but I feel like I'm learning so much. Even if I don't go into the monetary side of the music business, it’s good knowledge to have,” she said.

Prospective students are required to meet with Graziano for an informal interview and audition. While past music experience is encouraged, the introductory courses build foundational knowledge for students without it.

“My audition process was very smooth,” Dougherty said. “I sent in a video of myself singing, and a week later, I was already enrolled in classes.”

Graziano is currently working with the CoPA marketing department to advertise the program, hoping to frame it as a gateway of opportunities into the music world.

“(Students) will be able to step into anywhere in the industry and progress up the ladder of success much more easily,” Graziano said, “Because they will already be able to do whatever job they want.”

Editor’s Note: Professor Amy Graziano’s title was incorrect in the original publication of this article, and has since been changed to reflect her current role. Jeff Cogan’s title has also been edited with the addition of his status as professor emeritus.