The music industry studies degree at University of the Pacific is the first collegiate program of its kind in Northern California. It is a non-audition music degree which will equip you with the knowledge, industry connections and resilience to succeed in the fast-paced environment of the music industry.
What started as a senior project for music industry studies major Axel Tanner ’21 quickly turned him into a major social media influencer with a following of over 1 million.
"I went from being a senior in college with very few music industry connections to now owning a very valuable brand with playlists that everyone's trying to get on."
Through intensive, hands-on training opportunities and internships, combine professional practice with music business and music production education.
Get ready for a variety of careers in the creative side, the “buyer side” and “seller side” of the music business.
Connect with a network of professional alumni and music industry executives. Expand your knowledge via a minor in business, pre-law, film studies, computer science, communication or other.
Internship Opportunities
You will have many hands-on opportunities to gain skills and experience needed for professional careers in the competitive music industry and to lay the groundwork for your future employment. Our students have recently secured internships and temporary positions at:
Dylan Bliss ‘24 got an insider’s look at the live music industry during her internship at Sacramento’s Golden 1 Center. She provided concert support for top acts like Justin Bieber, Billie Eilish and Tyler, the Creator. Dylan details what she did day-to-day in her internship, how Pacific prepared her for the opportunity and what advice she would give to students hoping to break into the music business.
Established by Pacific’s Music Management Advisory Board, the fund provides financial support to Pacific students majoring in music industry studies, music management or in arts and entertainment who want to participate in off-campus experiential learning opportunities and internships. Funds can be applied to housing, travel and living expenses.
To apply or for more information: Benom Plumb, program director, bplumb@pacific.edu
Photo by Bella Nelson ’25, credentials assistant for the 2022 OutsideLands Music Festival, San Francisco
Music industry majors have the opportunity to work for Pacific’s student-run record label and music services company. Students are coached by faculty and alumni mentors. This industry model was created in the spring of 2012 and provides you with hands-on experience while you build your resume.
Pictured: 2019-20 Pac Ave Records featured artist Issadora Ava ’21 works in Pacific’s Owen Hall recording studio. Ava’s EP “No One Belongs Here More Than You” was ranked in the top three of Music Connection Magazine (April 2020).
This annual one-day conference is open to the Pacific community as well as prospective students and parents. The free event features panels and masterclasses with high-caliber music industry guests. The conference gives music industry and music management students opportunities for private, one-on-one mentorships with the guests.
Pictured (L-R): Todd Brabec (former VP of ASCAP, co-author of “Music, Money and Success”), Alicen Schneider (SVP Head of Music Creative, Universal Studio Group + NBCUniversal Media), and Denny Stilwell (President of Mack Avenue Music Group)
Our graduates know how to make aesthetic and business judgments that enable them to step right into professional life after graduation. They acquire skills that identify them as potential leaders and enter a variety of careers including live entertainment promotion, music publishing and licensing, music recording and production or music distribution and streaming.
Pictured: June Benoit ’22, music publishing assistant, pop/electronic, at Create Music Group, Los Angeles
Music Management Advisory Board
Students in the Music Industry and Music Management programs benefit from the involvement of the program’s advisory board composed of a broad set of industry leaders, company founders and entrepreneurs. Founded in 2008, the board was the driving force behind the development of Pacific's innovative music industry studies program. The members provide advice on curriculum, internship and job placement for students and alumni, and occasionally serve as coaches or mentors on student projects. They also engage in valuable one-on-one advice at the Mentoring Brunch held each spring on the Stockton Campus.
* Note: Pacific alumni
Faye Spanos Concert Hall, 3rd Floor
3601 Pacific Ave.
Stockton, CA 95211
