SUNY Potsdam’s Crane School of Music Launches New, Non-Audition Bachelor of Science Degree in Music Business
Jorge Hernandez ‘25, a music business major, works in the Recording Studio at SUNY Potsdam’s Performing Arts Center during the Fall 2024 semester.
SUNY Potsdam’s Crane School of Music is proud to announce a new Bachelor of Science degree track for its rigorous program in music business. This non-audition program offers flexibility for students demonstrating musicality beyond traditional classical performance, and is designed to provide additional options beyond Crane’s longstanding Bachelor of Music degree in the same field.
“The Bachelor of Science degree in music business is The Crane School of Music's first non-auditioned undergraduate program. While students still need to show musicality, they will be doing so beyond the restrictions of our traditional audition process, which is limited, most notably, to 20 specific instruments. Along with the recent addition of the laptop as a primary instrument for students in the Bachelor of Arts degree program in music, this is a significant step for us, an opportunity to invite in students who might otherwise not see themselves as Crane students,” said Crane School of Music Interim Dean Dr. David Heuser.
The revised B.S. in music business program provides a flexible, accessible option for students interested in pursuing a career in the music business industry, without the formal audition and studio lesson requirements of the Bachelor of Music degree. This degree is designed to support students who wish to explore the music industry from a broad perspective.
“The B.S. in music business at SUNY Potsdam provides a flexible pathway for students passionate about the music industry. With a focus on music, business and entrepreneurship, the program is designed for those interested in non-traditional instruments and genres. We welcome creative students who want to make an impact in both behind-the-scenes roles, on-stage, and in emerging fields,” said Crane School of Music Assistant Professor Dr. Timothy Yip, coordinator of the program.
By removing the need for a formal performance audition, Crane will open the program to a wider range of students, including those interested in behind-the-scenes roles or performing on non-traditional instruments like electronic drum pads or DJing.
The curriculum also offers flexibility in selecting music history courses, and there are fewer ensemble requirements. By reducing ensemble requirements and eliminating studio lessons for the new track, the B.S. program allows students to focus on areas directly related to their career interests.
Students in both versions of the major are required to obtain practical experience in their chosen field through two internships. The Crane Institute for Music Business and Entrepreneurship helps to connect students with internship opportunities in the music products field, arts administration, the recording industry and at the annual NAMM Show.
The music business B.S. program prepares students for employment in music, music business, and business fields, such as the music products industry, the recording industry, arts administrative positions, and entertainment law, among others. The degree combines instruction in foundational music skills, with flexible options within music study, music business specific courses, along with coursework in business through the Department of Business Administration. The degree provides students with both musical skills and knowledge, along with an up-to-date understanding of, and hands-on experiences in, the music industry.
Applications are now open for the new program. To learn more and apply, visit www.potsdam.edu/apply.
About The Crane School of Music:
Founded in 1886, SUNY Potsdam’s Crane School of Music has a long legacy of excellence in music education and performance. Life at Crane includes an incredible array of more than 300 recitals, lectures and concerts presented by faculty, students and guests each year. The Crane School of Music is the State University of New York’s only All-Steinway institution and was one of the first Yamaha Institutions of Excellence. For more information, please visit www.potsdam.edu/crane.
PHOTO CAPTION 1: Holland Goddard '25 restocks music books at Brick & Mortar Music in downtown Potsdam. The part time job has dovetailed perfectly with her music business courses.
PHOTO CAPTION 2: Vatressa Teamoh ’25, a music business major, adjusts a microphone for Dr. Tim Yip while working in the Recording Studio at SUNY Potsdam’s Performing Arts Center during the Fall 2024 semester.