Bachelor of Music with Elective Studies in Business

Inspiring and empowering the next generation of artists in the music industry.

Our Program in Action

Learn About Our Music Business Program

Coordinator: Autumn Dawn McDonald
Faculty: Marcus Johnson, Valerie K. Eichelberger, M.M.

Advising: Contact Center for Student Success

Howard University’s Bachelor of Music with Elective Studies in Business is a unique degree that empowers aspiring musicians to become visionary leaders in today’s multifaceted and global music industry. The program blends musical training in Classical or Jazz Studies with business coursework in marketing, economics, accounting, statistics, entrepreneurship, organizational behavior, and entertainment law. Students also complete an internship and a Senior Recital. Tailored course schemes in voice specializations or in instrumental specializations foster a personalized educational experience.

Students in our program strengthen their ability to perform, manage, innovate, and advocate within the arts. They join a dynamic community of talented artists and industry experts, guiding them toward careers that honor both artistic excellence and professional ambitions as culturally grounded, industry-ready musicians and business leaders advancing the global influence of the African Diaspora.

Alphonso Evans Jr.

Senior, Bachelor of Music with Elective Studies in Business

Alphonso is a Philadelphia native and serves as President of the Chadwick A. Boseman College of Fine Arts Student Council.

The business portion of this program inspires me to not only know my craft, but to understand contracts, management, and marketing—things that directly shape my artistry and my brand.

• Business in the Arts Summit

Students engage with artists, entrepreneurs, executives, and other creative professionals to explore the relationship between artistic practice, entrepreneurship, leadership, and the business of the arts.

• Immersive Business Travel Program

Experiential learning opportunities connect students with creative organizations, companies, professionals, and cultural institutions beyond the classroom, offering firsthand exposure to the environments in which creative careers develop and thrive.

• Careers for Creatives Expo

Students explore career pathways across the creative industries while building connections with professionals and organizations whose work intersects with music, business, culture, media, and the arts.

• Performance Opportunities

As students expand their knowledge of business and the creative industries, they continue developing the musicianship, performance experience, and artistic discipline.

From Howard to the National Tour of The Outsiders | Jackson Dunkin (B.M. ’25)

From Howard University to the national tour of a Tony Award-winning Broadway musical!

Go behind the scenes with Jackson Dunkin (B.M. ’25), a recent graduate of Howard University's Chadwick A. Boseman College of Fine Arts, as he takes us through a day in his life as a guitarist on the national tour of The Outsiders, winner of the 2024 Tony Award for Best Musical.

Filmed during the production's stop in Fayetteville, Arkansas, Jackson offers a firsthand look at life as a professional touring musician—from setting up his guitars and pedalboard to soundcheck and showtime.

After securing this professional opportunity shortly after graduating from Howard, Jackson reflects on two valuable lessons from his College of Fine Arts education: the importance of building and maintaining meaningful relationships and always being prepared for the next opportunity.

His journey illustrates how artistic training, business knowledge, and professional preparation can help aspiring musicians turn their passion into a career.

Behind the Scenes: Howard University’s Music Business Trip to NYC

Carenda Spencer, a senior in the Bachelor of Music with Elective Studies in Business program, takes viewers behind the scenes of the program’s annual Immersive Business Travel Program to New York City. Alongside Professor and Coordinator of Business Studies Autumn Dawn McDonald, students connect classroom learning with firsthand exposure to professionals, organizations, and career pathways across the music and creative industries.