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.
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.
Signature Experiences
• 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.