Music Business
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Program Overview
The Music Business program prepares you for employment in numerous areas of the music industry, offering a unique combination of theoretical and practical knowledge, as well as entrepreneurial, business and project management skills. You will study the structure of the Canadian music industry, artist and venue management, contracts, licensing and copyright, national and international distribution, marketing, promotion, and sales. You will develop foundational music business expertise, including communication and interpersonal skills, to prepare you for the demands the industry makes. These skills are taught by Humber's experienced faculty - all current or past music business professionals - as well as a slate of experts who will instruct you on how to interact with diverse teams, audiences and colleagues. Opportunities for applied work and industry connections are important components of the program.
This program is offered in an accelerated format twice per year, allowing you to select the timing that best suits your schedule: start in May to complete your coursework by August and your field experience in the fall, or start in September to complete coursework by December and your field experience during the winter.
Courses
At Humber, courses are delivered in a variety of formats:
In-Person - An in-person course is delivered fully on campus.
Online Asynchronous (A) - An online asynchronous course has no fixed class schedule and allows students to engage with the course at different times according to their needs. Faculty provide modules, which are completed independently by the students according to established deadlines.
Online Synchronous (S) - An online synchronous course is delivered fully online and requires faculty and students to participate in real-time according to a fixed schedule. Classes are scheduled for a specific day and time.
Hybrid - A hybrid course is a combination of in-person and online classes and follows a set schedule. Students must be available to attend in-person classes at scheduled times during the semester.
The chart below outlines the delivery options available for each course in this program, by campus. For some academic terms, there may be more than one delivery option available. You’ll be able to select your preferred options when building your course schedule during open enrolment. Preferences for course delivery will be considered on a first come, first served basis. Some Humber programs are also delivered fully online, where all courses are delivered online.
International students: the impact of studying from outside of Canada on Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) eligibility differs significantly based on when you start your program. Please review the PGWP eligibility before choosing your program and course delivery.
| Course code and Name | Delivery Type by Location | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Course Code | Course Name | North | Lakeshore | IGS | DL/Online |
| Semester 1 | |||||
| MUSB 5101 | Music Industry | N/A | Hybrid | N/A | N/A |
| MUSB 5102 | Music: Marketing and Finance | N/A | Hybrid | N/A | N/A |
| MUSB 5103 | Managing Artists | N/A | Hybrid | N/A | N/A |
| MUSB 5104 | Music: Contracts and Intellectual Property | N/A | Hybrid | N/A | N/A |
| MUSB 5105 | Music: Branding and Distribution | N/A | Hybrid | N/A | N/A |
| MUSB 5106 | Music Enterprise | N/A | Hybrid | N/A | N/A |
| Semester 2 | |||||
| MUSB 5550 | Field Experience - Music Business | N/A | Hybrid | N/A | N/A |
Work-Integrated Learning
The Field Experience course serves as the vital link between academic learning and real-world application. With the help of a dedicated career & work-integrated learning advisor to offer personalized guidance and support, students will secure their own Field Experience opportunity.
In Semester 3 of the program, students immerse themselves in the Field Experience course, committing 300 hours of practical application within the field. Whether pursuing paid or unpaid opportunities, all experiences undergo approval by your career & work-integrated learning advisor to ensure relevance.
The Humber Advantage
Our Music Business program delivers full-year education over one semester plus a field experience. In no time you will have launched your career in the music industry!
Our curriculum covers a broad range of professional roles, issues and skills to give you a complete overview of the music industry today. You’ll learn the responsibilities of the various disciplines, firms and organizations that comprise the music business and how to navigate the relationships between them. You’ll explore traditional and new business models, including streaming services, and how to determine which options are best. Most of all, you’ll finish the program with the knowledge and skills needed to find the music industry career that’s right for you.
Companies who have recently offered work placements to Humber Music Business students include:
Expert Faculty
Thom McKercher
A 31-year veteran of the music business, Thom has taught music, managed mega-retail stores, worked for Universal in sales, promotional and marketing capacities, led fundraising campaigns for his favourite arts organizations, and ran his own consulting business specializing in the promotion and marketing of classical and jazz music. He is thrilled to be part of the Humber team working with the next generation of music business leaders.
Michael Pelletier
A multi-talented leader who brings a unique and comprehensive range of skill sets and experience to the Canadian music industry landscape.
Music Industry Professional (25 years). Expertise with label and artist management, marketing, sales, and negotiation have created a proven and consistent track record of successes. A willing problem solver fluent with decision-making and conflict resolution has created long-standing relationships with creatives and business partners alike.
Educator (8 years). Leads students towards exceptional achievement while creating and delivering authentic learning situations tailored to their career goals. Dedicated to developing and mentoring future music inustry leaders.
Musician (35 years). Developed a high level of diverse music expertise through multiple areas and aspects of the working musician. Extensive experience with live performance, music direction, composition and producing. Professional-level fluency in a number of genres.
Study Abroad
Propel your resume and life story to the next level by taking advantage of the global opportunities offered at Humber. Gain academic credit, develop highly valued employability skills and create connections with people from all over the world through our many offerings: Summer Abroad, Semester Exchange, Humber Global Summer School, and many other opportunities!
To learn more, visit Humber Global, or contact Jennifer Cleary at Jennifer.Cleary@humber.ca.
Your Career
Ontario is home to Canada’s largest and one of the world’s most diversified music sectors. As a graduate of our program, you'll be prepared to enter the industry and may find employment with radio stations, recording studios, post-production facilities, film houses, theatres, performance groups, distribution companies, sync agencies, media manufacturers and record labels. Opportunities are also available with various agencies for artist representation, promotion, copyright and legal, royalty collection, presenters, festivals, and industry organizations.
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Program Availability
| START | DELIVERY | LOCATION | STATUS |
|---|---|---|---|
| May 2025 | Condensed Week | Lakeshore | Open |
| START | DELIVERY | LOCATION | STATUS |
|---|---|---|---|
| May 2026 | Lakeshore | Open |
| START | DELIVERY | LOCATION | STATUS |
|---|---|---|---|
| May 2025 | Condensed Week | Lakeshore | Open |
| START | DELIVERY | LOCATION | STATUS |
|---|---|---|---|
| May 2026 | Lakeshore | Opening Soon |
Humber is a publicly funded institution. International students graduating from a PGWP Eligible program at Humber are eligible to apply for a Post-Graduation Work Permit.
International students in Canada could be eligible for an automatic scholarship*. Apply now!
Check out the step-by-step Admissions Road Map for helpful information and additional resources.
| START | DELIVERY | LOCATION | STATUS |
|---|---|---|---|
| May 2025 | Condensed Week | Lakeshore | Open |
| START | DELIVERY | LOCATION | STATUS |
|---|---|---|---|
| May 2026 | Lakeshore | Opening Soon |
Humber is a publicly funded institution. International students graduating from a PGWP Eligible program at Humber are eligible to apply for a Post-Graduation Work Permit.
International applicants outside of Canada can apply through Humber International. Check out the step-by-step Admissions Road Map for helpful information and additional resources.
Upcoming Recruitment Events
Events Feed
Swara Squad and the Global Grooves, Indian Fusion Ensemble - Humber Noon-Hour Concerts
Wed, January 22, 2025 | 12:15 p.m.
Lakeshore
Humber Music Presents Swara Squad and the Global Grooves, an Indian Fusion Ensemble. Admission Free - Space Limited!
Embarking on a sonic journey, this fusion music ensemble fuses the essence of Indian classical music with contemporary jazz. Inspired by Indian ragas, their repertoire combines structured compositions with spontaneous improvisations to create a unique and captivating sound. Each performance weaves a distinctive tapestry of energy and frequency culminating in an electrifying experience. This diverse ensemble brings together six talented musicians (including Humber student Adhithi Baskar and two Humber Music faculty members: Ravi Naimpally and Jonathan Kay,) blending the timeless tones of Veena, Piano, Saxophone, Drums, Tabla and Bass.
More About the Feature Artist: Radhika Baskar
Radhika Baskar is an accomplished Veena player. Radhika has a rich knowledge of traditional South Indian Carnatic Music with skills in improvisation. Radhika was a recipient of fellowship from the Department of Culture, Government of India, to carry out a research project on rare ragas in Carnatic music. Radhika performs throughout the GTA both as a solo artist, as well as in musical ensembles. Beyond Indian classical, Radhika showcases her versatility in fusion music, fronting a dynamic and increasingly popular ensemble, which fuses the essence of Indian classical music with contemporary music and rhythms, creating a unique and captivating sound. Radhika's Veena mastery blends traditional Carnatic roots with contemporary flair and fusion sensibilities.
In 2023 Radhika was awarded the Marty's Award by the Mississauga Arts Council, in the “stablished Music Instrumental” category, and a Civic Award of Recognition from the Mayor for her contributions in music to the City of Mississauga.
Admission Free. Space is limited. Come early to get a seat!
Every attempt is made to ensure that information contained on this website is current and accurate. Humber Polytechnic reserves the right to correct any error or omission, modify or cancel any course, program, fee, timetable or campus location at any time without prior notice or liability to users or any other Person.
