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Music Business

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Program Code: MB511
Credential: Ontario Graduate Certificate
Start Dates: May, September
Program Length: 3 semesters
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Outcomes:
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Humber is proud to have the highest graduate employment and employer satisfaction rate of the GTA colleges based on Colleges Ontario’s key performance indicators for college graduates in 2022-2023.

Program Overview

Humber’s Music Business graduate certificate program is offered twice per year, allowing you to select the delivery that best suits your schedule. 

The summer accelerated program begins in early May with in-class sessions ending in late August. From late August to late December, you will complete 300 hours work at your field experience placement.

Or you may opt for the traditional September through May delivery, with your field placement from May to August. However you decide to learn, the material in both intakes is identical - the major difference being the rate at which the material is delivered to you.

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.

International Students: please email lola.nelson@humber.ca to find out if this program is right for you.

Courses Open "Courses" to view individual course delivery modes.

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 5102 Music: Marketing and Finance N/A Hybrid N/A Online (S)
MUSB 5103 Managing Artists N/A Hybrid N/A Online (S)
MUSB 5105 Music: Branding and Distribution N/A Hybrid N/A Online (S)
Semester 2
MUSB 5101 Music Industry N/A Hybrid N/A Online (S)
MUSB 5104 Music: Contracts and Intellectual Property N/A Hybrid N/A Online (S)
MUSB 5106 Music Enterprise N/A Hybrid N/A Online (S)
Semester 3
MUSB 5550 Field Experience - Music Business N/A Hybrid N/A Online (S)

Work-Integrated Learning  

Students will participate a mandatory in their final semester of study. Students are supported in finding their field experience but will ultimately be responsible for selecting and securing an appropriate opportunity that aligns with their personal career goals.

The Humber Advantage

Our Music Business program delivers full-year education over one summer semester plus a work placement. In no time you will have launched your career in the music industry!

students in class

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.

students in class

Companies who have recently offered work placements to Humber Music Business students include:

Warner Music Canada logo

universal music canada logo

Sarah Kim Turnbull Presents logo

rooftop agency logo

factor logo

alma records logo

Expert Faculty

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faculty image
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.

faculty image
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

We offer many global opportunities for you to explore during your time at Humber! We live in a very interconnected world and by participating in a global opportunity, not only will you gain new skills, but you may also be eligible for academic credits and/or co-curricular record (CCR). Some of the global opportunities at Humber includes Summer Abroad, Semester Exchange, faculty-led trips, Humber Global Summer School and many others! To learn more, please visit Humber Global Opportunities.

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.

Program Availability

Start dates between Sept 2023 - Aug 2024
START DELIVERY LOCATION STATUS
May 2024 Condensed Week Lakeshore Open
Start dates between Sept 2024 - Aug 2025
START DELIVERY LOCATION STATUS
Sep 2024 Online Online Open
May 2025 Condensed Week Lakeshore Open
Start dates between Sept 2023 - Aug 2024
START DELIVERY LOCATION STATUS
May 2024 Condensed Week Lakeshore Open
Start dates between Sept 2024 - Aug 2025
START DELIVERY LOCATION STATUS
Sep 2024 Online Online Not Available
May 2025 Condensed Week Lakeshore Not Available

Humber is a publicly-funded institution and does not have a public-private partnership. International students graduating from Humber or Humber’s International Graduate School (IGS) are eligible to apply for a Post-Graduation Work Permit.

International Students in Canada who apply for May 2024 start could be eligible for a $1,000 Scholarship*. Apply now

Start dates between Sept 2023 - Aug 2024
START DELIVERY LOCATION STATUS
May 2024 Condensed Week Lakeshore Closed
Start dates between Sept 2024 - Aug 2025
START DELIVERY LOCATION STATUS
Sep 2024 Online Online Not Available
May 2025 Condensed Week Lakeshore Not Available

Humber is a publicly-funded institution and does not have a public-private partnership. International students graduating from Humber or Humber’s International Graduate School (IGS) are eligible to apply for a Post-Graduation Work Permit.

International Students Out of Canada can Apply through Humber International

Upcoming Recruitment Events

Open House   Book a Tour  

Can't make it to campus? Visit Experience Humber Virtually  

Ask questions in live virtual Q&A chats with Ask Humber  

Come to Humber and experience interdisciplinary learning across five Centres of Innovation (COIs)

About the Humber COIs  

Music Business at Humber

tom teaching

Watch the video to learn more about Humber's Music Business program.


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No news at this time.

Every attempt is made to ensure that information contained on this website is current and accurate. Humber 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.

Contact Us

Admissions Questions

General Enquiries

Call 416-675-3111 or email enquiry@humber.ca. If you have already applied, be sure to check your application status on myhumber.ca.

Domestic Applicants Enquiries

Domestic applicants can book a one-on-one advising appointment with an admissions representative.

International Applicants Enquiries

Contact the International Centre for information about full-time programs (including the International Graduate School), how to apply and to follow up on your submitted application.

Program-Specific Questions

Speak to the Program Co-ordinator about the course curriculum, projects and career options.

Michael Pelletier, program co-ordinator
michael.pelletier@humber.ca

Campus Information

Book a campus tour to take a closer look at what it's like to be a student at Humber.

Want More Info?

Find out more about the student experience and everything that Humber has to offer Future Students.

for more info on Humber, including programs, special events and more!

How To Become An Apprentice

Becoming an Apprentice

Find an employer willing to sponsor you as an apprentice.

Contact the Ministry of Labour, Immigration, Training and Skills Development to register as an apprentice.

Work with your employer approximately one year before attending Humber.

View Instructions 

Ontario Youth Apprenticeship Program (OYAP)

If you’re in high school – grade 11 or 12 – you can earn co-op education credits through work placements in some skilled trades.

Visit OYAP 

How to Apply

Domestic Students

Applications to Humber are made through ontariocolleges.ca. Be sure to submit your application by the equal consideration deadline of February 1. You may apply after February 1, however, post-February 1 applications will be considered on a first-come, first-served basis depending on the availability of the space in the program.

To check program availability refer to the Campus/Availability listing on Humber’s program pages, search by availability, or ontariocolleges.ca.

To see where you are in the admissions process, visit the Admissions Road Map.

International Students

If you’re an international student, you can apply directly to Humber via our International Centre.

Need Advice?

Program Advising Appointments

Get help narrowing down your program options or book a one-on-one pre-enrolment advising appointment with one of our Recruitment Officers.

Transfer & Pathway Advising

Book a virtual appointment with a Student Mobility Advisor learn more about getting Transfer Credit(s) for previous post-secondary experience, Prior Learning Assessment and Recognition (PLAR), and Pathways options.

Admission Requirements

Admission selection is based on the academic criteria indicated. Meeting minimum eligibility requirements does not guarantee admission.

Admission selection is based on the following three requirements:

  • Academic

    To be eligible for admission, you must possess the following:

    • A bachelor’s degree, advanced diploma or diploma

    Mature Applicants

    Diplomas and Certificates

    An applicant is considered a mature applicant if they have not completed secondary school or other postsecondary school, and will be 19 or older as of the first day of classes. Humber will invite you for testing to demonstrate that you meet all listed course requirements.

    Degrees

    An applicant is considered a mature applicant if they have not completed secondary school or attended postsecondary studies, and will be 21 or older as of the first day of classes. Mature applicants for degree programs will be required to meet course requirements at the U/M level or equivalent.

    College Transfer Applicants

    Diplomas and Certificates

    An applicant is considered a college transfer applicant if they have completed some or all of a college-level credential. Humber may use a combination of secondary school and/or college courses and grades to determine program eligibility.

    Degrees

    An applicant is considered a college transfer applicant if they have completed some or all of a college-level credential. Humber may use a combination of secondary school and/or college courses and grades to determine program eligibility. Applicants must have an overall minimum grade point average (GPA) of 65 per cent in the program. Applicants are required to disclose and provide academic transcripts for all course work completed at the postsecondary level.

    University Transfer Applicants

    Diplomas and Certificates

    An applicant is considered a university transfer applicant if they have completed some or all of a university-level credential. Humber may use a combination of secondary school and/or university courses and grades to determine program eligibility.

    Degrees

    An applicant is considered a university transfer applicant if they have completed some or all of a university-level credential. Humber may use a combination of secondary school and/or university courses and grades to determine program eligibility. Applicants are required to disclose and provide academic transcripts for all course work completed at the postsecondary level.

  • English Language Proficiency

    All applicants whose first language is not English must meet Humber’s English Language Proficiency Policy.

  • International Credit Evaluation

    Canadian citizens or permanent residents with international education are required to provide a credential evaluation. Note, for international High school education course by course evaluations, ICAS must be used. For international post-secondary education, a WES evaluation must be provided. In situations where you expect to apply for transfer credit, it is recommended that a course by course WES evaluation is completed.

International Academic Equivalency

Admission equivalencies for Humber depend on your country of study. Please enter your location or choose detect my location to see the requirements for your country below.

Post-Admission Requirements

Once you have been accepted, and have confirmed your offer, you may need to complete a further set of requirements related to your program (Post-Admission Requirements).

N/A

Equipment & Device Requirements

Fees & Financial Aid

The 2024/2025 fee for three semesters is:

  • domestic: $6,747.69
  • international: $28,389.72

Fees are subject to change.

Fees by Semester

Domestic Fees International Fees

Additional Costs

Approximately $400 - materials and equipment.

Financial Aid, Scholarships and Bursaries

Understand the costs associated with coming to Humber and explore resources available from first year to your final year on Student Fees and Financial Resources.

Scholarships

Humber Scholarships

Find out more about scholarships and bursaries that you may be eligible for, visit Student Scholarships. International students can visit International Student Scholarships.

Humber Bursaries

Bursaries are available for Certificate, Diploma and Degree programs primarily based on financial need, visit Humber Bursaries.

External Awards, Bursaries & Scholarships

Find out more information about external scholarships and bursaries, visit External Awards.

Indigenous Student Awards, Bursaries & Scholarships

Humber offers a variety of bursaries and scholarships for Indigenous students, visit Indigenous Student Awards.

Explore Opportunities through Humber Pathways

Humber Pathways include:

  • Opportunities to build on your college education and complete your diploma or degree at Humber.
  • Degree and graduate study opportunities at other institutions in Ontario, Canada and abroad.
View Pathways Into This Program  
View Transfer Out Opportunities From This Program  
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