Economic Impact of the Music Industry

According to recent reports, the music industry is an important contributor to the United States economy. The Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA) revealed that in 2021, the music industry generated $12.2 billion in revenue, with streaming accounting for 84% of total revenue. This indicates the growing importance of digital distribution channels in the music industry.

In addition, a report by the National Endowment for the Arts found that the music industry contributed a staggering $143 billion to the U.S. economy and supported 1.9 million jobs in 2017. These statistics underscore the significant economic impact of the music industry and emphasize the need for music departments to prepare their students with the skills necessary to succeed in this field.

Evolving Recruiting Trends in Music Departments

As music departments continue to adapt to the changing landscape of the music industry, they are placing greater emphasis on the importance of creativity and business acumen in their recruiting efforts. In the past, music departments primarily focused on recruiting talented performers and future educators. However, in recent years, they have started to search for students who can write songs, arrange music, and possess an entrepreneurial mindset.

The trend towards seeking creative talent with business skills has been driven by the realization that the media and entertainment industry in the United States is the largest in the world. Music, which represents over one-third of the global media and entertainment sector, plays a critical role in almost every part of the industry. As the entertainment industry continues to grow, music departments and schools of music must keep pace with these changes to remain relevant and attract top talent.

Scholarships and Admissions Criteria

To attract the best and brightest students, music departments are increasingly offering scholarships to songwriters and even rappers, recognizing that these skills can bring copyright and publishing royalties into the school’s coffers. Furthermore, many universities now place greater weight on a student's ability to write a song than on advanced placement theory credits during the admission decision process.

What Aspiring Music Students Should Do

It is clear that for aspiring music students, being a great performer is no longer enough to guarantee admission to a top program. Instead, they must also demonstrate their creativity, business acumen, and entrepreneurial spirit. For those interested in pursuing a degree in music, it is important to research the publishing and recording divisions within the music department of their preferred college, university, or conservatory, and express a desire to participate in these areas during the application process.

Final Thoughts

Overall, the evolving demands of collegiate music department recruiting reflect the changing landscape of the music industry, where a combination of creative talent and business skills are increasingly essential for success.