Summer Institute Music Industry

July 8–July 26, 2024

Three weeks
Three college credits
Monday–Friday,  9 a.m.–5 p.m. & evening studio hours

Dive into an immersive experience collaborating with peers and studying with music and technology industry professionals. Through project simulations, trips to music venues and recording studios, and guest lectures, you’ll hone your skills in live sound technologies, recording, digital audio mixing and streaming; learn the basics of music distribution, management and copyright; and gain experience networking.

Overview

Work with a network of professionals in the music and technology industries, from respected performers to master technicians. Coursework is combined with trips to music venues and recording studios, guest lectures from professionals, and collaborations with Summer Institute Music students that elevate your musical expertise.

This comprehensive program builds the experience you’ll need to manage projects independently. Sharpen your skills in live sound technologies, recording, digital audio mixing and streaming in our state-of-the-art recording facilities using digital audio workstations (DAWs) and top-of-the-line API consoles. You’ll also have the opportunity to work on individual projects during open lab hours.

At the end of this program, students will

  • create composed and produced pieces designed to showcase their talents.

  • understand the differences between and application of a variety of microphones and recording equipment types.

  • understand the basics of music distribution, management, and copyright.

  • gain experience with basic networking through interactions with industry professionals on a variety of music business topics.

Programming

Core Classes

You’ll participate in the following courses. 

Live Sound

Using state-of-the-art equipment, you’ll learn the science and theory of acoustics and mixing techniques. You’ll have a hands-on opportunity to apply these principles and skills in a live performance setting.

Recording Workshop

Discover the approaches, equipment and principles used in audio recording, including an understanding of Pro Tools, various microphone types, signal flow, studio operation workflow and standards.

Music Business

Understanding the industry’s many sectors and how they interact is the first step to a successful career in music business. In this course, you’ll explore music performance, recording, promoting and distribution, and you’ll examine the revenue models, organizational structures and business principles of each area.

A Week in the Life

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View a sample schedule

Monday

  • 10–11:30 a.m. Music Business Workshop

  • 11:30 a.m.–1 p.m. Music Business Career Spotlight

  • 2–3:30 p.m. Digital Audio Workshop

  • 3:30–5 p.m. Digital Audio Practicum

Tuesday

  • 10–11:30 a.m. Music Business Workshop

  • 11:30 a.m.–1 p.m. Music Business Career Spotlight

  • 2–3:30 p.m. Audio Engineering Workshop

  • 3:30–5 p.m. Audio Engineering Workshop Practicum

Wednesday

  • 10–11:30 a.m. Music Business Workshop

  • 11:30 a.m.–1 p.m. Music Business Career Spotlight

  • 2–3:30 p.m. Digital Audio Workshop

  • 3:30–5 p.m. Digital Audio Practicum

Thursday

  • 10–11:30 a.m. Music Business Workshop

  • 11:30 a.m.–1 p.m. Music Business Career Spotlight

  • 2–3:30 p.m. Audio Engineering Workshop

  • 3:30–5 p.m. Audio Engineering Workshop Practicum

Friday

  • 10–11:30 a.m. Music Business Workshop

  • 11:30 a.m.–1 p.m. Music Business Career Spotlight

  • 2–3:30 p.m. Digital Audio Workshop

  • 3:30–5 p.m. Digital Audio Practicum

Saturday

  • Optional off-campus field trip 

Note: Students break for lunch between 12 p.m. and 1 p.m. every day. Some evening activities are part of the program’s curriculum. Commuters should plan accordingly.

Faculty

Courses in Music Industry and Technology are taught by musicians and music professionals. The majority of our faculty teach in the degree programs at UArts, such as the Music Business, Entrepreneurship & Technology (MBET) program. Our expert instructors are seasoned educators and dedicated artists who enjoy sharing their expertise and collaborating with the next generation of musicians and music professionals.

Summer 2024 faculty may include

Grant Bouvier head shot
Grant Bouvier

BS '16

Headshot of Stephen Cirino (DEIAC chair)
Stephen Cirino

Music Business, Entrepreneurship & Technology (BS)
A headshot of Michael Johnson
Michael Johnson

Music Business, Entrepreneurship & Technology (BS)
A headshot of Tom Spiker
Tom Spiker

Music Business, Entrepreneurship & Technology (BS)

How to Apply

Start your application.

Application priority deadline Saturday, April 13 2024. 

Application Requirements

  • Complete the Summer Institute application.

  • Submit an essay.

    • Upload a one-page essay responding to the question: How do you imagine this program will benefit your current interests and future endeavors?

  • Pay the $15 application fee.

Tuition & Fees  

Tuition: $3,400
Program fee: $150  
Housing and meals: $1,500

Commuter total: $3,550
Residential total: $5,050

Supplies

Students are expected to bring supplies with them or purchase them once they arrive on campus. Supply lists will be shared one month prior to the start of the program with cost estimates.

Spending & Miscellaneous Expenses


Students spend an average of $80–$100 per week on additional items including laundry, snacks, personal spending and non-required supplies.

Scholarships

Scholarships for the Summer Institute are awarded to students in high academic standing with significant creative potential and financial need. Scholarship awards are competitive. Students are able to apply for either a merit- or need-based scholarship. 

Learn about Summer Institute scholarships.

Questions?

Request more info

Contact Pre-College
precollege@uarts.edu
Pre-College Programs
211 S. Broad St, Terra Hall 9th Floor
Philadelphia, PA 19102
215-717-6430

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