MUSIC
The global music industry is in transition. The large corporate studios that handled record and then CD and now streamed downloads have given way to smaller recording studios. (By some estimates, more than 300 are operating in Atlanta alone.) The work is more typically gig- and project-based and offers fewer pathways for lifetime work in a single large studio. Publishing and licensing companies and even mastering facilities and tour support companies are often run with lean staffing.
The Georgia State program strongly emphasizes entrepreneurship because the best way to develop a music industries career is to invent the job for yourself. We also strongly recommend students take advantage of the many CMII-organized opportunities for internships.
The principal training pathway available to Georgia State students interested in music is the School of Music.
- Programs provide outstanding and high-quality training in performance, music pedagogy, music industry and technology, and ensemble training connected to jazz and chorus and symphony and opera, along with instrumental training.
- Courses in the School of Music industries program, often cross-listed with a CMIS prefix, can help students prepare for careers as independent music entrepreneurs, booking or talent agents, concert promoters or artist’s business managers.
Work in the industry is thriving, and Georgia has long played a key role in nurturing music industry talent. More than 20,000 Georgians work in the music industry and more than 16 active symphony orchestras perform in the state. But even higher visibility attaches to country music, jazz, hip-hop, gospel and other genres of music that have made the state a music capital. With new investments recently made by the state legislature to provide tax credits to lure work into Georgia, the chances are good the sector will grow in the next five years. Six years ago, when the last comprehensive estimates were made, the state music industry was generating an annual economic impact of $3.7 billion.
As the Georgia Economic Development Office puts it: “For decades, Georgia has boasted a diverse roster of award-winning musicians, composers and behind-the-scenes figures. Among the Atlanta-based pop, R&B and hip-hop stars are 2 Chainz, Akon, B.o.B., Cee Lo Green, Ciara, Keri Hilson, Lil Jon, Ludacris, Monica, OutKast and Young Jeezy. Country music charts today are dominated by native Georgians, including Jason Aldean, Luke Bryan, Billy Currington, Brantley Gilbert and the members of the Zac Brown Band, Lady Antebellum and Sugarland. Gospel and contemporary Christian heavy-hitters headquartered in the Peach State include Francesca Battistelli, Casting Crowns, Jeff & Sheri Easter, Jamie Grace, Canton Jones, Lecrae, Karen Peck & New River, Laura Story, Third Day and Chris Tomlin. Scores of rock bands hit the road from Georgia each year, including The Black Lips, Deerhunter, Drive-by Truckers, Mastodon, Of Montreal, the Whigs and Widespread Panic. The Atlanta Symphony Orchestra, established in 1945, has earned 27 GRAMMY® Awards for its recordings, while the state’s most famous opera singer, Jessye Norman, is recognized worldwide. Georgia’s musical fertility is built upon a legacy of pioneers and trailblazers, including The Allman Brothers Band, Atlanta Rhythm Section, the B-52s, the Black Crowes, James Brown, Dr. Thomas A. Dorsey, the Indigo Girls, Alan Jackson, Gladys Knight, Brenda Lee, Little Richard Penniman, Blind Willie McTell, Johnny Mercer, Mother’s Finest, Gram Parsons, Gertrude “Ma” Rainey, Otis Redding, Jerry Reed, R.E.M., Tommy Roe, Billy Joe Royal, Joe South, TLC, Travis Tritt, Trisha Yearwood and many more.”
For more information about this area contact:
Booker Edwards, [email protected]
Some useful overview information is available here: