Turn your passion for music into a career in the music business industry.
The Music Business program at Crane pairs flexible music studies with real-world business, production and leadership skills, preparing you to innovate behind the scenes, on stage and across the music industry.
Our Programs
Flexible Degree Options Designed for Your Goals:
- Bachelor of Science (B.S.): No audition required. An accessible, industry-focused path for future managers, producers, and entrepreneurs. Features a streamlined music core paired with business administration.
- Bachelor of Music (B.M.): Combine intensive studio performance training with business and industry knowledge, ideal for musicians who want to build careers both onstage and behind the scenes.
- Music Business Minor: No audition required. A flexible option to pair music industry expertise with any major across campus.
Both major pathways include two required internships, giving you opportunities to build professional experience and your resume before graduation.
Go Beyond the Classroom at NAMM
NAMM Show
Since 2006, Crane Music Business students have had the opportunity to participate in the annual NAMM Show, one of the world's largest gatherings of music products, industry and technology professionals.
Students work directly with industry sponsors as interns, gaining experience in areas such as booth operations, product knowledge, hospitality, research, marketing and professional networking.
Read about the 2026 Crane NAMM trip
Graduate With Experience, Not Just a Degree
Music Business majors complete two required internships as part of their degree, giving you opportunities to apply what you learn in the classroom while building professional connections and experience.
- Yamaha International, Buena Park, CA and Indianapolis, IN
- D'Addario + Co., Farmingdale, NY and Nashville, TN
- Samson Technologies, Hauppauge, NY
- Sabian Inc. Marshfield, MA
- DANSR, Chicago, IL
- Boosey and Hawkes, New York, NY
- EMI Music, New York, NY
- Shar Music, Ann Arbor, MI
- Chamber Music American, New York, NY
- OPERA American, New York, NY
- Aspen Music Festival & School, Aspen, CO
- Hermitage Artist Retreat Gr., Englewood, FL
- The Metropolitan Opera, New York, NY
- Austin Classical Guitar, Austin, TX
- Eagle Rock Entertainment, New York, NY
- Symphony Space, New York, NY
- Sarasota Opera, Sarasota, FL
- North Carolina Symphony, Raleigh, NC
- Linden Oaks Studio, Rochester, NY
- Subcat Studio, Syracuse, NY
- VH1, New York, NY
- Fireplace Studios, New York, NY
- Cove City Sound Studios/Brown Dog Records, Glen Cove, NY
Our Students & Graduates
Learn From Industry Professionals
The Music Business program provides opportunities for students to interact with industry professionals through class visits (in-person and virtual), Music Business Roundtables, and the Executives-in-Residence program.
Guests have included:
- Will Kennedy — Co-Owner, Studio Delux; Dolby Atmos Audio Expert
- Mary Luehrsen — Director of Public Affairs & Government Relations, NAMM; Executive Director, NAMM Foundation
- Bob Morrison — Founder, Music for All; Former CEO, VH1 Save the Music Foundation
- Robert Farmer — Former General Counsel, Rush
- David Fluhr — Supervising Re-Recording Mixer, Walt Disney Animation Studios
- Nick Leonard — Ticketing Operations, Disney Theatrical
And many other professionals from across the music and entertainment industries.
Where Our Alumni Work
Below are some of the companies that have hired our alumni:
- KHS America
- Buffet Crampon
- D’Addario
- DANSR, Inc.
- Gator Cases
- Alfred Music
- Flutistry Boston
- Powell Flutes
- New World Symphony
- Samson Technologies
- Sennheiser
- National Association of Music Merchants
"SUNY Potsdam’s Music Business program helped me solidify my dreams and find where I fit in the industry. That has been especially true with the support of amazing faculty and fellow students.”
Music Business Major
Experienced Faculty and Mentors
Learn from active audio engineers, music producers, researchers, and industry entrepreneurs who bring professional expertise into the classroom and studio. Through personalized mentorship, you'll have opportunities to develop your skills, explore career paths and build your professional network.
"At Crane, we equip students from all musical backgrounds to turn their passion into a career. Whether your path leads to the music products industry, arts administration, audio production, or elsewhere in the creative world, our flexible programs pair hands-on business strategy with direct industry access to help launch your future."
Crane School of Music
Ready to Build Your Music Career?
Whether you want to manage artists, work in the music products industry, produce and record music, lead arts organizations, entertainment law, or build your own creative business, Crane's Music Business program gives you the knowledge, experience and industry connections to take the next step.