Contemporary Musicianship & Entrepreneur Development

Combine the Music You Love with the Skills You Need

As part of Shenandoah University’s Bachelor of Arts in Contemporary Musicianship & Entrepreneur Development (with a built-in minor in entrepreneurship) you’ll develop the exceptional technological, business, marketing, entrepreneurial, and musical skills and innovative mindset you need to forge your music industry career.

Coursework crosses subject areas, with classes not only in music foundations, performance, and songwriting, but also business, marketing, entrepreneurship and technology. You’ll receive a holistic education as you collaborate with students in a wide variety of programs, including music production and recording technology, jazz studies, performing arts leadership and management, psychology, business administration, media and communication and more.

You’ll also perform as part of an ensemble with a repertoire that spans multiple forms of contemporary music, from pop, rock, country and soul to electronic, rhythm & blues, and gospel music, as well as original works written by you and your classmates.

And, you’ll conclude your time at Shenandoah with a capstone project that demonstrates your readiness for a successful career in the music industry. You’ll graduate with not only a deep understanding of music itself, but also with a clear understanding of the music business and industry; the skills to execute a music business plan; marketing and management savvy; and a professional portfolio.

Is This The Program For You?

The answer is yes, if:

You are interested in developing strong skills in musicianship, entrepreneurship, business, technology, and marketing.
You love learning and performing music in contemporary styles.
You enjoy exploring courses beyond the traditional music curriculum.
You thrive in a collaborative and creative environment.
You plan to chart a career within the arts with a strong desire to use your skills to promote positive social change.

Audition Requirements and Guidelines

B.A. in Contemporary Musicianship & Entrepreneur Development

With embedded Minor in Entrepreneurship

Audition Requirements & Guidelines

In addition to an audition, students applying to the CMED program must complete an interview. Interview results are used in conjunction with academic criteria, applied audition results and music skills assessment results to determine admission to the program. Diagnostic assessments will only be used as resource indicators should the applicant be accepted and choose to attend Shenandoah.

Interview

Prospective CMED students will complete an interview with the Director of Contemporary Music. The interview will assess the student’s oral communication skills, leadership potential, musical knowledge, goals and other elements that may contribute to success in the profession.

Applicants for the Contemporary Musicianship and Entrepreneur Development program must submit the following items at least two weeks before the audition date:

Audition

Applicants are assessed on technique, interpretation, intonation, feel, rhythm and personal style.

Acoustic/Electric Guitar

Two songs/pieces, each approximately 2 minutes in length, of contrasting styles and genres (Pop, R&B, Latin, Soul, Country, etc.) on acoustic or electric guitar:

One song/piece in a slower tempo to demonstrate your expressivity and touch on the instrument.
A second song/piece in a faster tempo to demonstrate technique and energy.
If desired, you may include a third original composition.