What To Look For In An Online Music Business Program

5 Factors to Help You Find the Right Program

Making a decision on where you should attend any school is a big deal, however, when you’re committing to learning specifically online is a different task in itself. It can be hard to know what to look for when making this decision or deciding if an online music business program is the best decision for you.

The biggest question you need to answer is, what area you want to pursue your profession in. Before you make that decision, do the research. There are plenty of free ways to explore a career path online. The last thing you want to have happen is you finish that certificate or degree only to realize, the career isn’t everything you hoped it would be. 

By searching other sources in regards to what you are looking to do as a professional will hopefully give you a clear understanding of what the job entails. If you have someone around you that works in some form of the business you are wishing to join, ask them questions. Use all resources at your disposal to make the best decision possible. 

Alright! Now that that’s out of the way, let’s look at some of the things you want to look into when deciding on where to go for an online music business program.

Overall Experience 

When you think of online schooling, the experience it provides you isn’t always the first thing that comes to mind, but it should be! Since online education is still relatively new, when you take into consideration how long education has been around, it’s sometimes hard to get a traditional education experience through a computer screen. However, times are changing and this is becoming more possible every day. 

You want an engaging class, where you feel like you are part of the class. When looking for online music business programs ask the admissions team how the class is laid out and how engaging the actual class is. 

Student Orientation 

We all know what it’s like to show up on the first day of class at a new school and have no idea who is who and what is what. This is the importance of an orientation day. Though it may seem non-important at the moment, I assure you it is quite the opposite. 

Learning online can be difficult at first if you’re coming from the traditional face-to-face method, so picking online courses that will aid in that transition is important. Orientation is also important when it comes to online learning because more often than not, you’re responsible for understanding deadlines and navigating the interface. 

There’s alot of responsibilities when taking online classes, trust me. Having a day to understand how the course is laid out and where everything is located is more important than you think. 

Career Services

When you look at the types of online music business degree programs out there today, the majority of them are heavily career-focused. It’s important to have someone that can help you navigate the workforce when you’re finished. 

Resume and interview coaching can have tremendous impacts on whether you land that job at a record label that you have your eyes on. Look for a school that continues to help its students during and after they leave the classroom. 

At Dark Horse Institute, our on-site Student Career Services’ Advisor will be with you every step of the way, from the first day you start school until you are in the workforce. It’s important to seek the guidance you need while you’re enrolled at any educational institution. 

Course Flexibility

Online programs were designed due to traditional educational options not fitting everyone’s schedule. It’s important to do your research on how the course schedule will fit around your daily life. 

The great thing about online programs is you can usually work freely throughout modules as long as your assignments are turned in on time. It’s common that career-based certificate programs will also have online lectures and class discussions, so some actual time will be had with classmates and instructors. 

If you have a busy schedule it’s important to have an in-depth discussion on the class times and schedules you will be expected to follow. Most secondary trade schools like Dark Horse Institute have online programs that are instructor lead and meet at the same time each day! 

For example, our online music business program meets Monday-Friday from 6:00 pm-8:30 pm for 36 weeks. During this time, students will interact, take their tests and learn new material. 

Having an online classroom setting is helpful and keeps students engaged and on track. 

Diversity 

Diversity is important in many aspects of life. You want to be in a program that has welcomed people from different backgrounds, especially in a creative industry. At Dark Horse Institute, we want different backgrounds in the classroom. 

I’m a firm believer that you can always learn something from anyone. Diversity in the classroom is also said to develop a greater sense of security when in situations of cultural differences. I cannot stress enough how important this is in a creative field like the music industry. 

Everyone in the business has a different background, think about the reasons artists make music? It’s different for each one, diversity is the key to creating new and organic material.

Tie It All Together

Overall there are a significant number of benefits when it comes to online schooling. Assignments can be flexible during a set timeframe which usually makes it easier to complete due to being able to balance schedules. 

Upon that, sometimes online schooling can be more affordable than taking the course in person. If tuition cost is a driving factor,  I would recommend looking into a trade school. Tuition is significantly less expensive and the duration of these programs is usually shorter than your four-year route.

With all this being said, any education will increase your knowledge and aid you in achieving your goals. It’s important to do your research and make sure the subject you pick to study is really what you want to do in life. 

Navigating how and when to start an educational journey can be stressful. With the tips mentioned above, it’s my hope to make those decisions slightly easier.  

Just remember why you’re making this decision. Music is something you love and something you’re passionate about. Soak up the education, keep your head down and stay the course until you accomplish what you set out to do.  

If you are interested in a career in the Music Industry, Dark Horse Institute’s Composition and Songwriting, Audio Engineering, or Music Business Programs are a great way to take things to the next level!