Commercial Music Program
About the program
The commercial music program includes courses in commercial music, jazz studies, music theory, music history, piano/keyboard, choir, guitar performance, composition, music entrepreneurship, singing performance, music technology and applied lessons.
The ever expanding commercial music program places an emphasis on contemporary topics that include music business, history of rock music, career preparation, and songwriting. Whether you are looking for a performance group as an elective or preparing for a career in the music industry, the USC Upstate Commercial Music program provides a wide range of opportunites to meet your goals.
For more information come by the office of Fine Arts and Communications Studies (HPAC 125) or contact Dr. Gregg Akkerman at 864-503-5263, or gakkerman@uscupstate.edu.
Bachelor of Arts in Commercial Music
The mission of the Bachelor of Arts in Commercial Music at USC Upstate is to provide an experiential learning environment that
prepares the student for careers in performing, private instruction, music directing, career management, publishing, booking or working
with technology in contemporary and diverse professional music settings.
With the ever-growing array of opportunities available in performance, education, recording, publishing, and technology, the commercial
music field demands skills that incorporate knowledge of practical music theory, ear training, contemporary music repertoire,
pedagogy, composition, arranging, improvisation, technology, history, and music business. The curriculum of the Bachelor of Arts in
Commercial Music at USC Upstate is structured to provide the student a thorough understanding of these skills.
A liberal arts philosophy in this field separates USC Upstate from other institutions by requiring involvement in both contemporary
and traditional music styles combined with a wide range of academic study. This philosophy provides the student with a well-rounded
understanding for the professional work of music and its diverse opportunities.
In addition to commercial music, the USC Upstate music program includes courses in jazz studies, music theory, music history, piano/keyboard, choir, pep band, guitar and applied lessons.