UNT to launch new degree program; Bachelor of Arts in Commercial Music

During a Thursday morning session, students enrolled in the Commercial Music class at the University of North Texas gathered in a semi-circle, engaging in collaborative discussions and offering feedback on each other’s songwriting compositions.

Sophomore Micah Beasley, a Commercial Music major, highlighted the progress made in production but emphasized the need for lyrical development in their compositions.

The Commercial Music program is poised for expansion into a comprehensive Bachelor of Arts degree, set to launch in the fall of 2024 as a ‘soft launch’.

According to Federico Llach, Assistant Professor and Program Director of Commercial Music at UNT, the degree program aims to cultivate music entrepreneurs while prioritizing excellence in the business and production aspects of contemporary commercial music.

Acknowledging UNT’s reputation for renowned music programs in jazz and classical genres, Llach emphasized the significance of venturing into this new domain, identifying it as mutually beneficial.

Students like Micah Beasley underscored the importance of acknowledging the commercial aspect of music production, emphasizing the need for sustainability in the industry.

Alden Bostwick, a Music Composition masters student, challenged the notion of commercial success as ‘selling out’, viewing it as an opportunity to broaden career prospects and transition effectively into the industry.

Victoria Ricalde, a senior in Jazz Studies, emphasized the multifaceted skill set required of modern musicians, including self-promotion and social media marketing.

The BA in Commercial Music degree will offer four tracks: general, music production, music business, and music for media, encompassing composing for various platforms such as TV, film, and video games.

Highlighting the potential for artistic and financial success, Llach encouraged students to envision a future where musical talent can be monetized effectively.

Admissions for the Bachelor of Arts in Commercial Music at UNT are now open for the fall 2025 intake.