For every Switchfoot or Chris Tomlin there are literally hundreds of people who work in the background - studio engineers, producers, session players, accountants, lawyers, managers, and promoters. The Music Industry major at Northwest Christian University gives you the skills you need to join this exciting world.
The Music Industry program at Northwest Christian gives you exposure and training in songwriting, engineering, promoting, producing and marketing music. From this base, you can choose either the artist track or management track to better focus your studies. In the artist track, you will have the opportunity to develop your performance, songwriting and recording skills, while picking up a business minor focused on marketing. In the management track, you will focus more on the business and producing end of music and earn a minor in business with a focus on business management. At the completion of your studies, you’ll have the skills you need to be able to be employed in the music industry.
At Northwest Christian University, you will not only learn the management and artistry necessary for a career in the music industry, you will do so in classes where a Christian and liberal arts foundation will ensure that your knowledge is broad, that your work is ethical, and that your faith is deepened.
*Combining Resources with Lane Community College
Northwest Christian University works in partnership with Lane Community College to provide this program. Several classes will be offered at their campus in South Eugene.
Alumni
For being a small liberal arts Christian University, Northwest Christian has been fertile ground for producing students who have hit the music industry running. Currently, our most recognizable alumnus is Christian artist Paul Wright. Another graduate, Tyson Paoletti, is a marketing director at Tooth and Nail Records. Still another graduate has gone on to become the general manager of AGI (an internationally known audio/visual company dedicated to assisting churches with worship and stage technology) and others have become musicians, worship leaders, music promoters and band managers.
Campus Activities
Campus bands and individual performers are active in the Eugene-Springfield community; and coffee house musical performances are a monthly staple for the student body. Many music industry majors play for chapel band and assist in running sound for activities through our Media Resources department. Concerts in the Quad are also an Northwest Christian University tradition. Our very own Morse Event Center has played host to such artists as Sean McDonald, Kutlass, Matthew West, Bebo Norman, and Paul Wright.
Major Requirements
2 Years at Northwest Christian:
- Pop Theory/Songwriting
- Music Law and Business
- Demo CD Project
- Artist Marketing Package
- Senior Performance and Tour
- Senior Internship
- Business Minor - Business Administration or Marketing
2 Years at Lane Community College:
- MIDI
- Digital Audio
- Audio Engineering
- Music Theory
- Music Performance
- Music Ensembles
Career Opportunities
Artist Track
- Songwriting
- Recording Artist
- Session Artist
Managament Track
- Producer
- Engineer
- Promoter
- Music Studio Executive
Contact Information
Mr. John Hakes
828 East 11th Ave
Eugene, OR 97401
541-684-7240
jhakes@northwestchristian.edu
