Leveling the Playing Field: An Examination of How College Students Can Independently Pursue Music Production and Artistry in the Digital Age

Abstract

This thesis examines the business model of the independent creator within the scope of the modern recording industry, specifically for those graduating from college and entering legitimate musical careers. Modern advancements within the recording industry have both provided more opportunities than ever to independently-operating musical creators, as well as having created brand new difficulties in establishing oneself in an already competitive and crowded industry. Therefore, the purpose of this thesis is to provide advice to music industry upstarts through insight gained from interviews with a variety of active music industry professionals, and guided by the needs identified during student focus groups. Discussions centered around technology, creative process, entrepreneurial practices, and revenue collection. The resulting information from these interviews is presented in the form of an online, interactive guide in which recording industry students can access and utilize in their own creative and professional pursuits.