Music Management (N0215A310019)

Programme objectives

The objective of the Master’s programme in Music Management is to build on knowledge previously acquired in the Bachelor’s programme at HAMU, JAMU or VŠMU in the same field or in another related field such as musicology, and to prepare top specialists for challenging work in all areas of music operations (private, public and non-profit sectors) and for work with other EU countries and beyond. These graduates must be equipped with knowledge of music theory, music history and dramaturgy, as well as the ability to transact business and specialist correspondence in English and one other world language. An additional important objective is to prepare students in the areas of group and individual psychology, sociology, planned management and to provide an overview of copyright law not only in the EU but also in English-speaking countries. Another of the objectives is to prepare students for changing economic and societal conditions in connection with the Fourth Industrial Revolution, digitisation and the online environment, which will be increasingly important for top managers in the 21st century.

Profile of a programme graduate

Using their managerial skills, strategic planning and knowledge of the digital environment, programme graduates are able to take on leading roles at key institutions of Czech and European music life, and to establish and successfully manage start-ups or existing companies operating in the areas of music media, music publishing and/or the recording industry. They are proficient in English and in the specialist terminology of the music industry and show business. They have basic knowledge of EU guidelines in the area of copyright law, in particular in connection with the effort to counterbalance the big tech monopoly. They are familiar with strategic planning for large opera stages and symphony orchestras, as well as other large institutions, and they understand the principles of both vertical and horizontal management systems. They are able to work independently in a digital environment and are proficient in the techniques of modern marketing, social networks and other digital media.

Specialist knowledge

Graduates have very thorough knowledge of the basic facts of music history with respect to dramaturgical effectiveness, the overall possibilities of use and the financial requirements of individual works. Graduates are able to analyse musical (instrumental or mixed vocal/instrumental) works with respect to their production requirements for a public performance, for a radio or television broadcast (footage), or for an audio or video recording. Graduates are familiar with various archival holdings and can make use of them for purposes of finding materials that could be used for new world premieres. Graduates are familiar with the general contractual principles of remuneration policy and the entire operational area in relation to the artist or artistic body, and are able to prepare preliminary budgets for individual projects. Graduates are proficient in the foundations of written expression in all required genres – from summary project information, to essays and critiques, to clip production. Graduates are able to operate safely in online environments and make use of all the communication and economic advantages of this area.

Specialist skills

Graduates are highly proficient in English and in one other world language of their choice (German, French, Spanish, Russian or Italian). They make use of these languages for further studies in the field and to improve their skills, as well as for communicating with foreign partners, in particular in formulating contracts and offers, or in arranging tours, but also for promoting their own projects or the projects of the institution which they represent.

Graduates are able to elaborate a strategic management and profitability plan for mid-sized and large non-profit and private-sector institutions operating in the area of classical music, musicals and/or show business. Graduates are familiar with the basic rules of team management, including sociological knowledge. They can competently assess the economic situation of the entrusted enterprise, including the income statement. They can elaborate basic contractual materials in the field of music operations, and they have good oral and written communication skills.

General competencies

Graduates are competent to propose, present and provide a rationale for their own business plans. They are able to find investors and establish business entities such as sole proprietorships, limited liability companies and joint-stock companies. They are competent to elaborate grant applications for European funds, and to prepare business models and business plans for start-up enterprises pursuant to the valid norms and customs of the Czech Republic and EU. They are able to hold top management positions in the Czech Republic and abroad, and to become leaders of large international projects or festivals.

General information about admission process

The entrance examination consists of the consecutive parts specified below. The final score will be evaluated after the conclusion of the final part.

The entrance examinations shall proceed as follows:

1. an examination in English proficiency at the B1 level;
2. a listening test of music samples from the Czech and world repertoire, applicants will provide written answers;
3. the oral part of the entrance examination, consisting of:

a) an oral examination on the basic concepts of general, artistic and music management;

b) an oral examination on basic realia of Czech and world music life;

c) a presentation of the applicant’s own project in an area of music management (a prepared text of 2-3 standard pages in length).

The admissions committee shall assess the applicant with an overall score. The evaluation shall take into account the following: thorough knowledge of the basic works of Czech and European music, an independent approach to the most important issues of contemporary music life and of the music industry, comprehensive knowledge of the budgetary and economic aspects of individual segments of music life, capacity for project thinking, and preparedness for the digital transformation. The entrance examination will also evaluate the applicant’s psychological and other aptitudes for managerial work. The following will be examined: good knowledge of contemporary Czech and world music life; personalities, institutions and the essential linkage to knowledge of the repertoire; the history of music; music theory and music aesthetics; general cultural knowledge – all minimally at the level of a graduate of the Bachelor’s programme.

After the last part of the entrance examination, the admissions committee shall rank individual applicants according to their average scores and shall recommend for admission those applicants who ranked within the admissions target and who earned the minimum score for the Music Management programme of study.

The requirements of the admissions proceeding, including designation of the method by which points are awarded, their range and the admissions target, are defined for each academic year by a relevant Decree of the Dean, which is subject to approval by the academic senate of the faculty.

If not enough applicants receive the required number of points, the admissions target will not be met.