Best colleges for music and business programs?

I'm passionate about both music and business, so I'm looking for colleges that offer strong programs integrating the two. Ideally, there'd be opportunities for networking in the music industry while gaining solid business skills.

Sure, there are indeed some great programs across the country that focus on providing a strong foundation in both music and business.

Starting off, the University of Southern California (USC) offers a top-ranked Music Industry program that wraps in components of business, music, and legal issues, equipping students with a robust skill set. This interdisciplinary program is housed in the Thornton School of Music, which has solid connections to the music industry in Los Angeles.

Further north, the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) has a Music Industry minor that can be coupled with a degree in Business from the Anderson School of Management. This combination facilitates the connection of music and business for students who want the best of both worlds.

On the east coast, New York University (NYU) has a renowned Music Business program in the Steinhardt School. The program aims at providing business strategies within the context of the music industry, making it an ideal choice.

Berklee College of Music in Boston offers a Music Business/Management major that focuses on learning the model of the modern music industry. It also offers chances to collaborate with other music students and network within the industry.

Lastly, down south, Belmont University in Nashville, known as Music City, offers a degree in Music Business. Their location and strong relations to the music industry provide ample opportunities for real-world experiences and networking.

Remember to consider the surrounding music scene and opportunities for internships when choosing your college. This way, you can see practical applications of what you've learnt in the classroom and gain hands-on experience. Additionally, think about whether you want a program focused more on the performance or the business side of music. Different programs may weigh these areas differently.