It is a good idea to major in some area of music. Employers will want a candidate to have a strong musical background. Majoring in music business or music composition is recommended for music publishers. Depending on your program structure, you will want to take classes related to music business, composition and songwriting as those can best prepare you for the publishing business. Highlight all additional music classes on your résumé and participate in music-related extracurricular activities. Join a band or music business club, or start a music publishing blog to use as a writing sample for future employers.
Take some business classes to familiarize yourself with different business principles. Depending on your program, you can major in music with a business minor if you want to focus on the business side of music. In addition to music business and management classes, enroll in economics and business marketing classes. If you choose not to minor in business, select your classes thoughtfully in ways that can supplement your major and enroll in three to four classes. These classes can also be added to your résumé as related courses. You also have the option to major in music business and minor in general business or music. Explore all options available and chose what best fits your interests at the time.
Since music publishing is a commercial outlet, gaining some knowledge about advertising will only help. Like business classes, advertising classes can supplement your degree. You will want to take three to four classes, such as advertising strategies, campaigns, advertising media planning and advertising management so you can apply yourself in a greater job market.
After you graduate, it may be easy or hard to find music publishing jobs. As you approach your last two semesters, talk to your professors and classmates about where to start job searching and what steps should be taken to get your résumé noticed. Campuses offer a career center and help you determine what your current and future career goals are. Apply to all internships and general jobs you qualify for. Sometimes not having a gap in employment history can make all the difference when you've found the right music publishing job.