Program overview
Pop music is not just about singing karaoke or playing guitar—it's a systematic study of how to turn an idea into a song and bring it to market. Core courses include pop vocals, keyboard/guitar performance, songwriting, arrangement and production (using Logic Pro or Cubase), recording and mixing, and music industry management. You'll also learn stage performance, improvisational accompaniment, and music copyright knowledge. Chinese universities offer plenty of hands-on opportunities—for example, the Pop Music Department at Shanghai Conservatory of Music takes students directly into music festival planning, Sichuan Conservatory of Music has a dedicated pop music lab, and the Central Conservatory of Music focuses more on composition and theoretical research. This major is ideal for students who are passionate about pop music, willing to spend time practicing instruments and vocals, and eager to understand how the industry works. If you love Jay Chou or Taylor Swift but want to know more about the production process behind their music, this program is a great fit.