The popular music concentration within the BA program in music at Arizona State University welcomes and accommodates 21st century musicians interested in popular music, music industry studies and entrepreneurship. This includes but is not limited to singers and songwriters, laptop performers, producers, composers, instrumentalists, vocalists and musicians whose practices and playing styles are representative of varied popular music idioms.

Students in this concentration develop general musicianship and are invited to specialize in areas of study which include songwriting, production, composition, performance, engineering, sound design, events, music business, education and advocacy work. Students participate in individual applied study in chosen specializations, as well as a variety of group performances and production opportunities. All students gain a working knowledge of the music industry and music business, and the entrepreneurial skills necessary to gain meaningful employment upon graduation.

Internships courses provide opportunities for students to apply their learning in a real-life context and begin building relationships. A capstone senior year allows students to work more intimately with faculty on perfecting their craft as well as prepare for the shift from ASU to the industry.