Commercial Music Provides One-of-a-Kind Education

The Commercial Music program at Seton Hill has helped Donovan Smith turn his passion for music into a competitive edge in the music industry. Through experiential learning, Smith was able to professionally record his song “Half Asleep.”

Junior, Donovan Smith is getting the rock star experience in the Seton Hill University Commercial Music program. The program is one of very few of its kind in the area. The unique program helps students become confident performers with the business and technical skills to succeed in all aspects of the music industry. Students take classes such as Artist Management, Contracts & Royalties, and Music Production.

“There are a lot of opportunities in the wider music world that not a lot of schools really offer a focus on, especially in this region, and I think that's a huge advantage Seton Hill has,”

Associate Professor Dr. DiSanti is the coordinator of the Commercial Music program and the instructor of the class ‘Songwriting’. After taking this class, students have the chance to continue private lessons with Dr. DiSanti. Smith used his private lessons as an opportunity to revisit some of his older songs and create new originals. The Commercial Music program partners with local music producer Daniel Blake to make students’ creations really come to life. After perfecting “Half Asleep”, Smith was able to step into the studio and get real hands-on experience recording his music professionally. Smith said that this song is just the first step in releasing a new album.

“The classes I've taken so far have been really helpful in learning more about a career in songwriting and music production,” Smith said. He talked about how he feels that the Commercial Music program gives students a competitive edge in the industry in comparison to other students in the area. “There are a lot of opportunities in the wider music world that not a lot of schools really offer a focus on, especially in this region, and I think that's a huge advantage Seton Hill has,” he said.

In conjunction with his Commercial Music degree, Smith is also obtaining a certificate in Sacred Music. This is also a uniquely Seton Hill program, as many other schools do not offer it. The certificate will allow Smith to properly plan and perform music in a ministry setting. After graduating, Smith hopes to work as the Music Director of a church, while pursuing his personal music endeavors on the side.