HSE University and Gnesin Russian Academy of Music to Jointly Train Music Industry Producers

HSE University and the Gnesin Russian Academy of Music have developed an educational programme for the music industry: in the 2025-2026 academic year, Russia will see the launch of its first dual-degree Master’s programme «Music Industry Producer». The programme was approved by the HSE Academic Council on November 27.

This innovative programme combines expertise in management, media communications, and digital technologies (HSE University) with in-depth professional training in musicology (Gnesin Russian Academy of Music). Upon completion, graduates will receive two Master’s diplomas — one from HSE University and another from the Gnesin Russian Academy of Music.

The programme was developed by faculty members from HSE’s Faculty of Creative Industries and the Department of Performing Arts Production at the Gnesin Academy. Academic Supervisor — Sergey Gorbachev (HSE Faculty of Creative Industries expert, Russian Academy of Radio Academician, Vice President of Multimedia Holding), Project Supervisor — Oleg Ivanov (Head of the Department of Performing Arts Production at Gnesin Academy, expert at HSE’s Institute of Cinema).

Classes will be held at HSE and Gnesin Academy campuses, as well as at industry partner venues. Some of these partners already confirmed include: Saxophonist Igor Butman, Singer Anton Belyaev, American curator of Soviet and post-Soviet rock culture Joanna Stingray. Program also was supported by companies MTS Live, Zvonko Digital, and VK Music

Admission Requirements is submission of a portfolio, motivation letter and an Interview

Applications are now open on the programme’s website.

The final Open House Day will take place this Sunday, May 25, at 15:00 at HSE University!

Nikita Anisimov, Rector of HSE University said: «It was important for us to create a programme that meets the current demands of the creative industries while collaborating with a partner that possesses strong industry expertise and professional credibility. As a result, we are launching a unique dual-degree programme — HSE and Gnesin Academy. The partnership between our two institutions will open new career opportunities for graduates».

Alexander Ryzhinskii, Rector of Gnesin Russian Academy of Music added: «This new Master’s programme is unique because Gnesin Academy and HSE University — leading institutions in their respective fields — are joining forces to establish a new foundation for training producers in Russia. Our collaboration will be a significant step in the development of Russia’s creative industries, providing students with exceptional opportunities for professional growth and creative project realization».

Stay updated on the programme’s news through its official channels.