THIS IS A DISTANCE LEARNING (ONLINE) COURSE.  Recorded video lectures, discussion boards, written assignments and quizzes.

COURSE DESCRIPTION:

An overview of the music industry including songwriting, live performance, the record industry, music merchandising, contracts and licenses, and career opportunities. Discussion regarding Music Business on the Internet will be included.

Student Evaluation:   

Class Participation…………………………………..25%

Quizzes & written assignments……………………75%

Grading Scale:           A- 90-100

                                    B- 80-89

                                    C- 70-79

                                    D- 60-69

                                    F- 59 and below

STUDENT REQUIREMENTS:

Attendance and Participation:

• View all lectures in their entirety when assigned.
• Read, view or listen to all assigned material.
• Participate in the Discussion Groups as assigned and respond to others when appropriate.
• Complete all assignments and quizzes by deadlines.
• Check your ACC email everyday AND respond to instructor communications in a timely manner.

Quizzes and Assignments:

• Each assignment and quizzes will be graded on a scale of 100 points.
• The following chart is used to calculate assignment grades.
• Each assignment not turned in will result in a 0 and may lower your final grade by one letter.
• Work will not be accepted past the 7th day late.

POLICIES (IMPORTANT PLEASE READ):

• In order to be counted as “Attended” you must complete at least one discussion board post, quiz or assignment by the attendance certification date.  If you do not “attend” you will be automatically dropped from the class.

Module 1:       A Little Music Business History

Module 2:       Getting Started / The Fundamentals

1. Discuss music-culture & philosophy
2. General business skills
3. The music business
4. Range of careers
5. Goal setting & evaluating success

 Module 3:       It’s All About the Music! (Songs & Publishing)

1. Copyrights & licensing
2. Performing Rights Organizations
3. Royalties

Module 4:      Artist Management

1. Artist Management role
2. Standard and customary contracts
3. Artist/Manager relationship

Module 5:       Touring- Live Performance-Booking & Touring

1. Reasons to tour
2. DIY touring
3. Booking Agent responsibilities
4. Tour Manager responsibilities
5. Know your audience

Module 6:       Electronic Press Kits (EPK), Websites, Marketing/Promo/Branding for Artist

1. Promoting Your Career

Module 7:       How to Release Your Music

1. Distribution (physical & digital)
2. Radio (terrestrial and celestial and streaming) & Digital Service Providers (DSP’s)

Module 8:      Marketing/Promo/Branding

Module 9:      Careers in the Studio 

1. Recording,Mixing, Mastering & Manufacturing

How to Make it in the New Music Business, 3rd Edition, by Ari Herstand- required

All You Need To Know About The Music Business, by Donald Passman- not required but recommended

Online materials.

COURSE OBJECTIVE:

To develop a fundamental working knowledge of the music business.

LEARNING OUTCOMES:

The student will understand and explain basic music industry principles and sectors such as 1) songwriting (including copyright, publishing, and performance rights); live performance to include artist management, unions and guilds, entertainment agencies, venues, and concessions; identify the record industry systems from record producers, recording studios, manufacturing production, and distribution companies; identify those aspects of music relating to wholesale and retail merchandising and promotion of music products; summarize the use of contracts and licenses in the music industry; and explore career opportunities in the music industry.