An introduction to fundamental concepts of business practices of the music industry. Course will focus on the primary sectors of the music industry and necessary skills for beginning and maintaining a professional career in music, and will emphasize practical applications of classroom knowledge to the music business.
Athena Title
Intro to Music Business
Semester Course Offered
Offered fall and spring
Grading System
A - F (Traditional)
Student Learning Outcomes
Upon completing this course, students will be able to display an understanding of the structure of the music industry.
Upon completing this course, students will be able to explain the history of the music industry and how it relates to current day business practices.
Upon completing this course, students will be able to identify the various members of a musical artist's business team and the role played by each.
Upon completing this course, students will be able to articulate the components of the live concert business.
Upon completing this course, students will be able to differentiate between the most commonly used contractual agreements for live musical performance.
Upon completing this course, students will be able to identify the major players in the recording industry.
Upon completing this course, students will be able to break down different types of recording contracts.
Upon completing this course, students will be able to articulate the principles of music IP copyright protections and the rights granted.
Upon completing this course, students will be able to describe the basic functions of a music publisher.
Upon completing this course, students will be able to describe the role and function of the various Performing Rights Societies.
Upon completing this course, students will be able to identify different types of music publishing contractual agreements.
Upon completing this course, students will be able to explain the processes of licensing music for synchronization with motion picture.
Upon completing this course, students will be able to discuss the technological changes in the music industry.
Upon completing this course, students will be able to diagram the money flow of music streaming.
Topical Outline
General Industry Overview
History of the Music Industry
An Artist’s Business Team: Major Players and Roles
Live Concert Business: Promotion, Production, and Contracts
The Recording Industry: Major Players, Roles, and Types of Production and Record Deals
Music Copyright, IP, Protection, and Infringement
Music Publishing: Major Players, Roles, and Types of Publishing Deals
Technology and the Music Business: Production, Social Media, Music Streaming, Money Flow
Music Licensing for Motion Picture, TV and Games; Major Players, Roles, and Contractual Agreements
Professional Networking and Building a Career in the Music Industry
