Course Outline for Music Recording Technology 26
Music Business

Effective: Fall 2021
SLO Rev: 05/19/2016
Catalog Description:

MURT 26 - Music Business

3.00 Units

This course presents an overview of the business and legal aspects of the music industry. Topics include: career paths, record contracts, publishing, licensing, distribution, and copyright. In addition, the duties and responsibilities of producers, agents, managers, promoters, and performing artists will be examined.
1005.00 - Commercial Music*
Letter Grade Only
Type Units Inside of Class Hours Outside of Class Hours Total Student Learning Hours
Lecture 3.00 54.00 108.00 162.00
Laboratory 0.00 18.00 0.00 18.00
Total 3.00 72.00 108.00 180.00
Measurable Objectives:
Upon completion of this course, the student should be able to:
  1. differentiate various career paths in the music industry
  2. understand the role and importance of music publishing, copyright & contracts/agreements;
  3. demonstrate understanding of the legal issues involved with music licensing and distribution;
  4. develop a business plan specific to a brand and marketing;
  5. understand live performances and the role of contracts, riders, artist and management.
Course Content:
  1. Career opportunities & development
    1. director and producing career
      1. song writer
      2. lyricist
      3. arranger
      4. producer
      5. engineer
    2. performing career
      1. singer
      2. instrumentalist
    3. teaching career
      1. studio teacher
      2. school music teacher
      3. music therapist
    4. broadcasting/film/video game career
      1. radio broadcasting
      2. flim/TV broadcasting
      3. music video/music special producer
      4. jingle writer
      5. sound desinger
    5. music related careers
      1. music critic
      2. music libriarian
      3. sales
      4. managerial
    6. Career Development
      1. goals
      2. climbing the ladder
      3. finding work
  2. Music publishing, copyright & contracts/agreements
    1. Publishing basics
      1. agreements
      2. contracts
      3. royalities
      4. advances
      5. protecting your work
    2. Copright basics
      1. importance
      2. history
      3. how to file
      4. bundle
      5. Infringement/Fair Use
    3. Contracts
      1. Variations and importance of agreements/contracts
      2. provisions
      3. royalities
      4. advances
      5. 360 degree deals
      6. protecting your work
  3. Licensing
    1. Music Rights, performing rights organizations
    2. Membership options
    3. Mechanical Licensing
    4. Synchronization Licenses
    5. Cable TV, Video, Transcription Licenses, Special Permits
    6. Jukebox License, Dramatic Rights and Creative Commons
  4. Development of brand and protection
    1. forming your own buisness
    2. choosing the proper entity for your business
    3. protecting your business name and/or trademarks
  5. Marketing
    1. Overview of major label marketing process
    2. Importance and process of radio
    3. Publicity
    4. Touring
    5. Social media
    6. Distributing your recordings
    7. Preparing a one-sheet
  6. Performances/Live Shows
    1. Touring considerations
    2. The promoter
    3. Riders
    4. The artist’s fee
    5. Revenue and promotion opportunity
    6. Sponsorship and endorsement opportunities
Methods of Instruction:
  1. Analysis of existing music business models
  2. Concert promotion
  3. Establishment of a record label
  4. Guest speakers
  5. Lecture/Discussion
  6. Demonstration/Exercise
  7. Distance Education
Assignments and Methods of Evaluating Student Progress:
  1. Read chapter on the Copyright law and be prepared to discuss
  2. Copyright an original musical work
  3. Determine which digital distribution network is the best fit for individual needs
  4. Create and implement a personal branding strategy
  1. Quizzes
  2. Class Participation
  3. Home Work
  4. Exams/Tests
  5. Final Examination
  6. Projects
Upon the completion of this course, the student should be able to:
  1. Become conversant with standard aspects of music contracts.
  2. Demonstrate understanding of the legal issues involved with music licensing and distribution.
  3. Explain the process of copyright procedures.
  4. recognize the role and importance of music publishing.
Textbooks (Typical):
  1. Baskerville, David (2017). Music Business and Career Guide (11th). Sage Publications.
  2. Ari Herstad (2018). How to Make It in the New Music Business (2nd). Liveright.
  • Additional Materials may or may not include - Professional website and social media accounts
  • Doing Business As registration at county clerk
  • Account with digital distribution network and/or publisher
  • Affiliation with performance royalty collection agency
Abbreviated Class Schedule Description:
Overview of music business topics. Focus on development of the knowledge base and individual resources necessary to begin a successful career in the music industry.