Subject Description:
The Business of Music course is designed to give students a working knowledge of recording
contracts, publishing, songwriting, copyright law, performance rights societies, artist management,
booking agencies, concert promotion, touring, record production, record companies
(major and indie), modern distribution methods, and basic business principals.
Subject Hours: 7 credit hours (66 classroom hours, 12 lab hours)
Performance Objectives:
After completing this class, a student should be able to:
• Develop a fundamental working knowledge of basic business principals.
• Demonstrate proficiency in securing copyright, publishing and licensing for original songs.
• Integrate the components necessary for a successful concert promotion including contracts,
budgets, and production.
• Explain the elements necessary to promote recordings using modern distribution methods.
Prerequisites: None, may be taken concurrently with AUD201 and PSD101.
Required Textbook: Music Business Handbook and Career Guide, 9th edition,
© 2010 David Baskerville, Ph.D.
Instructional Methods: Lecture, Demonstration, PowerPoint Presentations
Maximum Students: Instructor Ratio 25:1
Materials and Media References: Note Taking Materials, MediaTech Institute Learning
Resource Center
Weekly Content Outline (11 week course):
Week 1: Introduction to the Music Industry and Basic Business Principals
Week 2: Career Options, Starting Your Own Business
Week 3: Business Aspects of Songwriting, Copyright
Week 4: Music Publishing, Licensing, Performance Rights Organizations
Week 5: Agents, Managers & Attorneys
Week 6: Concert Touring & Production
Week 7: Recording Contracts, Unions & Guilds
Week 8: Record Production
Week 9: Record Labels, Promotion & Distribution
Week 10: Record Markets & the Digital Age
Week 11: Music in Radio, TV, Film, Games & Advertising
Basis of Grades:
Quizzes: 50%
Projects: 25%
Final Exam: 25%
Class Schedules:
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