EdX

Introduction to the Music Business (edX)

Offered by Berklee College of Music, BerkleeX,
Introduction to the Music Business (edX)

Learn the latest about the rapidly changing music industry from recording, publishing, and distribution to legal issues confronting music commerce. Three things are clear about today’s music industry: The consumption of music is expanding at the greatest rate in history and from the most portals ever imagined, the cost of producing music is decreasing, and the number of artists creating and seeking to expose their work and develop careers through the Internet has increased dramatically.

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As demand grows and Internet piracy wanes, ad-supported and subscription models will generate unprecedented revenues that will surpass even the best of past earnings. And, many astute “music industry-watchers” predict a steep rise in business activity and trade earnings by the end of the decade.
Whether you’re a music creator, consumer, or facilitator of this process, you’ll want to understand the history, underpinnings, and basics of the music business.

This course has been developed to provide students with the latest instruction on the best way for creators, consumers, and facilitators to navigate the resurgence of one of the world’s most exciting industries: the music business. Course author John Kellogg—administrator, educator, entertainment lawyer, performer, and radio and television personality—offers students the opportunity to learn the fundamental principles of the developing new music business, for now and into the future.
This course is part of the Music Business: Industry Essentials XSeries program.

What you'll learn:

  • The basic history of the music industry and today's business trends
  • How recording agreements are formulated
  • The basics of copyright law as it pertains to the music business
  • The role of agents, managers, attorneys, and specific business entities

Syllabus

Lesson 1: Overview of the Music Industry
Overview
Music Industry History: 1900-1950
Music Industry History: 1950-2000
Music Industry History: Napster and Beyond
Today’s Music Business Structure
Quiz
Recap

Lesson 2: Recording Agreements
Overview
Importance of Recording Agreements
Contract Provisions
Royalties
Advances
360 Deals
Discussion: 360 Degree Deals
Quiz
Recap

Lesson 3: Copyright Basics
Overview
History of Copyright
The Importance of Copyright
Registration
The Bundle of Rights
Infringement
Fair Use
Discussion: Future of the Bundle of Rights
Quiz
Recap

Lesson 4: Managers, Agents, and Attorneys
Overview
Types of Managers
Commissions
Agents
Attorneys
Term
Fiduciary Relationship
Business and Road Managers
Regulation of Managers
Agents
Discussion: Role of the Personal Manager
Quiz
Recap

Lesson 5: Band and Brand Organization and Protection
Overview
Sole Proprietorship
General Partnership
Corporation
LLC
Trademark
Band Names
Discussion: Which type of Entity?
Quiz
Recap

Lesson 6: The Live Performance Market
Overview
It Factor
Fan Engaging Show
Promotions: Social Media
Live Performance Agreement
Entourage
Local Personnel
The Future of Live Music
Discussion: Keeping Informed and Getting Active
Quiz
Recap
Course Wrap Up

Go to Class
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