MUSB - Music Industry

The course is intended to help the incoming freshmen succeed at Fredonia and become lifelong learners. It introduces the students to the academic and social aspects of college life and provides an introduction to the nature of college education and a general orientation to the functions and resources of the college as a whole. In addition, it will help building a support network with faculty, staff and peers and improve the study skills inside and outside the classroom.

A survey of the various opportunities in the Music Industry, including venue operation, artist management, performing, recording, publishing, broadcast media, journalism, film etc., paired with the development of writing skills. Students will gather information and evaluate the interrelationships between multiple potential career paths while developing skills in written and oral communications including preparation of letters of inquiry, press releases, press kits and presentation materials.

A comprehensive exploration of the various facets of the music business including careers in music, music publishing (copyrights, licensing, music books, exploitation of catalogue), the record business (recording, artist management, licensing, record distribution), tour management, self-employment business basics and ethics in the music business.

The American music industry has generated hits and new style combinations throughout every decade. The course will survey this evolution from roots through modern times.

An exploration of copyright purpose, history, use and challenges. Students will learn about copyright ownership and registration, and how copyright is used to manage royalties, publication, project development, and dissemination of the intellectual property through the various media, including the Internet.

An in-depth look at the business of The Beatles. The course will examine recording contracts, publishing, touring and biographies of those most closely associated with the band.

The music business engages musicians with detailed contracts that establish terms of management, marketing, producing, licensing, recording, distribution, and the like. The student will learn about standard language and the principles of contract negotiations.

Special topics in Music Business not covered in detail by regular courses and not offered on a regular basis.

The course aims at mastering students’ abilities in providing knowledge about digital marketing. Topics include digital marketing business models and concepts; social media best practices; building a music marketing web site; online security and payment systems; Guerilla marketing; online press, promotion, and advertising options. Increasing Search Engine Presence; using data analytics and measuring the results, as well as ethical and social issues in online marketing.

Examines the inner workings of a record label. The primary functions of all department of a record label will be discussed, including artist & repertoire, marketing, business and legal affairs, public relations, promotion, sales and distribution, merchandising, and artist relations. Students will gain hands-on experience operating an independent record label and facilitating the creation of a music product.

Effective marketing is a necessary component of any successful release of recorded music. This course explores the various elements of a marketing plan ¿ how it is researched, prepared, and implemented. The use and effectiveness of marketing via radio, print, the Internet, and touring will be examined. An inquiry into the changing music industry will focus on the emergence of developing markets and the future of music.

This is a course for highly motivated students to undertake special studies in music business under faculty guidance.

Contemporary consumer behavior and the changing marketplace as well as traditional marketing methods and the legal issues that apply must be understood for a successful career in the music industry. Students will examine the current market in the context of emerging legal issues and marketplace ethics.

The course provides credit for professional experiences in the music business for music business majors. Enrollment is to be arranged with an appropriate instructor.

This course will teach the essential elements of assembling a tour team,understanding live sound and acoustics and tips on recording.

This is a course for highly motivated students to undertake special studies in music business under faculty guidance.