Music Business Foundations

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. 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. 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. 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. 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

• The Music Industry
• This week, you'll learn about the history of the music industry, dating back to 1900. You'll also learn about recent technological advances have changed the music industry.
• Recording Agreements
• This week, you'll learn the ins and outs of recording agreements and why they are important. You'll learn what royalties and advances are and how they are calculated. You'll also learn about 360 degree or "all-in" deals.
• Copyright Basics
• This week will focus on copyright law. You'll learn about the history of copyright. You'll learn about the various types of rights and when copyright infringement occurs. You'll also learn how to register your creative works with the United States Copyright Office.
• Managers, Agents, and Attorneys
• This week outlines the various roles in the Music Business Team - Managers, Agents, and Attorneys. You'll also learn how to negotiate a contract for each of these roles.