MUSC 290 The Business of Music

School of Arts and Technology

MUSC 290 The Business of Music. The purpose of this course is three-fold: to provide the student with an awareness of the career possibilities in the field of music; to introduce students to some of the major aspects of the music profession; and to introduce students to basic general business practices. This course is of particular benefit to students planning a career in the music industry.

Accessibility Services Notice

Students who would like an academic accommodation and who have a documented disability should contact Accessibility Services, if they have not already done so.

Transfer Agreements

Course to Course transfer – NoBlock Transfer – Nobctransferguide.ca
Course Details
Total number of weeksn/a
Total Credits
Total Hours30
Typical hours per week breakdown

Learning Outcomes

Upon successful completion of this course, the learner will be able to:

  1. Define immediate career goals
  2. Effectively run a home office
  3. Apply to, and gain employment within previously stated career goals”
  4. Know the fundamentals of how to read different types of contracts
  5. Produce one’s own recording
  6. Apply for grant assistance
  7. Gain communication and interview skills
  8. Book a “gig”
  9. Create an effective résumé
  10. Gain knowledge of how to prepare for touring
  11. Have a completed “five-year plan”
  12. Have knowledge of how to build a website

Teaching and Learning Approach

Lecture mixed with open discussion and in-class exercises; Students will create practical projects to be used beyond graduation in their music careers.

Learning Resources

Course pack: "The Business of Music", Melody Diachun

Detailed Course Content, Topics, and Sequence Covered

1. Introduction & Overview 2. Values, Vision and Goals Part 1 3. Values, Vision & Goals Part 2 Careers and Jobs in the Music Industry 4. Branding & Promotional Materials 5. Resumes & Cover Letters 6. Tour Planning Part 1 7. Tour Planning Part 2 Promotional Campaign Planning Part 1 8. Promotional Campaign Planning Part 2 9. Grant Application Part 1 Music Industry Resources 10. Grant Applications Part 2 Digital Distribution 11. Copyright, Royalties and Registration 12. Record Industry and Contracts 13. Money: Taxes, Invoices, Contracts 14. Final Project Peer Assessment. 15. Final Projects Due.

Assessment

TitleLearning OutcomesValue
Participation and Professionalism10%
Assignments, Tests and Readings30%
Midterm30%
Final30%
Total100%

Grading Table

Standard Contemporary Music and Technology Program Grading Table

PercentageLetter GradeGPA
97 - 100A+4.33
94 - 96.9A4.00
90 - 93.9A-3.67
87 - 89.9B+3.33
83 - 86.9B3.00
80 - 82.9B-2.67
77 - 79.9C+2.33
73 - 76.9C2.00
70 - 72.9C-1.67
60 - 69.9P1.00
Less than 60%F0.00
Did not withdrawDNW0.00

See the Academic Calendar for General Information including how to withdraw from course(s) and other regulations.

Disclaimer

Information contained in this course outline is correct at the time of publication. Content of the course is revised on an ongoing basis to ensure relevance to changing educational, employment and market needs. The instructor will endeavor to provide notice of changes to students as soon as possible. The instructor reserves the right to add or delete material from courses.