Music Business

This course consists of four key subjects with an overarching modular theme, Applied Working Practice, running concurrently with each module, practically operational throughout the entire program. This element takes the form of the setting up and running of in-house independent record labels, driven by the students with supervision by academic staff within the University College and external music industry professionals.

Record labels

This module will introduce the main types of record labels currently in use throughout the global music industry; majors, mini-majors, independents and explores the efficacy of each branch related to specific case-studies and practical execution of tasks.

Music publishing and copyright

This module will introduce the main types of music publishers currently in use throughout the global music industry; majors, mini-majors and independents. The module also focusses on the main subdivisions within music publishing, including but not limited to; synchronisation, mechanicals, covers, print and public performance and the rights held within each.

Artist management and artist development

This module introduces the role artist managers play for their artists and their associated successes or failures. Relevant case-studies will serve to illustrate these points. The module also aims to explore the many and varied roles an artist manager plays in an artists career introducing the knowledge and skills required in this vital part of the music industry ecosystem.

Introduction to entrepreneurial and professional development

The student will begin to understand the importance of becoming a self-starter and how to synthesise ideas for projects that will ultimately monetise their abilities moving forward. Special focus will be paid to how an individual can stand out from the masses within this competitive marketplace. Financial and legislative frameworks, budgeting, tax and funding streams will also be covered throughout the module. Students will begin to learn how this element relates to their Applied Working Practice module which takes the form of the in-house record label.

This course consists of four key subjects with an overarching modular theme, Applied Working Practice, running concurrently with each module in a practical "real world" scenario throughout the second semester. This element takes the form of the setting up and running of an in-house record label, driven by the students with supervision by academic staff within the University College.

Music business agreements

This module will introduce the main legal frameworks as well as the core agreements in place throughout the music industry. Attention will be paid to the varying types of recording contracts, publishing agreements, management deals and all associated contacts an artist or practitioner will see in their career.

Marketing, P.R and promotion

This module will introduce and explore the main avenues and techniques employed when marketing a specific project within the music industry. The main focusses will include but will not be limited to: print and online P.R., traditional and none-traditional techniques, radio plugging, street teams and multi-formatted releases (remixes, collaborations etc.)

Live touring and live events

This module introduces and explores the importance of supporting a release in the digital and physical marketplace with considered and targeted live performances, whether one-off events such as festival appearances, album/single launches or multiple-market penetration such as a multi-date live tour in specific territories.

Applied Entrepreneurial Development

Building upon the first semesters theoretical understanding of how to discover new music/projects students will be tasked with the setting up and running of an in-house record label within the University College structure. The students will be actively working with new music, taken from the pool of talent housed within specifically relevant courses within the University College leading to a final release, supported by each module’s knowledge, skills and competencies gained through the programme of study. This element begins on day one of each semester.