Requisites: Pre-requisite: [Module MUS08153] Music Industries

The music industries have been changing dramatically since the start of the twenty first century. New approaches to the monetisation of music are being developed in response to the use of digital technologies and changes to global economies and our social lives. This module provides a series of lectures and workshops concerning the key issues for musicians and entrepreneurs in the worlds of art music and popular music. You will be given the opportunity to develop a strong understanding of what it means to be an entrepreneur within the context of three different industry streams: live promotion, the recording industry, and music publishing. You will also develop the skills that are necessary to operate as a musician or entrepreneur in each of these three fields and the practical knowledge that is required to ensure you are financially rewarded for your creative endeavours.You have 13 weeks to plan, organise, and execute a single release including marketing, promotion, and a launch that may take place online or offline. You will work in teams to complete this task in a problem-based format, meaning that this will be a student-led project. For live promotion, you will consider the issues around organising a musical performance, promoting the event, and selling merchandise. In the middle section of the module you will concentrate on the development of DIY record labels and the distribution of recorded music. Particular attention will be given to product development, generating press releases, and the general viability of independent labels. The module will end by focusing on the third industry, music publishing, and its different income streams. Special consideration will be given to synchronisation licensing in film, television, advertising, and games.

Upon completion of this module you will be able to

LO1: Critically evaluate current entrepreneurial practices in the music industries.

LO2: Formulate and document the promotional aspects of an offline/online live performance.

LO3: Devise strategies for the distribution of recorded music and create DIY routes to audiences.

LO4: Examine the importance of synchronisation licensing and source relevant opportunities.