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Today’s Music Industry

Darko Velichkovski

This course provides an engaging and methodical insight into the past and present cultural and commercial music industry developments, directions, and trends. It will equip the students with the knowledge and skills necessary to appreciate, understand and more productively participate in today’s music industry field.

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What's inside

Syllabus

Publishing and Copyright
Live Music Industry
Recording Industry
Read more
Magnetic Recording and Multitracks
CD, MP3, and Online Marketplace

Good to know

Know what's good
, what to watch for
, and possible dealbreakers
Teaches skills, knowledge, and tools that are highly relevant to industry
Covers unique perspectives are ideas that may add color to other topics and subjects
Takes a creative approach to an otherwise established topic, field, or subject
Teaches skills, knowledge, and/or tools that are useful for personal growth and development
Explores x, which is standard in industry y

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Reviews summary

Music industry overview

Learners say Today's Music Industry is a very informative class for serious musicians interested in advancing their careers.
The course is informative.
"Very informative."

Activities

Be better prepared before your course. Deepen your understanding during and after it. Supplement your coursework and achieve mastery of the topics covered in Today’s Music Industry with these activities:
Revisit Core Music Concepts
To fully appreciate the intricacies of the music industry, a strong foundation in fundamental music principles is essential.
Browse courses on Music Theory
Show steps
  • Review the basics of music theory, such as scales, chords, and rhythm.
  • Listen to a variety of musical genres to familiarize yourself with different styles and techniques.
  • Analyze musical compositions to understand their structure and key elements.
Explore Music Publishing Platforms
Gain practical knowledge of the mechanisms and processes involved in music publishing.
Show steps
  • Research and compare different music publishing platforms and their offerings.
  • Study case studies of successful music publishing campaigns.
  • Attend webinars or online workshops on music publishing best practices.
Read 'The Music Business: An Introduction' by Aaron Rose
This comprehensive book provides an overview of the music industry, from the roles and responsibilities of different stakeholders to the legal and financial aspects of the business.
Show steps
  • Read the book thoroughly, taking notes and highlighting important concepts.
  • Summarize key chapters and discuss them with peers or a mentor.
Four other activities
Expand to see all activities and additional details
Show all seven activities
Create a Playlist that Demonstrates Music Industry Trends
By curating a playlist, you can apply your understanding of music industry trends and demonstrate your ability to identify and analyze patterns.
Show steps
  • Research current music industry trends and identify emerging artists and genres.
  • Select songs that represent these trends and create a cohesive playlist.
  • Write a brief commentary on your playlist, explaining your choices and highlighting the industry trends you identified.
Attend Music Industry Conferences or Meetups
Networking events provide opportunities to connect with professionals in the field and gain insights into the latest industry developments.
Show steps
  • Identify relevant music industry conferences or meetups in your area.
  • Attend these events and actively participate in discussions and networking opportunities.
  • Follow up with potential connections after the events.
Participate in a Music Production or Recording Workshop
Hands-on workshops offer practical experience in specific aspects of the music industry, such as production or recording techniques.
Show steps
  • Explore different music production or recording workshops offered by local studios or organizations.
  • Enroll in a workshop that aligns with your interests and skill level.
  • Attend the workshop and actively engage in the activities and discussions.
Contribute to Open-Source Music Projects
Open-source projects provide platforms to apply your skills, collaborate with others, and stay updated on the latest technical advancements in the music industry.
Show steps
  • Research open-source music projects on platforms like GitHub.
  • Identify areas where you can contribute your skills, such as code development or documentation.
  • Submit pull requests or contribute in other ways to the project.

Career center

Learners who complete Today’s Music Industry will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:
Music Copyright Lawyer
Music Copyright Lawyers advise clients on music copyright problems. They may help ensure that works are used appropriately, that infringement suits are defended, and that contracts are created to protect artist and label interests. This course lays out copyright law in the music industry, which is an indispensible foundation for a Music Copyright Lawyer.
Music Marketing Specialist
Music Marketing Specialists engage in marketing campaigns and other brand strategy work for artists and labels. They use marketing savvy to build an artist or label's brand image and recognition and to generate sales. A Musician Marketing Specialist will use the many commercial aspects of the Music Industry that are covered by this course, such as the recording industry, music industry trends, and online marketplace trends. The insights provided by this course will empower them in their role.
Music Business Manager
Music Business Managers manage the financial affairs of artists and labels. They help prepare tax returns, manage budgets, and give financial advice. The commercial aspects of the music industry covered in this course build a strong foundation for this career. Likewise, the course includes information on trends and shifts in the industry, helping Music Business Managers make informed decisions.
Music Publisher
Music Publishers assist songwriters by protecting their interests, maximizing profits, and managing compositions. This course can help build a foundation for a career as a Music Publisher by providing conceptual information on the music industry and the publishing process that these professionals lead.
Music Educator
Music Educators teach music at schools and other institutions. They may teach music theory, music history, or how to play a particular instrument. Many of the topics covered in this course are directly relevant to many of the topics that a Music Educator may teach. This course may be especially helpful for an Educator interested in teaching music history, music theory, or music industry.
Artist Manager
Artist Managers advise musicians on their professional careers. They may help develop an artist's image, negotiate contracts, and manage tours. A solid understanding of the Music Industry, which is provided by this course, is essential for an Artist Manager as these professionals work closely with all the components that comprise it. Several topics covered by the course are directly relevant to this role, such as publishing and copyright, the live music industry, and the recording industry.
Music Licensing Associate
Music Licensing Associates assist with contracts and other legal permissions to help secure use of musical works. This is a role that requires a deep understanding of publishing and copyright as well as other aspects of the commercial industry side. Knowledge of these commercial aspects is a foundation of this course, making it an asset to a Music Licensing Associate.
Audio Engineer
Audio Engineers design, construct, and maintain audio and video systems for concerts, broadcasts, and performances. Many courses cover similar material, but this course is especially helpful for an Audio Engineer as it includes information about magnetic recording and multitracks, which are technical aspects of audio engineering.
Music Producer
Music Producers rely on their knowledge of the music landscape to guide artists, often performers, in the recording process. They work across all aspects of production, management, and promotion of a product or single. This course may be useful for an aspiring Music Producer because it provides a concise overview of the music industry that they may be less familiar with. It is especially helpful for its treatment of different stages of production and distribution of music.
Radio Producer
Radio Producers plan and produce radio programs. They may be responsible for selecting music, writing scripts, and interviewing guests. This course includes information on popular music trends, the recording industry, and the online music market, all of which are highly relevant topics for someone looking to become a Radio Producer.
Sound Engineer
Sound Engineers operate and maintain audio equipment for concerts, broadcasts, and recordings. They may also mix and master audio tracks. Several topics covered by this course, such as magnetic recording and multitracks, are directly relevant to the work of a Sound Engineer. For this reason, this course may be useful preparation for this role.
A&R Representative
A&R Representatives sign new and emerging artists to record labels. They also work with artists to develop their sound and image. An A&R Representative's work touches on almost every aspect of this course. For this reason, this course may be useful background for someone looking to work as an A&R Representative.
Entertainment Lawyer
Entertainment Lawyers advise clients on the legal complexities of the entertainment industry. They may negotiate contracts, defend infringement suits, and assist in the formation and management of legal entities. Many of the sub-industries this course touches on, such as the recording industry, live music industry, and the online marketplace, are integral parts of the entertainment industry, which makes this an insightful choice for an aspiring Entertainment Lawyer.
Music Journalist
Music Journalists write or edit articles, reviews, and other content on music, music trends, and the music industry. They often work as critics for newspapers, magazines, and online publications. This course is a helpful guide to the structure of the music industry, its history, and its contemporary landscape, all of which are highly relevant to a Music Journalist's work.
Music Director
Music Directors are in charge of selecting and compiling musical content, including songs for a project or to meet broadcast needs. They also work in venues to put together sets or to operate and maintain technical equipment. This course may be relevant to a Music Director because it touches on the recording, commercial, publishing, live, and online aspects of the industry, which are all relevant to the work they do.

Reading list

We've selected 25 books that we think will supplement your learning. Use these to develop background knowledge, enrich your coursework, and gain a deeper understanding of the topics covered in Today’s Music Industry.
Provides a comprehensive overview of the music industry, covering topics such as copyright, publishing, distribution, and marketing. It valuable resource for anyone who wants to learn more about the business side of music.
Provides a comprehensive overview of the music industry, covering topics such as copyright, publishing, distribution, and marketing. It valuable resource for anyone who wants to learn more about the business side of music.
Provides a comprehensive overview of the music industry, covering topics such as copyright, publishing, distribution, and marketing. It valuable resource for anyone who wants to learn more about the business side of music.
Provides a comprehensive overview of the legal and business aspects of the music industry, covering topics such as copyright, contracts, and artist management. It valuable resource for anyone who wants to learn more about the business side of music.
Comprehensive encyclopedia of music, including information on musicians and their music.
Provides a comprehensive overview of the music industry. It covers a wide range of topics, including the history of the music industry, the different sectors of the industry, and the challenges facing the industry today.
Provides a practical guide to the music industry, covering topics such as songwriting, recording, and marketing. It valuable resource for musicians who want to learn how to succeed in the music business.
Provides a practical guide to the music industry, covering topics such as songwriting, recording, and marketing. It valuable resource for musicians who want to learn how to succeed in the music business.
This fascinating book takes a behind-the-scenes look at the songwriting process, from the initial inspiration to the final product. It must-read for anyone who wants to understand how hit songs are made.
Comprehensive encyclopedia of jazz music, including information on musicians and their music.
Comprehensive history of Western music, including information on the music industry.
In this thought-provoking book, David Byrne explores the future of the music industry and the ways in which technology is changing the way we create, distribute, and consume music.
Provides a comprehensive overview of the history and evolution of recorded music.
This book, although not specifically about today's music industry, gives the reader a good overview of the creative process in music.
Provides a comprehensive overview of the cultural industries, including the music industry.
Provides a comprehensive guide to the business and technology of live music. It covers a wide range of topics, including the history of the live music industry, the different types of live music venues, and the latest live music technologies.
Provides a comprehensive guide to the business and technology of music recording. It covers a wide range of topics, including the history of the recording industry, the different types of recording formats, and the latest recording technologies.
Provides a comprehensive guide to copyright law for musicians. It covers a wide range of topics, including the different types of copyright protection, how to register your copyright, and how to enforce your copyright.
Provides a comprehensive guide to the latest music technologies. It covers a wide range of topics, including digital audio workstations, MIDI, and virtual instruments.
This comprehensive guide to music publishing covers all the essential aspects of the job, from copyright law to royalty collection.
This comprehensive guide to music production covers all the essential aspects of the job, from recording to mixing and mastering.
This comprehensive guide to mixing engineering covers all the essential aspects of the job, from EQ to compression and reverb.

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