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John P. Kellogg, Esq.

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.

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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

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What's inside

Syllabus

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.
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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.

Good to know

Know what's good
, what to watch for
, and possible dealbreakers
Introduces learners to the latest best practices for creating, consuming, and facilitating in the music industry
Covers various aspects of the music business, focusing on the ever-changing landscape and latest trends
Provides learners with knowledge of key components like recording agreements, copyright law, agents, managers, and attorneys
Guided by John P. Kellogg, an expert in the music business with a background as a performer, entertainment lawyer, and educator
Could be especially helpful for individuals interested in pursuing a career in the music industry or understanding the business side of music
Might provide insights into copyright basics, which may be particularly relevant for artists and creators exploring copyright protections for their work

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Reviews summary

Music business foundations

Students say this Berklee course provides a largely positive introduction to the fundamentals of the music business. With engaging assignments and insights from music industry veterans, learners come away from this five-section course with a solid understanding of music business principles like record contracts and royalty structures.Taught by John P. Kellogg, the program includes 250 video lectures, readings, and quizzes. It covers topics like music industry history, music publishing, copyright, marketing, and touring. Students also gain an understanding of current issues facing the music industry, such as streaming and digital distribution.
John P. Kellogg, an experienced music industry professional, teaches this course.
"Professor has a really vast knowledge."
"Course author John Kellogg, the BEST!!!!"
"I have studied Diplomas of business and Hospitality and a certificate of Live Sound and Event Production but the information in this course was so fresh and new compared to my other education"
The course offers a comprehensive overview of music business fundamentals, such as contracts and royalties.
"Excellent introductory course, providing a wide overview of the business side of the music industry."
"I really enjoyed this course! It helps laying the foundations of the music industry in a clear and didactic way."
"It helped me to understand contracts, roles of the people involved in an artist's team and how royalties and money earned from the artist is used and distributed."
Some students say the course content is out-of-date.
"The course is also a little dated (I would guess around 2013)."
"Some content should be updated but, it was a very interesting course overall with insights, real-life experiences, and applications."
"This is a good foundation course and delivered well. However, it Is US-focused. The music business is now a global business."
The course focuses primarily on the American music industry.
"It's a good course, definitely. Not being American, part of the content has little use to me."
"Great course! John P. Kellogg is a great, great professional and educator. It was an honor to be able to learn things about the industry from him. Perhaps, the only complaint about the course is that the course is outdated, with some information a little old, especially on matters relating to the law."
"The course is super informative and will give you great Insights about the industry but the syllabus are very old."

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 Music Business Foundations with these activities:
Participate in Music Industry Discussion Forums
Engage with peers and industry professionals to exchange insights, ask questions, and stay updated on current trends.
Show steps
  • Identify relevant music industry discussion forums online.
  • Join the forums and introduce yourself.
  • Actively participate in discussions, share knowledge, and seek feedback.
Read 'The Music Business: A Guide to the Industry' by John Kellogg
Reinforce the course's key concepts by reviewing a foundational text acknowledged by the course instructor.
Show steps
  • Obtain a physical or digital copy of the book.
  • Read through the book, taking notes and highlighting key concepts.
  • Summarize the key points of each chapter in your own words.
Analyze Real-World Recording Agreements
Gain practical experience by analyzing actual recording agreements to understand their structure and implications.
Show steps
  • Find sample recording agreements online or through industry contacts.
  • Read through and identify key clauses, such as royalties, advances, and copyright ownership.
  • Compare and contrast different agreements to understand variations.
Three other activities
Expand to see all activities and additional details
Show all six activities
Explore Music Industry Software Platforms
Increase proficiency by exploring industry-standard software platforms used for music production, distribution, and promotion.
Browse courses on Music Technology
Show steps
  • Identify and research leading software platforms for recording, mixing, and mastering.
  • Sign up for free trials or demos to explore their features and capabilities.
  • Complete online tutorials or follow video guides to learn the basics.
Develop a Marketing Plan for a Music Release
Apply course learnings by creating a holistic marketing plan to promote a hypothetical music release.
Browse courses on Music Marketing
Show steps
  • Define the target audience and marketing objectives.
  • Research and select appropriate marketing channels.
  • Develop a detailed budget and timeline.
  • Create a project document outlining the plan and its rationale.
Develop a Music Business Plan for a New Artist
Integrate and apply concepts from the course by creating a comprehensive business plan for a hypothetical new artist.
Browse courses on Business Plan
Show steps
  • Define the artist's unique value proposition and target market.
  • Develop a marketing and promotion strategy.
  • Create a detailed budget and revenue projection.
  • Outline a long-term plan for artist development and career growth.

Career center

Learners who complete Music Business Foundations will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:
Music Business Professor
Music Business Professors teach courses on the fundamentals of the Music Business. This course provides a solid foundation on which to expand when teaching on these subjects.
Music Manager
Music Managers represent clients in artist development, media relations, and business affairs. This course's section on Managers, Agents, and Attorneys outlines the roles and responsibilities of the first of these.
Talent Agent
Talent Agents secure engagements for their clients in the entertainment industry, including in the Music Business. This course's section on Managers, Agents, and Attorneys explains the specific role of the Talent Agent and how they fit in.
Booking Agent
Booking Agents represent clients who perform at venues. They negotiate fee, rider, and performance terms. This course helps build a foundation by describing the role of Agents within the Music Business.
Record Executive
Record Executives oversee the operations of record labels. They make decisions on artist development, marketing, and promotion. This course outlines the history and current state of the recording industry, helpful context for Record Executives.
Music Publisher
Music Publishers acquire and administer the copyrights for musical works. This course helps build a foundation for Music Publishers by outlining the basics of the Music Business, including copyright and recording agreements.
Music Business Strategist
Music Business Strategists create and implement strategies to reach the goals of their clients in the Music Industry. This course may be useful for Music Business Strategists to get a better understanding of recent trends and key players.
Licensing Manager
Licensing Managers oversee the acquisition, negotiation, and enforcement of licenses. This course provides a look into the rights outlined by copyright and how they can be licensed for use in the Music Business.
Music Supervisor
Music Supervisors select music for TV, film, video games, and other media. This course may be useful for Music Supervisors to better understand the contractual agreements and rights associated with music.
Copyright Specialist
Copyright Specialists enforce the copyrights acquired by their clients. They also provide opinions on fair use and copyright interpretation. This course may be helpful for Copyright Specialists by providing basics of Copyright Law as it pertains to the Music Business.
Music Business Consultant
Music Business Consultants provide expert advice to clients in the Music Industry. This course may be useful for Music Business Consultants by teaching the latest best practices for creators, consumers, and facilitators in this industry.
Music Technologist
Music Technologists apply technology to the creation and distribution of music. This course's introduction to the changing role of technology in the Music Business may be useful for those embarking on this career.
Publishing Administrator
Publishing Administrators manage the day-to-day operations of publishing companies. This course may be useful for Publishing Administrators by providing a foundation on the role of the publishing company in the Music Business.
Entertainment Lawyer
Entertainment Lawyers specialize in advising clients in the entertainment industries. This course may be useful for Entertainment Lawyers hoping to gain insight into the basic history of the Music Industry, recording agreements, and copyright law.
Songwriter
Songwriters create and write musical compositions. This course may be useful for Songwriters to better understand the recording agreements and copyright law that govern their work in the Music Business.

Reading list

We've selected 30 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 Music Business Foundations.
This textbook provides a comprehensive overview of the music business in the digital age, covering topics such as the history of the digital music industry, different types of digital music businesses, and the legal and financial aspects of the digital music business.
Practical guide to the music business, covering everything from songwriting and recording to marketing and promotion. It is an essential resource for anyone who wants to start or advance their career in the music industry.
This textbook provides a comprehensive overview of the music business, covering topics such as the history of the industry, different types of music businesses, and the legal and financial aspects of the music business.
Practical guide to the music business, covering topics such as how to get a record deal, how to promote your music, and how to make money in the music business.
Is focused on the legal side of the music business and provides practical guidance on various types of music industry contracts, including recording agreements, management agreements, and publishing agreements.
Provides a comprehensive overview of the music business, covering topics such as the history of the industry, different types of music businesses, and the legal and financial aspects of the music business.
This textbook provides a comprehensive overview of the music business, covering topics such as the history of the industry, different types of music businesses, and the legal and financial aspects of the music business.
Provides a comprehensive overview of copyright law, making it a great resource for understanding the legal framework that governs the music industry. It covers various topics, including copyright registration, infringement, and fair use.
Classic guide to creativity, with a focus on the music industry. It is an excellent resource for anyone who wants to learn more about the creative process and how to overcome creative blocks.
Motivational guide for artists, with a focus on the music industry. It is an excellent resource for anyone who wants to learn more about the challenges of being an artist and how to overcome them.
Provides a comprehensive overview of social media marketing, with a focus on the music industry. It is an essential resource for anyone who wants to learn more about how to use social media to promote their music.
Provides a comprehensive overview of music production, with a focus on the technical aspects of recording, mixing, and mastering. It is an essential resource for anyone who wants to learn more about the technical side of music production.
Guide to starting and running a record label, covering topics such as how to find and sign artists, how to produce and distribute records, and how to market and promote your label.
Provides a comprehensive overview of music production, with a focus on the creative aspects of the process. It is an excellent resource for anyone who wants to learn more about the creative side of music production.
This classic text in the field of music business serves as a valuable resource and reference for understanding the industry's history, structure, and key players. It covers topics such as intellectual property rights, distribution and marketing, and the impact of technology.
As the syllabus covers the basics of copyright law, this book provides a more in-depth exploration of copyright issues specifically related to the music industry. It offers practical advice on copyright registration, infringement, and fair use.
Provides a comprehensive overview of harmony, with a focus on the academic study of harmony. It is an essential resource for anyone who wants to learn more about the academic side of harmony.
This guide delves into the legal aspects of the music business, covering topics such as contracts, copyright, and artist representation. It complements the course's focus on business foundations by providing a legal framework for understanding the industry.
Guide to the music business for independent musicians, covering topics such as how to get your music heard, how to build a fan base, and how to make money from your music.
Provides a comprehensive overview of the music business, covering a wide range of topics, from the history of the music industry to the latest trends and technologies. It good reference guide for those who want to learn more about the music industry.
Focuses on the specific area of music publishing. It provides a comprehensive guide to the roles of music publishers, the process of copyrighting and licensing songs, and the various revenue streams for songwriters and publishers.
Save
While not specifically focused on the music industry, this book provides a broader context for understanding the legal and cultural implications of copyright in the digital age. It explores the tension between protecting intellectual property and promoting creativity.
Offers practical guidance on music marketing strategies and tactics. It covers topics such as audience segmentation, branding, social media marketing, and digital distribution.
This guide provides a specific focus on the role of music publishing in the songwriting process. It covers topics such as copyright protection, royalty collection, and the relationship between songwriters and publishers.
Explores the future of the music industry. It covers a wide range of topics, from the impact of artificial intelligence to the changing role of the artist.
While this book covers music production techniques and principles, it provides valuable insights into the creative and technical aspects of music production, which can be beneficial for students interested in the recording process.

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