Skip to main contentSkip to Xpert Chatbot

BerkleeX: Introduction to the Music Business

4.6 stars
21 ratings

Learn the latest about the rapidly changing music industry from recording, publishing, and distribution to legal issues confronting music commerce.

6 weeks
2–4 hours per week
Self-paced
Progress at your own speed
Free
Optional upgrade available

Choose your session:

59,238 already enrolled! After a course session ends, it will be archivedOpens in a new tab.
Starts Dec 3
Enroll
Starts Jan 1, 2025
Enroll
Introduction to the Music Business

About this course

Skip About this course

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. As demand grows and Internet piracy wanes, ad-supported and subscription models will generate unprecedented revenues that will surpass even the best of past earnings. And, many astute “music industry-watchers” predict a steep rise in business activity and trade earnings by the end of the decade.

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. 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. 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.

Awards

edX Prize 2017 Winner

At a glance

What you'll learn

Skip What you'll learn
  • The history of the recording industry
  • Today's music business structure
  • How to read and understand recording contactracts
  • How toprotect artisitic work with copyright
  • The various roles in the industry, including managers, agents, and attorneys
  • How to build a musical brand
  • How to plan and organize live performances

Syllabus

Skip Syllabus

Lesson 1: Overview of the Music Industry

  • Overview
  • Music Industry History: 1900-1950
  • Music Industry History: 1950-2000
  • Music Industry History: Napster and Beyond
  • Today’s Music Business Structure
  • Quiz
  • Recap

Lesson 2: Recording Agreements

  • Overview
  • Importance of Recording Agreements
  • Contract Provisions
  • Royalties
  • Advances
  • 360 Deals
  • Discussion: 360 Degree Deals
  • Quiz
  • Recap

Lesson 3: Copyright Basics

  • Overview
  • History of Copyright
  • The Importance of Copyright
  • Registration
  • The Bundle of Rights
  • Infringement
  • Fair Use
  • Discussion: Future of the Bundle of Rights
  • Quiz
  • Recap

Lesson 4: Managers, Agents, and Attorneys

  • Overview
  • Types of Managers
  • Commissions
  • Agents
  • Attorneys
  • Term
  • Fiduciary Relationship
  • Business and Road Managers
  • Regulation of Managers
  • Agents
  • Discussion: Role of the Personal Manager
  • Quiz
  • Recap

Lesson 5: Band and Brand Organization and Protection

  • Overview
  • Sole Proprietorship
  • General Partnership
  • Corporation
  • LLC
  • Trademark
  • Band Names
  • Discussion: Which type of Entity?
  • Quiz
  • Recap

Lesson 6: The Live Performance Market

  • Overview
  • It Factor
  • Fan Engaging Show
  • Promotions: Social Media
  • Live Performance Agreement
  • Entourage
  • Local Personnel
  • The Future of Live Music
  • Discussion: Keeping Informed and Getting Active
  • Quiz
  • Recap
  • Course Wrap Up

This course is part of Music Business: Industry Essentials XSeries Program

Learn more 
Expert instruction
4 high-quality courses
Self-paced
Progress at your own speed
4 months
3 - 5 hours per week

Ways to take this course

Choose your path when you enroll.

Certificate

Free

Price

$59 USD

-

Access to course materials

Unlimited

Limited

Expires on Jan 14, 2025

World-class institutions and universities

edX support

Shareable certificate upon completion

Graded assignments and exams

Read our FAQsin a new tab about frequently asked questions on these tracks.

Interested in this course for your business or team?

Train your employees in the most in-demand topics, with edX For Business.