Intro to Music Biz Contents of Study Module Performance Objectives
Section 0 - Intro
Movie: "That’s the Way of the World"--1975
Section 1 - Music Industry Overview/Trademark/Copyright
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1-1) Identify the three key components which make up the music industry.
1-2) Know and list the factors which contributed to the success of those who have made a career in the music business.
1-3) Explain why record companies today usually only sign certain acts.
1-4) Explain why there is a tremendous turnover of people in the Music Industry.
1-5) Know the procedures of establishing a business (e.g. production company or singing group) legally with the county clerk's or state registrar's office.
1-6) Define what "pop" music is and how it evolved into the form we know today.
1-7) Define "sole proprietorship," "partnership" and "corporation."
1-8) Explain the differences between "artistic" and "commercial" success, and which matters most to record labels.
1-9) Define "trademark" and "servicemark" and how they differ from "copyright" and "patent".
1-10) Explain how to register a trademark or servicemark.
1-11) Explain "priority" and "territory" as they relate to trade- and servicemarks.
1-12) Explain the 5 exclusive rights granted to copyright holders.
1-13) Define "synchronization license."
1-14) Explain what a "work-for-hire" is.
1-15) Explain the 3 penalties for copyright infringement.
1-16) Define "sampling" and describe how to legally do it.
1-17) Define "public domain."
1-18) Define "compulsory license."
1-19) Explain "fair use" as it relates to the Copyright Laws.
1-20) Explain how, when, and for how long a Copyright exists.
Section 2 - Professional Songwriting and Publishing
2-1) Identify why there has been an increase in demand for new songs.
2-2) Identify and list the sources of income for songwriters.
2-3) Explain the 10 elements that "hit" songs have in common.
2-4) Explain the educational process in learning the craft of songwriting.
2-5) Explain and define the essential elements a songwriting partnership agreement should have.
2-6) Explain how best to "break-in" to the Music Industry as a songwriter.
2-7) Define "music publishing."
2-8) Explain and define the essential elements of a songwriter's contract with a music publisher.
2-9) Define "cross-collateralization."
2-10) Explain and define the negotiable terms of a songwriter's publishing contract.
2-11) Define "default" and "cure" as they relate to publishing contracts.
2-12) List the 3 major performance rights organizations.
2-13) Define "sub-publisher."
2-14) Explain what the "Copyright Department" at publishing companies do.
2-15) Define "clear title" and "mechanical license."
2-16) List the criteria publishers use in accepting new material.
2-17) Explain the two functions of a publishing contract.
2-18) List and explain the 6 rights and controls publishers acquire from songwriters.
2-19) List and explain the 5 negotiable terms publishers ask for.
2-20) Explain the function of the National Music Publishers Association and the Harry Fox Agency.
Section 3 - Artist/Producer Contracts & Music Licensing
Section 4 - Agents, Managers, and Lawyers
4-1) Define and explain the roles of an "agent" and "manager."
4-2) Explain the regulation of agents by states around the country.
4-3) List some of the restrictions imposed upon agents by AFTRA and AGVA.
4-4) Explain how state labor commissions handle grievances between performers and agents.
4-5) Explain why some record labels will not sign an artist who doesn't have a manager.
4-6) Explain why the greatest shortage of competent people resides in the artist management field.
4-7) List the educational and training methods most managers used to become managers.
4-8) Explain why managers have the least secure job in the Music Business.
4-9) Define "Road Manager" and "Business Manager."
4-10) Explain what is the most valuable service a manager performs.
4-11) Define "adjusted gross income" as it relates to a manager's compensation.
4-12) Define "Acts of Faith" as it relates to managers.
4-13) Define "escape clause."
4-14) Define "commissionable work."
4-15) Explain the main function of an attorney.
4-16) List the different payment methods attorneys use and rate their value.
4-17) Define "Conflict of Interest" as it relates to attorneys and managers.
4-18) Explain when an artist should seek an attorney.
4-19) Explain how to judge an attorney's value when seeking one out.
4-20) Explain why some lawyers use their training to become Music Executives.
Section 5 - Examination
Comprehensive Exam--The exam will consist of 50 questions, thirty-five of which have been culled from previous exams.
For Recording Institute of Detroit campus students and registered subscribers to www.alexandermagazine.com, the Testing Center is here.
For access to this exam, contact your instructor (for campus students) or the Administrator (for online students).
Additional Study
McCready Module
