4.9
stars
2,465 ratings

John P. Kellogg, Esq.

Top Instructor

55,722 already enrolled

Offered By

Berklee

About this Course

22,702 recent views

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

Flexible deadlines

Reset deadlines in accordance to your schedule.

Shareable Certificate

Earn a Certificate upon completion

100% online

Start instantly and learn at your own schedule.

Coursera Labs

Includes hands on learning projects.

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Approx. 12 hours to complete

English

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What you will learn

Analyze recording contract provisions
Assess the various rights that make up the copyright bundle of rights
Discuss the roles of the personal manager, business manager, road manager, agents, road crew, and attorneys
Examine the importance of having written agreements that outline the duties and obligations of various parties

Skills you will gain

Music business
Revenue streams
Teambuilding
Copyright
Contracts

Flexible deadlines

Reset deadlines in accordance to your schedule.

Shareable Certificate

Earn a Certificate upon completion

100% online

Start instantly and learn at your own schedule.

Coursera Labs

Includes hands on learning projects.

Learn more about Coursera Labs

Approx. 12 hours to complete

English

Could your company benefit from training employees on in-demand skills?

Try Coursera for Business

Instructor

Instructor rating

4.94/5 (460 Ratings)

John P. Kellogg, Esq.
Top Instructor

Offered by

Berklee

Established in 1945, Berklee is at the forefront of contemporary music education, bringing its award-winning curriculum to more than 3.5 million students around the world. Currently comprising Berklee College of Music, Berklee Online, Boston Conservatory at Berklee, Berklee NYC, Berklee Summer Programs, and more, Berklee is shaping the key players of tomorrow’s music industry. With innovative programs in performance, production, business, theater, dance, and more, students come away from their Berklee experience with a professional portfolio, practical job skills, and a strong sense of community.

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Syllabus - What you will learn from this course

Content Rating98%(16,994 ratings)

Week1

Week 1

4 hours to complete

The Music Industry

4 hours to complete

6 videos (Total 62 min), 11 readings, 2 quizzes

6 videos

Music Industry Guiding Principles8m1900-195012m1950 - 200012mNapster and Beyond9mToday's Music Industry Structure16mWeek 1 Recap2m

11 readings

Welcome to Music Business Foundations10mMeet Your Teaching Assistants10mConnect with Your Classmates10mLearner Support10mEarn A Course Certificate10mJoin the Discussion!10mWeek 1 Learning Targets10mRigor Mortis (1977)10mNew Millennium Innovators: iTunes and Spotify10mJoin Your Study Group10mThe Future of the Music Industry10m

2 practice exercises

What Are Your Goals?30mWeek 1 Quiz30m

Week2

Week 2

3 hours to complete

Recording Agreements

3 hours to complete

14 videos (Total 118 min), 6 readings, 1 quiz

14 videos

Recording Agreements Demystified3mThe Importance of Recording Agreements17mContract Provisions17mRoyalties10mThird Party Licensing7mBreakage Deductions6mFree Goods2mReserves7mStreaming Services10mAdvances and Recording Budgets10m360 Deals or "All-In" Deals9mNeil Jacobson on 360 Degree Deals12mRichard Blackstone on 360 Degree Deals1mWeek 2 Recap2m

6 readings

Exclusive Recording Contract10mRoyalties: Controversy10mMusic and How the Money Flows10mWeighing the Options10m360 Deals: An Industry Reaction to the Devaluation of Recorded Music10mJoin Your Study Group10m

1 practice exercise

Week 2 Quiz20m

Week3

Week 3

2 hours to complete

Copyright Basics

2 hours to complete

9 videos (Total 71 min), 4 readings, 1 quiz

Week4

Week 4

2 hours to complete

Managers, Agents, and Attorneys

2 hours to complete

13 videos (Total 86 min), 2 readings, 1 quiz

13 videos

The Music Business Team1mThe Role of the Personal Manager12mTraits of the Successful Personal Manager7mPersonal Manager Commissions8mContract Term1mFiduciary Responsibilities3mThe IT Factor5mThe Importance of a Fan-Engaging Show11mBusiness and Road Managers6mBooking Agents4mRegulations of Managers and Agents13mEntertainment Attorneys9mWeek 4 Recap1m

2 readings

Join Your Study Group10mThank You and Good Luck10m

1 practice exercise

Week 4 Quiz30m

Reviews

4.9

644 reviews

5 stars
88.29%
4 stars
10.17%
3 stars
1.09%
2 stars
0.12%
1 star
0.32%

TOP REVIEWS FROM MUSIC BUSINESS FOUNDATIONS

by DKFeb 21, 2016

I advise this great course to everybody who wants to learn more about music industry in general, music business principles and tricks, including all types of agreements and principal actors.

by CMSep 2, 2021

Eye opening as a beginner trying to get into the music industry and trying to get "paid, not played". Thanks John for the info! We will see where this Spotify, TikTok era takes us.

by LWDec 3, 2019

I now have an amazing and thorough understanding of the music business after taking this course. One of the best coursera courses and one of my new favorite Berklee teachers!

by MGJun 13, 2017

Amazing course and great teaching. The way things were taught was very clear and concise. I loved taking this course and want to keep re-taking it as the information is so valuable.

View all reviews

Frequently Asked Questions

When will I have access to the lectures and assignments?
Access to lectures and assignments depends on your type of enrollment. If you take a course in audit mode, you will be able to see most course materials for free. To access graded assignments and to earn a Certificate, you will need to purchase the Certificate experience, during or after your audit. If you don't see the audit option:
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The course may offer 'Full Course, No Certificate' instead. This option lets you see all course materials, submit required assessments, and get a final grade. This also means that you will not be able to purchase a Certificate experience.
What will I get if I subscribe to this Specialization?
When you enroll in the course, you get access to all of the courses in the Specialization, and you earn a certificate when you complete the work. Your electronic Certificate will be added to your Accomplishments page - from there, you can print your Certificate or add it to your LinkedIn profile. If you only want to read and view the course content, you can audit the course for free.
Is financial aid available?
Yes. In select learning programs, you can apply for financial aid or a scholarship if you can’t afford the enrollment fee. If fin aid or scholarship is available for your learning program selection, you’ll find a link to apply on the description page.

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Music Business Foundations

About this Course

What you will learn

Skills you will gain