COMMERCIAL MUSIC MANAGEMENT
(COURSE MASTER SYLLABUS)

MUSB-1301 LEGAL ASPECTS OF THE ENTERTAINMENT INDUSTRY


COURSE DESCRIPTION:
A course in the basics of copyright law and the various agreements used in the entertainment industry with emphasis on contracts used by music publishers, record companies, artist management, record producers, film and television producers, and booking agencies. Materials will include actual and sample contracts used in the music business, such as recording agreements, publishing agreements and management agreements. We will also refer to current articles in newspapers and trade publications in order to examine legal developments in the music industry.

COURSE OBJECTIVE:
By the end of this course, you should be able to describe the legal relationships between "artists" and the various music industry professionals who work with them; explain key legal concepts and issues including copyright, trademark and business entities; and critically examine and evaluate typical music industry contracts.

TEXTBOOK:
The Musician's Business & Legal Guide 3rd Edition, Mark Halloran, Editor

STUDENT EVALUATION:
Class participation.......................................................... 30%
• Mid-terms (2) (20% each)............................................... 40%
Class participation.......................................................... 30%
.
SUBJECT OUTLINE (TENTATIVE AND SUBJECT TO REVISION AS CLASS DEVELOPS):

Read: "The Problem With Music" by Steve Albini (in class)
"The Big Picture" - Bird's Eye View of the Music Industry
Major Sources of Income
Key Players

Read: Handout on Law & Legal Systems; Fairness in Music Licensing Act
of 1997 and Cass County Music Co. v. Muendini
Introduction to Law & Legal Systems
Federal and State Law
Statutory and Common Law
Torts
Fiduciary Duties
Contracts

Read: pp 2-35 and Brian Wilson handouts
Business Entities
Proprietorships
Partnerships (General & Limited)
Corporations
Limited Liability Companies
Musical Groups
Band Agreements
Group Names
Trademark Principles

Read: pp. 60-82; Bright Tunes Music v. Harrisongs Music, Ltd; and pp.
83-98
Copyright Law
Copyright Basics
Infringement
Sampling
Collaborator/Songwriter Agreements

Read: Campbell v. Acuff-Rose; Jarvis v. A&M Records and pp. 99-109
Copyright Law (cont.)
Case studies
Emerging Copyright Issues
Exploiting Copyrights - Overview

Catch-up / Review for Exam

1st Exam

Read: pp. 122-184
PRO's
Intro. to Publishing
Publishing Agreements
Single Song
Exclusive Term
Admin
Music for Film & TV

Spring Break

Read: pp. 316-417
Recording Agreements

Read: 440-457
Recording agreements (cont.)
Royalty Statements
Indies

Catch-up / Review

2nd Exam

Read: 426-439; 254-273; form management agreement handout for homework
Producers
Managers

Read: 200-213; 274-300; 44-54
Managers (cont.)
Live performance
Talent Agencies
Attorneys

Review

Final Exam

POLICIES:
Makeup exams may be given if arrangements are made PRIOR to the exam date.
Failure to attend class regularly WILL result in a lower grade. Generally, I will deduct and grade for each missed class from the "participation" portion of your grade. You are also encouraged to PARTICIPATE in class. Generally, I will add at least 1 grade point to the "participation" portion of your grade if I believe you have materially contributed to ongoing class discussions.
PREPARATION FOR CLASS IS A MUST. At every class, I will be calling on students to discuss reading assignments. If you are called upon, and are not prepared to discuss relevant topics, I will deduct 1 grade from the "participation" portion of your grade.
Withdrawal from this class is the responsibility of the student.
Scholastic Dishonesty: (From Student Handbook 2002-2003, p. 32) ; "Acts prohibited by the College for which discipline may be administered include scholastic dishonesty, including but not limited to cheating on an exam or quiz, plagiarizing, and unauthorized collaboration with another in preparing outside work, Academic work submitted by students shall be the result of their thought, research, or self-expression. Academic work is defined as, but not limited to tests, quizzes, wheth
Office of Students with Disabilities: (From Student Handbook, 2002-2003, p. 14) ; "Each ACC campus offers support services for students with documented physical of psychological disabilities. Students with disabilities must request reasonable accommodations through the Office for Students with Disabilities on the campus where they expect to take the majority of their classes. Students are encouraged to do this three weeks before the start of the semester."
Student Discipline: Students are expected to behave as responsible adults and be courteous to their instructor and classmates at all times. Any student not demonstrating these qualities will be asked to leave the classroom. Repeated unacceptable behavior will result in a student being asked to leave the class permanently.
Academic Freedom: Each student is strongly encouraged to participate in class. In any classroom situation that includes discussion and critical thinking, there are bound to be many differing viewpoints. Students may not only disagree with each other at times, but the student and instructor may also find that they have disparate views on sensitive and volatile topics. It is the college's hope that these differences will enhance the class and create an atmosphere where students and instructors alike will be encouraged to think and learn. Therefore, be assured that your grade will not be adversely affected by any beliefs or ideas expressed in class or assignments. Rather, we will respect the views of other when expressed in classroom discussions.