COMMERCIAL MUSIC MANAGEMENT
(COURSE MASTER SYLLABUS)

MUSB 1341 CONCERT PROMOTION AND VENUE MANAGEMENT


COURSE FORMAT: Lectures, guest speakers, class projects and field trips

COURSE DESCRIPTION
A course in the basics of concert promotion and venue management including considerations in purchasing a club; concert promotion and advertising; talent buying; city codes; insurance; Texas Alcoholic Beverage Commission Regulation; American Society of Composers, Arrangers, and Producers (ASCAP/BMI) licenses; personnel management; and concert production and administration.

OUTCOMES AND OBJECTIVES
The student will outline show production, promotion, and venue management; and apply knowledge of budgeting and planning, talent buying, and promotion in the production of a show.

STUDENT EVALUATION
• Attendance and Class Participation................................ 20%
• Marketing plan project.................................................... 20%
• Written/research assignments/quizzes............................ 20%
• Exam 1.......................................................................... 20%
• Exam 2.......................................................................... 20%

It is imperative that you attend class, as this class will not follow a textbook. Please make every effort to attend. If you are unable to attend, please notify the instructor by email or phone before the class. If you miss a class, it is your responsibility to get class notes and any assignments from another student.

Written, research and marketing assignments will require you to learn the marketplace (media, venues, competition), and use research tools (internet, trade publications, etc.)

The two Exams will cover the first and second halves of the course. They will be a combination of multiple choice and short answer.’

STUDENT REQUIREMENTS
• Attend class regularly
• Have required materials (pens, paper, calculators)
• Specific assignments may also require that you bring additional materials

WE WILL COVER EACH OF THESE TOPICS DURING THE SEMESTER. SOME WILL BE COVERED IN GREATER DETAIL THAN OTHERS AND WE WILL NOT NECESSARILY FOLLOW THIS ORDER.

A CONCERT VENUE INSIDE OUT
•
The Patron
•
Ticketing
•
Security/Front of House
•
Production
•
Advancing
•
Day of Show
•
 Artist
•
 Manager
•
 Business Manager / Tour Accountant
•
 Booking Agent
•
 Record Label
•
 Publicist
•
 Tour Manager
•
 Attorney
•
 Publisher
•
 Performing Rights Organizations (ASCAP/BMI)
•
 Bar/Alcohol/TABC
•
 Small club
•
Mid-size venue/theater/amphitheater
•
Arena/stadium
BOOKING/DEALS
• Research
• Market research
• Media
• Competition
• Economy
• Demo / audience of the artist
• Artist sales in other markets
• Radio Airplay
• Soundscan
• Promotional Support
• Offers
• Negotiation
• Budget
• Performa/Breakeven
• Contract
• Riders
• Merchandise Deals
• Radio shows
• When concerts fail: paper the house
MARKETING
• Begin the process
• Research the event/performer
• Decide media mix
• Advertising
• Radio
• Print
• TV
• Other (outdoor, internet, etc.)
• The ad schedule/grid
Promotion
• Radio Promotion
• Third Party Promotion
• Street Promotion
• Internet
• Publicity
• Press Release
• Radio/Print/TV interviews
• Print pre-views
• Reviews
• Sponsorships
• Record Company co-op
POTENTIAL GUEST SPEAKERS
• Venue Owner
• Production Manager
• Venue Booker
• Bar Manager
• Front of House Manager
• Ticketing Company

POLICIES:
• Makeup exams may be given if arrangements are made prior to the exam date.
• Students will not receive full credit for assignments turned in late.
• Failure to attend class regularly may result in a lower grade.
• If you do not attend class the entire semester you will receive a failing grade.
• Withdrawal from this class is the responsibility of the student.
• An incomplete may be given to a student under special circumstances. If you feel this is necessary you must discuss the issue with the instructor no less than three weeks prior to the end of the semester.
• 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, whether taken electronically or on paper; projects, either individual or group: classroom presentations and homework."
• 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.