COMMERCIAL MUSIC MANAGEMENT
(COURSE MASTER SYLLABUS)

MUSB 2309 THE RECORD INDUSTRY


TEXTBOOK: None...This means you must attend class and pay attention to my twisted mind altering lectures.

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

COURSE OBJECTIVE:
The primary objective of this course is to develop a fundamental working knowledge of the record industry.

COURSE DESCRIPTION:
A study of the history of the record industry and the organization of large and small record companies. Topics include record company functions such as A&R, promotion, marketing, business affairs, and administration and distribution. Our lectures will include major and independent labels. We will study the structure of these labels in great detail. Everyone will be expected to participate in class discussions and projects.

LEARNING OUTCOMES:
The student will summarize the history and development of the record industry; identify the structure of record labels; and describe record industry functions such as A & R, promotion, marketing, business affairs, administration and distribution.

STUDENT EVALUATION:
Attendance and Class Participation ............................ 51%
Unit Tests (2) and Assignments .................................. 49%
Independent Projects ................................................. optional

STUDENT REQUIREMENTS:
Attend class regularly
Participate in class discussion & activities
Production of work as assigned
No sleeping in class

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.

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.

I. General Discussion
A. Musical styles...Everyone has an opinion
B. Do you have to like music?
C. Business skills needed
D. Class goals & evaluating success
II. Historical Perspective
A. Roots
B. The transformation(s) of the industry
C. Case histories (good stories)
III. The Anatomy Of A Record Label
A. Marketing and sales
B. Promotion
C. Creative services
D. Publicity, legal, production, etc.
E. A&R (more than talent scouts)
IV. Distribution
A. Major vs. independent
B. International
V. Related stuff
A. Music press and trade publications
B. The recording process
C. Music video
D. The Internet
VI. DIY