Business of Music

Manuel Prestamo, Ph.D.

SYLLABUS

Florida International University

FALL 2015

Course: MUM4301 Section #: U01 – CClass: 85970

Day(s) and Time(s): T/Th AM–9:30 AM to 10:45 AM Start and end dates: 08-25-15 / 12-10-15

Course Delivery Method: LectureCourse format:16 WeeksLocation: Engr & Comp Sci 135

Instructor: Manuel Prestamo, Ph.D.

Office Email:

Office Hours: By Appointment – 8:00 – 9:30 AM T/Th

Office: WPAC 142Office Phone:305.348.6182

COURSE DESCRIPTION AND PURPOSE

COURSE OBJECTIVES AND LEARNING OUTCOMES

This course will present basic principles and practices of modern publishing techniques; copyright laws; distribution of music, performancerights; marketing, advertising, funding, contracts and relationships between producers, performers, writers, personnel managers, and booking agents. Prerequisite: Permission of the instructor.

Upon successful completion of this course students will be able to demonstrate the following:

  1. Factual knowledge about presenting and managing artists.
  2. Factual knowledge about managing and operating performing arts facilities and events.
  3. Communication skills that effectively express the understandings gained in this course.
  4. Analyze the quality of performing arts products and services and speak intelligently and comfortably about them.
  5. Demonstrate an awareness and understanding of the performing arts industry throughout the world.

GLOBAL LEARNING OUTCOMES

  1. Understand local, global, international, and intercultural trends related to the performing arts industry.
  2. Communicate comfortably about local, global, and international artists, performances, venues and be capable of finding significant information about them.
  3. Evaluate business practices relevant to the performing arts industry throughout the world.

COURSE PREREQUISITES

There are no prerequisites for this course. Permission of the instructor is required.

TEXTBOOK

Publisher: Sage Publications (sagepub.com)

Book Name: Music Business Handbook and Career Guide, Tenth Edition

Authors: David Baskerville and Tim Baskerville

There are two options for you to choose from: ebook or print. You may purchase the-book as it is the most economical. However, be sure to ask if your purchase of the ebook is merely a rental, and if so when your access to it will expire.

Both versions of the book should be available for you to purchase at the FIU bookstore.

If you chose to purchase your book directly from the publisher, you have the two following options:

E-Text from VitalsourceCourseSmartwith 180 day total access is $53.00, ISBN-13 9781452285269

Printed text from Sage for $106.25, ISBN 9781452242200

You will need to check with the FIU Bookstore to verify their price(s) and buy back options, if any. If prices are the same or better at the FIU Bookstore, I hope you will support them and purchase your book there.

COURSE COMMUNICATION

Please plan on communicating with the professor using the e-mail address provided and writing to him via your FIU e-mail account. Allow 48 hours or a reply. The phone number provided is to the Music Department and students are discouraged from utilizing it as a method of communication as it will most likely delay the response time.

TEACHING METHODS: Lectures, films, videos, recordings, group projects, assignments, class discussion and online quizzes.

Evaluation Techniques:

  1. Class attendance and participation demonstrating completion of assigned homework and readings. (100 points)
  2. Chapter Multiple-Choice Quizzes available on-line, each worth one point per correct answer. Material from class lectures and presentations will be included in the tests. They are available to you and should be completed as per the schedule shown below. They will be removed at midnight on the Sunday 2 weeks following their assigned week. You must complete them within their assigned window of visibility as they will NOT be reinstated thereafter. They are timed and you have a maximum of 90 minutes to complete each one. You may have your book open – however, it is unlikely that you will be able to complete a quiz without having read the chapter in advance. You will find each quiz in BlackBoard by going to “Course Materials,” the corresponding chapter, Ch # Quiz. Each quiz that you will take has been coded with the corresponding Chapter Number. Please be sure to confirm that you are taking the appropriate quiz by referring to the Tentative Schedule below which shows dates of suggested completion and chapters. Instructor reserves the option to add quizzes and adjust the scores accordingly. (Total Number for all quizzes = 720)
  3. A Class Presentation – Flyer: Groups of 2 or more students will be organized with the instructor’s approval and assistance. Each group will design a flyer, upload the finished product to BB, and then present it to the class on the date shown below. Flyer may serve to promote an artist or an event. It should incorporate appropriate details and materials as explored in class. (100 points per student)
  4. A Class Presentation – Sales Pitch or The Ask: Groups of 2 or more students will be organized with the instructor’s approval and assistance. Each group will prepare a “sales pitch” or “the ask,” upload a cover letter to BB, and then present a 5 minute pitch on the date shown below. The “sales pitch” would promote an artist or group to an imaginary presenter, while “the ask” would be a request for funding from a donor, foundation, or corporation. It is up to each group to pick one and then develop their presentation and supporting materials. This assignment should incorporate appropriate details and materials as explored in class. (100 points per student)

University Requirements

Academic Honesty and Plagiarism:

FIU Academic Conduct Statement

Florida International University is a community dedicated to generating and imparting knowledge through excellence in teaching and research, the rigorous and respectful exchange of ideas, and community service. All students should respect the right of others to have an equitable opportunity to learn and honestly to demonstrate the quality of their learning. Therefore, all students are expected to adhere to a standard of academic conduct that demonstrates respect for themselves, their fellow students, and the educational mission of the University. All students are deemed by the University to understand that if they are found responsible for academic misconduct, they will be subject to the Academic Misconduct procedures and sanctions, as outlined in the Student Handbook.

Academic misconduct includes:

Cheating – The unauthorized use of books, notes, aids, electronic sources, or assistance from another per-son with respect to examinations, course assignments, field service reports, class recitations or other work; or the unauthorized possession of examination papers or course materials, whether originally authorized or not. Cheating violates both University and College codes.

Plagiarism – The use and appropriation of another work without any indication of the source, and the re-presentation of such work as the student’s own. Any student who fails to give credit for ideas, expressions or materials taken from another source, including Internet sources, commits plagiarism. Plagiarism violates both University and College codes.

Unacceptable behavior – Students who show repeated or egregious disrespect for classmates or instructors, are disruptive, or consistently violate course rules are subject to the sanctions of the University.

Registration in this course implies an acceptance of and compliance with the University policies for students and the FIU Code of Academic Integrity. Please refer to the following documentsfor additional information:

FIU Code of Academic Integrity –

Religious Observances

Every effort will be made, where feasible and practical, to accommodate students whose religious practices coincide with class requirements or scheduling. Please make sure to notify yourinstructor at the beginning of the semester of which dates you will be absent or any anticipated problems with completing course work.

Physical, Mental and Sensory Challenges

Every effort will be made, where feasible and practical, to accommodate students who are so challenged. Should you require accommodations, contact the Disability Resource Center, if youhave not done so already.

Cell Phones and Electronic Devices

Laptops, Cell Phones, Beepers, Smartphones, PDA’s and Other Electronic Devices (including any recording equipment) may not be used during classwithout the prior approval of the instructor. All such devices must be turned off and put away during the entire duration of a class period. Any recordings made at the instructor’s discretion are for the student’s personal use only and may not be reproduced, distributed or sold in any way.

CLASS POLICIES

Preparation

Students are expected to read the chapter(s) and materials assigned prior to coming to each class.Students will be prepared to discuss topics covered in the text, supplemental reading, and personal experiences in class. Students are encouraged to read all course materials and listen to recorded samples on a timely basis as suggested in the class schedule below. Students should be ready to be called on to answer questions and participate in class discussions.

Class Schedule and Attendance

Students are expected to attend all scheduled class sessions and behave in a professional and businesslike manner in class. Attendance will be a part of the grade. If a guest speaker is scheduled, it is very important to attend the class. Some of the test questions will be derived from the material covered by our guest speakers and class lectures by the professor, note taking is therefore advised. Your attendance and active participation in class are important to the learning experience. Consistent class attendance will increase your understanding of the course material and result in better grades. Students who miss classes are responsible for obtaining any materials distributed/covered during their absenceregardless of the reason for their absence.Faculty may excuse absences only in cases of documented serious illness, religious observance, civic obligations, or participation in an activity approved by the Academic Dean or Department Chair. If a student will miss a class for a religious observance or civic obligation, the student must inform the instructor one week in advance of their absence. Any other absences, such as absences for work related travel or a family emergency may be excused at the discretion of the instructor upon receiving documentation. It is the student’s responsibility to contact the instructor after any unanticipated absence.Instructors and administrators shall endeavor not to schedule any examinations or other graded class events on a major religious holy day. The instructor reserves the right to deduct one letter grade for per 3 unexcused absences”

Arriving Late, Leaving Early, Coming and Going: Classes start on time and students must arrive to class prior to the class start time and stay in the classroom during the entire class period. Students may enter class late only if given permission by the instructor and only if they can do so without disruption. Arriving late or leaving class early will have an impact on the course grade at the discretion of the instructor.

Guest Speakers

On occasion, professionals from the music industry may be invited to share their real world experiences with the class. Students are required to attend guest-lecture sessions, to dress appropriately and to conduct themselves in a manner to best represent themselves and Florida International University.

Examination Policy: Examinations are to be taken by students at the time and date shown in the course syllabus. Make up exams are discouraged except under extreme medical-related circumstances. Instructors are encouraged to offer students missing an exam either a comprehensive final exam or to grade the student based on the exams taken and/or to be taken.

University policy states that final exams must be given on the days and times scheduled by the University. The School affirms this policy. Students must make appropriate travel accommodations that do not interfere with the university exam schedule. The final exam schedule is posted on the university website within a few days of the start of each semester.

General Behavior: Students shall conduct themselves in a professional, business-like manner and respect the faculty, fellow students, and others present in class and will follow the rules prescribed by the instructor for classroom behavior. Students who fail to conduct themselves in an appropriate manner may be asked to leave the classroom with a grade penalty.

It is a University policy that animals, children and visitors are not allowed in class without the express prior consent of the instructor. Students claiming a disability which requires a service animal to be admitted into a class must provide a written notification to the instructor prior to bringing in the service animal.

LAST DAY TO WITHDRAW / DROP:

August 31 - Last day to drop without financial liability from the University with a WI grade.

November 2 - Last day to drop a course with a DR grade and/or withdraw from University with WI grade..

GRADING

Letter / Points / Letter / Points / Letter / Points
A / 1020 - 949 / A- / 948 - 918
B+ / 917 - 888 / B / 887 - 847 / B- / 846 - 816
C+ / 815 - 786 / C / 785 - 745 / C- / 744 - 714
D+ / 713 - 684 / D / 683 - 612 / F / Below 611

TENTATIVE COURSE CALENDAR:

Business of Music
WK / Date / Item Number + Chapter / Work Due - Q = Quiz in BB / Points
WK 1 / Tues / 25-Aug / Part 1 - Chptrs 1- 3
Thurs / 27-Aug / Prt 3 - Chptr 8 - Agents, Managers, Attorneys / Q - CH 1-3 / 56
WK 2 / Mon / 31-Aug / Last day to drop without penalty
Tues / 1-Sep / Prt 3 - Chptr 9 - Artist Management / Q - CH 8 / 28
Thurs / 3-Sep / Prt 3 - Chptr 9 - Artist Management / Q - CH 9 / 25
WK 3 / Tues / 8-Sep / Prt 3 - Chptrs 10 - Unions & Guilds, &
Part 2 - Chptrs 4-5 - Songwriting, Publishing / Q - CH 10 / 21
Thurs / 10-Sep / Part 2 - Chptrs - 6-7 - Copyright, Liscensing, Guest Speaker / Q - CHs 4-5 / 61
WK 4 / Tues / 15-Sep / Prt 3 - Chptr 11 - Recording Contracts + Other Contracts / Q - CHs 6-7 / 63
Thurs / 17-Sep / Contracts / Q - CHs 11 / 27
WK 5 / Tues / 22-Sep / Prt 5 - Chpts 16 & 17 - Concert Production / Q - CHs 12-15 (from Prt 4) / 88
Thurs / 24-Sep / Prt 5 - Chptr 18 - Arts Administration (Funding & Grants) / Q - CHs 16-17 / 43
WK 6 / Tues / 29-Sep / Grant Process, Availability, Requirements
Miami-Dade Cultural Affairs Department, Guest Speaker / Q - CH 18 / 20
Thurs / 1-Oct / Part 2 - Chptrs 6-7 - Research and Library Resources +
More on Copyright, Liscensing, Guest Speaker / Q - CHs 19-20 / 47
WK 7 / Tues / 6-Oct / Prt 5 - Chptr 18 - Arts Administration - Structure and Management of a 501c3.
Set up teams! / Q - CHs 21-23 / 68
Thurs / 8-Oct / Prt 6 - Chptrs 19 25 - Radio, Television, Movies, Ads, Theater, Products / Q - CHs 24-25 / 31
WK 8 / Tues / 13-Oct / Prt 7 - Chptr 26 - The DIY Toolkit / Q -CHs 26-27 / 33
Thurs / 15-Oct / Prt 7 - Chptr 27 - Starting Your Own Business (Forms, Permits, Legalities) / Q - CHs 28-29 (from Part 8) / 45
WK 9 / Tues / 20-Oct / Prt 7 - Chptr 27 - Starting Your Own Business (Raising Funds, Accounting, Finance) / Q -CHs 30-32 (from Part 9) / 64
Thurs / 22-Oct / Part 7 - Chptr 27 - Marketing and Advertising (Flyers and Websites) / Work on flyer
WK 10 / Tues / 27-Oct / Part 7 - Chptr 27 - Marketing and Advertising (Media, Billboards, Digital) / Work on flyer
Thurs / 29-Oct / Part 7 - Chptr 27 - Starting Your Own Business (Operations, Management, Employees) / Work on flyer
WK 11 / Mon / 2-Nov / Last Day - Drop with DR, Withdraw with WI
Tues / 3-Nov / Online Resources - NEA, APAP, Chronicle, AFM, and more / Work on flyer
Thurs / 5-Nov / The Art of Programming / Work on flyer
WK 12 / Tues / 10-Nov / The Sales Pitch or The Ask / Upload Flyer
Thurs / 12-Nov / Student Presentations - Flyers / Work on Sales Pitch/Ask / 100
16-Nov / Review Class Rosters for Grades
WK 13 / Tues / 17-Nov / Prt 8 - Chptr 28 - Career Options / Work on Sales Pitch/Ask
Thurs / 19-Nov / Prt 8 - Chptr 29 - Career Development / Work on Sales Pitch/Ask
WK 14 / Tues / 24-Nov / Prt 9 - Chptrs 30-32 - The Global View / Work on Sales Pitch/Ask
Thurs / 26-Nov / Thanksgiving - No Class / Work on Sales Pitch/Ask
WK 15 / Tues / 1-Dec / From the Experts - Part 4 - Chptrs 12 -15 - Recorded Music Industry, Guest Speaker / Upload Cover Letter
Thurs / 3-Dec / From the Experts - Running a Presenting Series, Guest Speaker / Rehearse Sales Pitch/Ask
WK 16 / Mon / 7-Dec / Finals Week - NOTE Class time CHANGE: 9:45 - 11:45
Tues / 8-Dec / Student Presentations - Sales Pitch or The Ask / 100
Thurs / 10-Dec / No Class!
Attendance / Participation / 100
Total Points / 1020