Music Industry Seminar

3 Credits · Level: Graduate, Undergraduate

It’s no secret that for musicians, the world is moving faster than ever. Revenue streams continue to shift as new distribution platforms grow in popularity. Laws concerning copyright and public policy are in flux, and through it all, questions about AI and sustainability of our live music ecosystem persist. It’s never been more important for the music community to get engaged.That’s what this course is all about. Designed as a hands-on seminar for students either thinking about careers in the Music Industry or just interested in learning more about how the industry works, MUSC 461 uses the concept of music ecosystems to explore artist compensation, the role of music businesses and nonprofits, the impact of policy and public funding, and how we can best engage music fans to build a thriving future industry. This student-centered seminar utilizes lectures, guest speakers, readings, small group work, and student-led presentations to develop a full understanding of how the industry works. We lean in on each student's personal interests as a music fan and a scholar to model the interdisciplinary nature of the industry. Optional field trips provide direct access to area artists and venues. Students will leave the semester with a full understanding of how today's industry operates, their potential place in that industry, opportunities to build a more equitable and artist-centric music community, and how all of us can engage in that ongoing evolution.