Career Development for Musicians II

Curriculum guideline

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Course
PEFA 1239
Discontinued
No
Course code
PEFA 1239
Descriptive
Career Development for Musicians II
Department
Performing & Fine Arts
Faculty
Language, Literature & Performing Arts
Credits
1.50
Start date
End term
Not Specified
PLAR
No
Semester length
15 weeks
Max class size
30
Course designation
None
Industry designation
None
Contact hours

Lecture: 2 hours/week

Method(s) of instruction
Lecture
Learning activities

Lecture/demonstrations for 2 hours per week with the instructor and guest lecturers from the music industry. Project-oriented assignments.

Course description
This course introduces students to real world music collaboration, contracting and income stream management. Topics include remote collaboration, recording, digital distribution, marketing channels, concert planning, touring, contracts, royalties and performing rights organizations.
Course content

 

  1. Recordings
    • the recording process: tracking, sharing files, mixing and mastering
    • artistic collaboration
    • record labels: types and functions
    • electronic and traditional distribution networks, online sales, radio airplay
    • aggregators, metadata, streaming platforms
  2. Concerts, concert series and event planning and development
    • venues and booking
    • marketing and publicity
    • seeking community, corporate and government support
  3. Setting up regional and national tours
    • touring options: festivals, club dates, concert halls, community music societies
    • practical considerations: funding, visas for international work, transportation and accommodation
  4. Royalties and performing rights
    • SOCAN, BMI, ASCAP and other performing rights organizations
    • media licensing for film, radio, and TV
    • publishing companies, self-publishing options
    • change of use and residual payments from recording
    • neighbouring rights
  5. Contracts and professional agreements
    • contract law
    • the role of musicians' unions
    • contracts for performances and recording
    • contracts for co-writes and songsplit agreements
    • contracts for use of published work, recordings or compositions
    • contracts and agreements with artist management and booking agencies
  6. The Release and marketing channels
    • radio 
    • social media
    • print media
    • visual media
    • launch events

 

Learning outcomes

This course is designed to prepare students for the successful pursuit of a career in music. Students will have completed projects that will be of practical use in their careers. 

By the end of this course students will possess an understanding of:

  • the planning, production and digital distribution of recordings
  • the organization of concert tours
  • performance royalties and copyright
  • music industry standard contracts
  • intercultural collaboration 

They will be able to:

  • work with collaborators remotely to co-write and produce a finished track
  • negotiate and draw up a songwriting split contract
  • identify appropriate marketing channels
Means of assessment

Assessment will be based on course objectives and will be carried out in accordance with the Douglas College Evaluation Policy. This is an example evaluation scheme.

Quizzes 20%
Project I 15%
Project II 15%
Final Project 40%
Professionalism 10%

Projects may include but are not limited to:

  • intercultural collaborative production of a track
  • creating a songwriter royalty split contract
  • developing a plan for a concert or series of concerts
  • collating metadata for a digital release
  • creating a detailed plan for  recording and production
  • other projects appropriate to the specific career goals of individual students may be suggested by students and developed with the input and approval of the instructor.

Professionalism is assessed on consistent attendance, punctuality, taking responsibility for deadlines, constructive and considerate inter-personal communication and contribution to class discussion and group work. 

Textbook materials

Readings will be selected from current open educational resources and industry websites. A list of required and recommended reading will be provided for students at the beginning of the semester.