module specification

This module provides a critical understanding of the interface between the creative industries and the artists who provide the underlying content for these industries. Specifically, record company A&R (Artist and Repertoire) and music publisher roles and functions, and management functions are examined, and the underlying principles of successful A&R practice are distilled, from what is often erroneously considered to be an area of subjectivity.
The module will examine the extent to which there is an objective process for the successful undertaking of A&R activities. Within the context of artist and repertoire, the module will explore the interplay of music scenes, pioneering artists, classic albums, talent discovery, the role of independents, and the concept of artist development. Theoretical and practical components will shape the student's understanding of the critical functions of discovery, assessment, and development of talent within creative industries. A&R skills are perhaps of greater importance than ever, even if they will be utilised increasingly outside of the traditional record company framework. The skill sets associated with effective processes of discovering, assessing and developing creative talent are central to those required by students of the music industry, but also have broad transferable benefits for those studying other creative sectors, such as fashion or events, and the module can therefore stand as an EoK module and also a study abroad module.

ESJ Framework:

This module will give students the opportunity to choose their subject of assessment within the syllabus according to their own particular interests, in accordance with the Inclusive Assessment aims of the ESJ Framework.
This module will place students at the heart of their learning experience, allowing them to develop both personally and professionally within their chosen legal employment sector. This is in accordance with the Identity, Personalisation and Reflection aims of the ESJ Framework. A&R is a rapidly growing international sector, offering diverse employability opportunities to future-ready students.

Module Aims:

1. To develop students’ understanding of the evolution of popular music within artist and repertoire.
2. To introduce students to the various elements of popular culture.
3. To connect relevant economic concepts in production and consumption of popular culture to the creative dynamics and changes in styles, genres and modes of communication.
4. To understand the analytical tools at students’ disposal, including but not limited to critical theory, and the economy of the creative industries.
5. To comprehensively introduce the A&R globalisation of music
6. To create an overview of the impact of global music repertoire
7. To introduce the context of global A&R, music licensing and market strategies

NO

1.    The Importance of song structure and hooks LO3
2.    The A&R & Product Manger Relationship LO2
3.    Introducing Frontline A&R and Frontline discovery LO1/LO2
4.    The A&R and Artist Relationship LO1/LO2
5.    Social Media and The Pre-Signed Artist LO4
6.    The History of A&R LO1
7.    Different Genres and A&R strategy LO4
8.    Music Publishing A&R – deal issues, songwriters, & producers LO3
9.    Sync and A&R - placement and breaking the act LO3
10.    Careers in A&R – jobs and how to make your name LO2

-Formal delivery: of the teaching and learning will be based on three contact hours per week
spread over 12 weeks with an additional enrichment week mid-way through the module. The teaching and learning techniques employed on the module will consist of the following: workshops, case-study discussions, videos, as well as problem solving questions in relation to current industry contract issues. Where possible, guest speakers will be invited.
-Outside of class contact hours: students will also be expected to undertake independent study and collaborative work (reading, discussions and own/group research).
-In class students will be set home study questions to prepare for the next class. Students are responsible for preparing for class, and studying relevant materials (articles, texts, case study, video etc) before coming. Teaching is delivered through a blended learning model, using weekly classroom workshops and Weblearn Virtual Learning Environment (VLE), in order to explore themes and identify issues typical of the music contracts & business affairs sector.
-Feedback -Students will receive both formative and summative feedback for their assessment, within 15 week days.

Assessment & ESJ Framework:

1.Formative Assessment: In preparation for the assessment, students will be invited to collaborate in groups on an early formative assignment in week 5.
In accordance with the Identity, Personalisation and Reflection aims of the ESJ Framework, this is designed to help students’ build confidence, self-efficacy and emotional resilience, and creating trust and safe spaces to enable our students to express themselves and have their contributions validated.
Seminars will also be used to facilitate the building of good relations among students and teachers and develop peer relations and the use of peer support.
Opportunities for reflective learning will be available throughout the module as students’ are given the opportunity to consider their approach to tasks/discussions, whilst having the opportunity to reflect upon informal feedback.

2. Summative Assessment

This module will give students the opportunity to choose the subject of assessment within the syllabus, according to their own particular interests.
In accordance with the Inclusive Assessment aims of the ESJ Framework, this will help our student partners become co-creators of assessment knowledge, researching ideas about content that reflects individual students’ identities, experiences and interests. The opportunity to choose the assessment topic and format aims to reduce assessment anxiety and develop student confidence.
This module is designed to help students to self-evaluate, to aid decision making, to learn from mistakes and to help orientate the students’ future career and build employability skills.

On successful completion of the module, students will:
1. Understand the sociocultural and creative imperatives behind artist and repertoire and their social, cultural and political impact (LO1)
2. Present an overview of methods suited to the understanding of A&R business within an appropriate context (LO2)
3. Demonstrate an understanding of different strategies for maximising international success in the music business (LO3)
4. Interpret globalisation effects upon music scenes artist/acts and genres across different territories (LO4)

Online Reading List:
https://rl.talis.com/3/londonmet/lists/E063C93E-F7D8-2E3D-3C42-BD5A81C80DDF.html

Additional Texts:
Passman, D. (2023) All You Need to Know About the Music Business (11th ed.). Simon & Schuster.
Baskerville, D., & Baskerville, T. (2018) Music Business Handbook and Career Guide (12th ed.).
Weissman D. (2017), Understanding the Music Business: Real World Insights, Routledge; 2nd edition
Negus, K. (1992) Producing Pop: Culture and Conflict in the Popular Music Industry. Edward Arnold.
Watson, A. (2014) Cultural Production in and Beyond the Recording Studio. Routledge.
Jones, S. (2002) Pop Music and the Press. Temple University Press.
Passman, D. (2023) All You Need to Know About the Music Business (11th ed.). Simon & Schuster.
Marshall, L. (2013) The Business of Music: A Sociological Introduction. Polity.
Baskerville, D., & Baskerville, T. (2018) Music Business Handbook and Career Guide (12th ed.).
Frith, S., & McRobbie, A. (1990) “Rock and Sexuality” in On Record: Rock, Pop, and the Written Word, Routledge.

Key Online Resources
Industry Bodies & Education
BPI (British Phonographic Industry) – https://www.bpi.co.uk
MMF UK (Music Managers Forum) – https://themmf.net
UK Music – https://www.ukmusic.org
A&R, Discovery, and Industry Insight
Rolling Stone / Billboard A&R Charts –
Music Business Worldwide – https://www.musicbusinessworldwide.com
HitQuarters (Archived but insightful) – http://www.hitquarters.com
Hypebot – https://www.hypebot.com

Videos & Podcasts
YouTube – Vevo DSCVR, COLORS, Tiny Desk Concerts

Podcasts:
Switched on Pop
Music Business Worldwide Podcast – A&R execs
And the Writer Is… –
Journals:
Popular Music
Websites:
www.mediafuturist.com
Digital Music News
Music Business Worldwide
Other:
BPI Statistical Handbook (Yearly Publication)
IFPI The Recording Industry in Numbers (Yearly Publication)
IFPI DIGITAL REPORT