module specification

MD4052 - Music Industry (2024/25)

Module specification Module approved to run in 2024/25
Module title Music Industry
Module level Certificate (04)
Credit rating for module 15
School School of Computing and Digital Media
Total study hours 150
 
30 hours Assessment Preparation / Delivery
84 hours Guided independent study
36 hours Scheduled learning & teaching activities
Assessment components
Type Weighting Qualifying mark Description
Group Presentation 30%   Group Presentation
Coursework 70%   Case Study - 1500-words
Running in 2024/25

(Please note that module timeslots are subject to change)
Period Campus Day Time Module Leader
Autumn semester City Tuesday Afternoon

Module summary

In this module you will explore through lecture seminars and guided case studies, the agencies at work in the music industry, examining interdependent structures and economies.

By doing so you will gain deeper context into the role that music creators, producers and engineers play in the creation, distribution, and sale of music, fundamentally learning how the “business” of music operates.

The module will develop your key skills in critical thinking, research and understanding by examining concepts including music copyright and licensing, Intellectual Property (IP), and music publishing.

By exploring digital distribution, synchronisation, performing rights and royalties you will have a better understanding of the potential income streams for your creative work.

This module aims to:
• Develop your knowledge and understanding of music agencies.
• Introduce aspects of copyright law in relation to music.
• Examine contracts and working practices for producers and engineers.
• Expand your critical thinking for example in relation to opportunities for employment and enterprise.
• Understand the importance of diversity and inclusion in relation to the music industries.
• Improve your presentation and communication skills.

Therefore, by completing this module, you will have gained insight to the current developments of the UK music industry and its economies, with the aim to cultivate your scope for finding placements, revenue, and work within the industry. 

You will be assessed in a combination of personal reflections, case studies and presentations, each fostering academic skills and self-evaluation.

Syllabus

• Music Copyright and Intellectual Property (LO1, 3, 4)
• Performing Rights Organisations and royalties (LO1, 3, 4)
• Music Licensing and Synchronisation (LO1, 3, 4)
• Music Publishing and Record Labels (LO1, 3, 4)
• Diversity and Inclusion in the Music Industries (LO1, 3, 4)
• Job roles and employment opportunities (LO1, 3, 4)
• Portfolio careers (LO1, 3, 4)
• Economies of music (LO1, 3, 4)

Balance of independent study and scheduled teaching activity

Students teaching and learning will consist of weekly classes comprising a combination of lectures, seminars, and workshops totalling 36 hours of contact time. Students will be given the opportunity to engage in seminar discussions surrounding the Music Business and example case studies, developing their understanding alongside their peers.

The learning and teaching in classes will be supported by the University’s VLE and a blended learning approach, sharing class materials, recommended reading, and case studies. Tutorials will also be offered to support students in the preparation of their assessments.

In addition, students will undertake independent study, including researching, assessment planning and preparation of their own case studies.

Students will engage in reflective practice examining their own pathway and potential careers following graduation. Through reflective exercises students will also explore the connections between the practical elements of their work and its contexts to the wider music industries.

Learning outcomes

At the end of this module, you should be able to:
LO1. Demonstrate an understanding of the music industry and its interdependent agencies.
LO2. Write critically about the music industries making use of an analytical research led approach.
LO3. Analyse and evaluate the available opportunities for music producers and creators in the wider music business.
LO4. Work and communicate effectively, both individually and in groups to research aspects of the music industry.

Bibliography

https://rl.talis.com/3/londonmet/lists/1664E087-E09D-49B3-84A7-1556B02CD56F.html?lang=en&login=1

Core Reading:
• Bargfrede, A. (2017) Music law in the digital age: copyright essentials for today’s music business. 2nd edition. Boston, MA: Berklee Press.
• Fitterman Radbill, C. (2017) Introduction to the music industry: an entrepreneurial approach. Second edition. New York, NY ; Abingdon, Oxon: Routledge.
• Harrison, A. (2021) Music: the business: the essential guide to the law and the deals.
• Passman, D.S., Organ, C. and Glass, R. (2021) All you need to know about the music business.
• Tschmuck, P. (2021) The economics of music. Second edition. Newcastle upon Tyne: Agenda Publishing (The economics of big business).
• Wikström, P. (2020) The music industry: music in the cloud. Third edition. Medford: Polity (Digital media and society series).