module specification

The module aims to explore the nature of music publishing and copyright in the digital age, focusing on the management and exploitation of important music rights. Supported by the latest practice and industry commentary, we shall consider the recent disruption and development of the music business and how the future is being shaped by technology and consumer trends. The module will analyse the business activities of; major and independent publishers, songwriters and performers, as well as other key music publishing personnel. It will examine the various collection societies for handling copyright blanket licensing and other associated royalty collection and distribution.

Module aims:
1. To understand the importance and role of music publishing within the music and related industries
2. To introduce the major and independent music publishing organisations and corporates
3. To explain the internal operations of music publishing businesses.
4. To introduce the relationship between publishing and other music business income streams
5. Understand why the music and creative media industries are commonly known as the ‘copyright industries’

Development of Music Publishing sector
Modern Publishing companies & practice
Creator, Artist and Record Company, Music Publisher relationships & dynamics
Song plugging

Business structures and career paths
Negotiating Agreements: career and cash flow implications for creator / performers

Types of Publishing deals
Important cases and legal principles
Revenue Streams in music publishing

Learning Outcomes LO 1 - 3

The 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: lectures, case-study discussions, debates, videos, as well as problem solving questions in relation to current Music Publishing 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.
The module will adopt a blended learning strategy where student learning is supported and enhanced by both classroom contact and online support. The module is organised around a number of topics reflected in the syllabus. 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 publishing sector.
Students will receive both formative and summative feedback through each assessment, within 15 week days, including the final component.
Opportunities for reflective learning will be available throughout the module as students are given the opportunity to consider their approach to tasks/discussions whilst also having the opportunity to reflect upon informal feedback.

On successful completion of this module students will be able to :

LO1: Identify the different types of publishers and their roles

LO2: Describe the contemporary context of music publishers and their relationship to a changing media and copyright environment

LO3: Evaluate basic music publishing contractual principles, and
performer, songwriters, music publisher, and artist revenues

Assessment for this module is designed to help students to self-evaluate, aid decision making, learn from mistakes and, where possible to plan the students’ curriculum and future career.

Formative assessment
In preparation for the assessment, students will be required to start an early formative assignment in week 5 on the departments of a music publishing business. Students will receive feedback on this in week 6, which they will then have opportunity to discuss with tutors and reflect upon this to help construct their first assessment.
Formative assessment will be during sessions where students will discuss issues and themes, and carry out problem-orientated tasks relating to issues pertinent to the music publishing sector.

Summative Assessment:
There is 1 component to the assessment strategy.
Students to use business frameworks and display their understanding of the music and media sectors with special reference to music publishing techniques and best practices.

The Individual creative presentation will require the student to explore and assess the journey of a selected popular song within a music publishing context, and the business functions and operation of a music publishing business.

Core Textbook:
Gammons, H (2016) The Art of Music Publishing: An Entrepreneurial Guide to Publishing and Copyright for the Music, Film, and Media Industries. Taylor & Francis
Passman, D. (2016) All you need to know about the Music Business. Penguin Books

Other Texts:
Krasilovsky, W and Shemel, S. (2010) This Business Of Music. Billboard Books.
Music Managers Forum. (2010) The MMF Guide To Professional Music Management. Sanctuary Publishing.
Davis, S. & Laing, D. (2009) The Guerilla Guide To The Music Business. Continuum International Publishing Group.
Kemp, C. (2005) Music Industry Management and Promotion. 2nd edition. Elm Publications.
Kusek, D & Leonhard, G. (2005) The Future of Music: Manifesto for the Digital Music Revolution (Omnibus Press)

Journals
Music Week
Billboard
The Economist
Broadcast
Campaign
The Guardian Newspaper Media section
The Stage
Screen International

Websites
https://mpaonline.org.uk/

Electronic Databases:
Westlaw
Relevant law journals and case reports are available from the library (hardcopies) and on-line library resources (e.g. Lexis Library and WestLaw)