BELMONT UNIVERSITY

MIKE CURB COLLEGE OF ENTERTAINMENT AND MUSIC BUSINESS

COURSE SYLLABUS – Dan Keen, M.Ed.

 

Course Title:                Music Publishing

Course #:                     MBU 3450.01

Credit Hrs:                  3         

Semester:                     Fall 2007

Class Location:           MC 200B                   

Meeting Times:           Tuesday – Thursday 8:00-9:15 AM

Final Exam:                 December 6, 2007, 8am in MC 200B

Instructor:                   Dan Keen      

Contacts:                     Email: DKeen@ascap.com

 

Course Description:

 

A study of music publishing.  The course deals with contracts, music licensing, foreign publishing, catalog development, demo sessions and other activities conducted by music publishers.

 

Learning Outcomes:

 

·         A student will be able to define the role of music publishing in the entertainment & music business.

 

·         A student will be able to perform the administration tasks of a music publisher.

 

·         A student will be able to illustrate the creative tasks of a music publisher.

 

·         A student will be able to exploit intellectual property.

 

Performance Criteria:

 

o   Students will identify the major global music publishing companies.

 

o   Students will demonstrate the application of copyright owner’s exclusive rights.

 

o   Students will demonstrate the major income streams of music publishers.

 

o   Students will compute mechanical royalties.

 

o   Students will solve research problems through the application of music publishing industry methods.

 

o   Students will demonstrate the key tenets of songwriter contracts.

 

o   Students will demonstrate the methods utilized by the Performing Rights Organizations to collect and distribute performance royalties.

 

 

GOALS OF THE MIKE CURB COLLEGE OF ENTERTAINMENT AND MUSIC BUSINESS

 

The following objectives will be applied toward course completion:

 

To provide a personalized, career-oriented and practical education that emphasizes leadership,

                innovation, private enterprise, and entrepreneurship.

                To equip students with the tools to think critically, communicate effectively, accept responsibility,

                make successful decisions, and prosper in diverse work environments.

                To emphasize quality classroom instruction within the parameters of ethical Christian principles.

 

HONOR CODE:

It is the responsibility of each student to abide by the Belmont University Honor Code:

 

“In affirmation of the Belmont University Statement of Values, I pledge that I will not give or receive aid during examinations; I will not give or receive false or impermissible aid in course work, in the preparation of reports, or in any other type of work that is to be used by the instructor as the basis of my grade; I will not engage in any form of academic fraud. Furthermore, I will uphold my responsibility to see to it that others abide by the spirit and letter of this Honor Pledge.”

 

“Accommodation of Disabilities: In compliance with Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act and the Americans with Disabilities Act, Belmont University will provide reasonable accommodation of all medically documented disabilities. If you have a disability and would like the university to provide reasonable accommodations of the disability during this course, please notify the Office of the Dean of Students located in Beaman Student Life Center (460-6407) as soon as possible.”

 

Course Requirements:

 

1.      Attendance:  It is my recommendation that you attend all of the class meetings for the best learning experience.  In fact, attendance is required by Belmont University policy. Absence is permitted only in case of illness or family emergencies.  For a complete explanation of the attendance policy see the Belmont University Bulletin online.

 

2.      Materials:

 

       Music, Money and Success by Jeffrey & Todd Brabec, 5th Edition, Schirmer Books.

           

Additional Resource: http://www.ccli.com/US.aspx (http://www.ccli.com/US/WhoWeAre/Articles.aspx)

 

 

 

3.      Prepared assignments:

 

Industry Reports: Each student is required to submit two (2) reports on some aspect of music publishing. The reports should be based on a specific article or report that the student has read. The article or report must come from a legitimate music industry periodical or written source. The goal here is to get in the habit of checking music business trades on a regular basis. The student may choose any subject matter that relates to music publishing. PLEASE NOTE – a Report submitted which is about some aspect of the music business but not publishing will be returned. Be sure to relate your report to music publishing. Examples include songwriting and songwriters, royalties, the PROs, copyright legislation, international music publishing issues, industry trade groups, specific publishing companies, new media publishing issues, etc. Reports must be turned in before or on the deadline. Late reports will not be accepted.

 

Group project - TBD

 

4.      Testing:

4 tests will be given in the class on the dates stated under class schedule. No other times will be offered.

 

5.      Basis of grade evaluation: 

Test 1 10%, Mid Term 20%, Test 3 10%, Final 20%, Reports 20 %, Group project 20%

 

Grading scale:  97-100 = A+, 93-96 = A, 90-92 =A-, 87-89 = B+, 83-86 = B,

80-82 = B-, 77-79 = C+, 73-76 = C, 70-72 = C-, 67-69 = D+, 63-66 + D, 60-62 = D-,

59 and below = F

 

IMPORTANT – DO NOT buy a plane ticket or otherwise make plans to leave school early before Fall Break or before the Final in December. DO NOT ask me if you can take the Final early. Don’t even ask.