BELMONT UNIVERSITY

MIKE CURB COLLEGE OF ENTERTAINMENT AND MUSIC BUSINESS

COURSE SYLLABUS

 

Course Title:  Music Publishing                         Credit Hrs:  3     Semester:  Spring 2007

Course #:  MBU 3450 02 & 03                           Meeting Time(s):  T/TH 3:30pm & T/TH 5:00pm

Class Location:  MC 200B                                 Final Exam:  tba

 

Instructor: Marty Wheeler

Contacts: Assistant = Leslie Linebaugh        Phone: 261-3349      Email: mwheeler@brentwoodbenson.com

NOTE: As an adjunct professor I do not have an office at Belmont University.  Please call the above number or e-mail me if you have any problems

 

For Updated Syllabus Schedule and Study Guides visit: www.martywheeler.com/belmont/index.htm

 

Educational Objectives of the Mike Curb College of Entertainment & Music: 1) To provide a personalized, career-oriented and practical education that emphasizes leadership, innovation, private enterprise and entrepreneurship.  2) To equip students with the tools to think critically, communicate effectively, accept responsibility, make successful decisions, and prosper in diverse work environments. 3) To emphasize quality classroom instruction within the parameters of ethical Christian principles.

 

COURSE DESCRIPTION:

A study of music publishing.  The course deals with contracts, music licensing, performance rights organizations, catalog development, catalog acquisition, sub-publishing, internet revenues, new technologies relating to songs and other activities conducted by music publishers.

 

COURSE OBJECTIVES:

As a result of this course, the student:

1.                   Should be able to explain those activities conducted by the music publisher including catalog administration, contract negotiation, royalty accounting, song promotion, mechanical, synchronization, and print licensing and foreign sub-publishing.

2.                   Should have a good understanding of the Performing Rights Organizations and their role in the music publishing industry.

3.                   Should be able to express the major tenets of key publishing contracts including exclusive and single song contracts, co-publishing and administration from the perspective of the Music Publisher, the non-artist songwriter and the artist songwriter.

4.                   Should have a good understanding of the latest copyright issues and how it relates to the Music Publisher and the Songwriter. 

  

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:     As per the current Undergraduate Bulletin.  I am very strict on this.  If you miss more than the allowed amount – You WILL Fail this class.    

 

2.         Materials:         Music, Money and Success by Jeffrey & Todd Brabec

 

3.         Participation and Prepared assignments:       

Research Reports: Each student will submit 3 Music Publishing Research Reports on the dates stated in the syllabus under Class Schedule.  Each report must include one article relating to some aspect of music publishing stapled to a one-page typed analysis of the article written by the student.   Suggested print sources include Billboard, Radio & Records, Music Row, CCM Update, the Tennessean, Hollywood Reporter and Variety.  Articles relating to music publishing from the Internet are also permitted as long as it is a reputable source. Your paper should give a brief description of the article’s main points and how it relates to Music Publishing (If not obvious).  If it is not related to music publishing in any way, it will be given a zero. 

1) MUST be typed and at least one page (single or double spaced).

1) MUST include your name.

2) MUST be stapled. (No bending of corners or paper clips).

3) MUST include a copy of the article.  I need a copy of the article, NOT a web link.

4) MUST be turned in at class – No e-mailed papers will be accepted.

5) MUST NOT BE LATE.  I will deduct at least 20 points PER DAY that your report is late.

These reports may be discussed in class

 

4.         Testing:           

3 tests will be given in the class on the dates stated under class schedule.  NO MAKE UP TESTS WILL BE GIVEN.

The Final Exam will be comprehensive.

 

5.         Basis of grade evaluation: Grading scale as per the current Undergraduate Bulletin.  Participation credits are listed below:

                                                            % of Grade

3 Research Papers (5% each)                 15%

Test #1                                                 20%

Mid Term                                               30%

Final                                                     35%

TOTAL                                                  100%

 

Grading scale:  97-100=A+, 93-96=A, 90-92=A-, 87-89=B+, 83-86=B, 80-82=B-, 76-79=C+, 73-76=C, 70-72=C-, 67-69=D+, 63-66=D, 60-62=D-, 0-59=F

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Class Schedule:

Thu       01/11    Introduction – Market Analysis (RIAA Market data)

Tue       01/16    Music Publishing History

Thu       01/18    Departmental functions                                       -Read pages 1-9

Tue       01/23    Income Sources for a publisher                           -Read pages 30-56

Thu       01/25    Mechanical Calculations / Royalties                    -Research # 1 Due

Tue       01/30    The Controlled Composition Clause/Song Caps    -Read pages 149-158                

Thu       02/01    tba

Tue       02/06    Test 1   - (Covers Mechanical Calculations Only)

Thu       02/08    Copyright Overview                                             -Read Chapter 4

Tue       02/13    Great Songs Day / Listening                               -Bring a great song!                

Thu       02/15    Deal Proposal’s (the basics)                               -Read chapter 2

Tue       02/20    Contracts (read through a full contract)

Thu       02/22    Contracts continued – Review for Mid Term                                             

Tue       02/27    tba

Thu       03/01    Mid Term        

Tue       03/06    SPRING BREAK – NO CLASS                          

Thu       03/08    SPRING BREAK – NO CLASS

Tue       03/13    Intro to PRO’s / ASCAP                                     -Read Chapter 10

Thu       03/15    BMI / SESAC                                                    -Research #2 Due

Tue       03/20    Guest Speaker (ASCAP)

Thu       03/22    Guest Speaker (BMI or SESAC)

Tue       03/27    Licensing (Synch – Movies/Commercials/TV)       -Read Chapters 7,8&9

Thu       03/29    Movie Song Casting                                           -Bring Music for scene

Tue       04/03    Songwriter(s) – Guest speakers                         

Thu       04/05    EASTER BREAK – NO CLASS

Tue       03/10    Sub-Publishing                                                  -Read Chapter 13

Thu       03/12    New Media -Internet /Streaming /Downloading      -Read Chapter 12

Tue       03/17    Catalog Acquisitions                                          -Read Chapter 15

Thu       03/19    Print, CCLI & Grand Rights                                 -Research #3 Due

Tue       03/24    Song Demos / Song Plugging / Creative

Thu       03/26    Review for exam

Tue      04/01    Last Day Of Class (TBA)

FINAL EXAM - TBA

 

 

For Updated Syllabus Schedule and Study Guides visit: www.martywheeler.com/belmont/index.htm