BELMONT UNIVERSITY - MBU 2450 - MUSIC PUBLISHING

SYLLABUS - Fall 2005

Course#: MBU 2450.01

Instructor & Phone #: Mr. Daniel T. Keen

Adjunct Instructor, Music Business

742-5000 (ASCAP)

Credit: 3 hours

Class Location:

MBC 203A

Meeting Time: Tuesday, Thursday, 8:00am

I. COURSE DESCRIPTION:

Catalog Description

MBU 2450. Music Publishing (3). A study of music publishing. The course deals with contracts, foreign publishing, catalog development, setting up a publishing company, demo sessions and licensing.

Course Rationale

Music Publishing is an integral part of the music industry. It is important to have a working knowledge of music publishing because it impacts every area of the music business.

General 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 be able to explain the nature of copyright including history and basic forms.

3. Should have a good understanding of the Performing Rights Organizations and their function in music publishing.

4. Should be able to express the major tenets of key music publishing contracts including exclusive and single songwriter contracts, co-publishing and administration.

II COURSE REQUIREMENTS AND CONTENT:

Required Materials

The required text is MUSIC, MONEY AND SUCCESS - 2002-2003 Edition (Schirmer Books) by Jeffrey Brabec and Todd Brabec. The book can be purchased a1 the Belmont bookstore and severallocal bookstores.

Attendance

It is my expectation that you attend all of the class meetings for the best learning experience. Absence is permitted only in cases of illness, family emergencies, or other legitimate causes. For a complete explanation of the attendance policy see pages 57 and 58 of the current University Bulletin.

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 Tammye Tanksley, Director of Counseling and Developmental Support in the Office of the Dean of Students (460-6407) as soon as possible.

Instructional Modes

Instruction will consist of several learning resources including, but not limited to the following:

1. Lectures and discussions 2. assigned text readings; 3. visual presentations; 4. guest speakers; 5. take home quizzes (pass/fail) and 6. a practicum

Requirements For The Course

EXAMINATIONS:

Each student will pass

1 Mid Term and 1 Final Exam.

PUBLISHING PRACTICUM

This class will undertake a project that will involve "being a publisher" (BAP). It will require activities inside and outside class time.

REPORTS

Each student will submit 3 Music Publishing Reports on the dates stated in the syllabus under "COURSE CALENDAR." Each submission must include one article relating to some aspect of music publishing attached to a sheet of paper that inc1udes an analysis of the artic1e. These reports may be discussed in class. Reports turned in up to 24 hours after the deadline will have 10 points deducted from the grade automatically. NO REPORTS WILL BE ACCEPTED LATER THAN 24 HOURS PAST THE DEADLINE

EVALUATION PROCEDURES

The breakdown is as follows:

Mid-Term 20%

Final 20%

Reports 30%

Practicum 20%

Class participation 10%

NOTE:

Among other things, the c1ass participation grade is based upon a student's attendance in c1ass. Zero to 1 abs. = A; 2 abs. = B; 3 abs. = C; 4 abs. = D; 5 or more abs. = F.

The final grade for the course will be calculated as follows:

90 - 100 = A

80 - 89 = B

70 - 79 = C

60 - 69 = D

below 60 is failing

GUIDELINES FOR CRITIOUING ARTICLES IN TRADE MAGAZINES

Dan Keen, Music Publishing

1. What is the bias of the writer?

2. How current is the information?

3. What is the issue(s) being addressed?

4. Who are the parties involved? What are their biases?

5. Summarize the findings of the article.

6. Did you notice any flaws in the positions being advanced?

7. Do you agree or disagree with any agendas expressed? Why?

8. How does this information relate to class?

9. What thoughts do YOU have regarding this issue(s)?