THE MANHATTANVILLE COLLEGE MUSIC DEPARTMENT

MuMG 2012: THE MUSIC RECORDING AND BROADCAST INDUSTRIES

Instructor: Harvey Rachlin

SYLLABUS

Week

Topic

1

Review of the music industry, radio stations (operations, organization)

2

Radio station formats; Public Broadcasting; satellite communications; radio ratings services~ demographic surveys; radio markets~ FCC and lyrics

3

Understanding performing and mechanical rights

4

Radio station music licenses; performing rights organizations; PRO monitoring and collection systems

5

Radio, television and performing rights organizations

6

Radio, television and performing rights organizations

7

How to get a recording contract; record company definition and organization

8

Record company functions: A&R, artist development, etc.

9

Record company promotion, distribution and marketing; contemporary issues (MP3, Napster), digital downloads

10

Creating the artist's public image; how artists get publicity

11

Record clubs; Internet sales; record merchandising -companies; compilation of trade charts; Soundscan, BDS

12

Programming services (syndication, consultants, etc)

13

Compilation of trade charts; SoundScan; BDS

14

FCC and lyrics; special problems in the record and broadcast industries (home taping; etc.)

15

Final Examination

SIMULATING THE MUSIC BUSINESS ENVIRONMENT:

Students who write songs, sing, play in bands or produce recordings are encouraged to perform in "A & R Sessions" for critique of talent by classmates with the objective that the student may hone his or her skills for the commercial marketplace. Also, role-plays are held for students in which various music business scenarios are acted out so students may acquire a practical knowledge of business situations and to sharpen their communications skills and confidence.

COURSE REQUIREMENTS:

1.                  Attendance at all classes.

2.                  Completion of assignments on time.

3.                  Term Project

4.                  Final Exam

ASSIGNMENTS:

Weekly assignments using Billboard and other music industry publications, textbooks, trade books, and newspapers.

GRADING CRITERIA:

Midterm           25%

Final                  25%

Homework        25%

Attendance        25%

CONTACT INFORMATION:

Office: Music Room 30, Campus Ext. 6009

E-Mail: rachlinh@mville.edu

HOMEWORK POLICY:

·        All assigned homework must be ready for submission to the instructor on the date its due although collection will be at the discretion of the instructor.

·        No excuses will be accepted as provided by the college. That means excuses such as the following are not acceptable: broken printer, too much homework in other courses, excessive socializing.

·        Attendance is imperative, but if you are unable to be in class you should insert your homework in the instructor's second-floor mailbox in the Music Building no later than the day it is due.

·       Homework must comply with the format specified by the instructor. This includes noting the class number and date the assignment is due.

·        Homework not submitted on time or when the instructor collects homework will receive a zero. Late homework will not be accepted.