THE MANHATTANVILLE COLLEGE MUSIC DEPARTMENT

MuMG 2011: MUSIC PUBLISHING AND THE COPYRIGHT LAW

Instructor: Harvey Rachlin

SYLLABUS

Week

Topic

1

The Music Publisher--Definition, Functions, Operations

2

Introduction to the U.S. Copyright Law: What is Copyright, Who Can Claim Copyright, Copyrightable Works, Copyright Classification System, Copyright Owner, Copyright Office

3

History of Music Publishing; History of the U.S. Copyright Law

4

Types of Music Publishers, Sources of Income; Copyright Duration, Copyright Notice, Compulsory Licenses

5

Administration of the Music Publisher's Catalog; Copyright Deposit and Registration

6

Organization and Structure of the Music Publisher, Songwriters, The Songwriter-Music Publisher Relationship; Copyright Registration of Musical Works, Sound Recordings and Other Intellectual Properties; Copyright Forms

7

Co publishing, Administration, and Foreign Subpublishing Agreements; Transfer of Copyright Ownership

8

Performing Rights Organizations: ASCAP, BMI SESAC;
History of Performing Rights Organizations

9

How ASCAP, BMI, and SESAC Monitor and Pay for Uses of Music; Limitations on the Exclusive Rights of Copyright Owners

10

Mechanical Rights Organizations and Royalties; Copyright Infringement

11

International Performing and Mechanical Rights Organizations; International Copyright Protection: Laws and Conventions

12

"Casting" Songs for Recording Artists, How Publishers Find and Contact Producers, Artists, Managers; Termination of Copyright Grants

13

Licenses Issued for Uses of Music Copyrights; Copyright Royalty Tribunal

14

Exploitation of the Music Publisher's Catalog; Derivative Works, Works-Made-for-Hire, Supplementary Copyright Registration

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.