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Music Business

MUSB 2301 (3-3-0) Introduction to Music Business

A survey of the history, structure, business practices, procedures, economics, technologies and career opportunities within the commercial Music Industry.

Requisites: None.

Offered: Fall, Spring.

MUSB 3213 (2-2-2) Critical Listening for Recording Engineers

Advanced ear training skills for audio professionals. Using state-of-the-art analysis tools, students learn the skill of critical listening beginning with the guided analysis of major commercial audio recordings in which elements contributing to the success of each recording are identified. The process continues with exploration into more advanced aspects of music creation and production such as frequency and pitch recognition, panning, equalization, compression, distortion and phase coherence. BA or BS Music Business majors only.

Requisites: MUSI 1112, 1312, MUSI 1011, 1012, 1013.

Offered: Spring.

MUSB 3301 (3-3-0) History of Commercial Music

An examination of popular music in America from 1840 to today, including the socio-musical influence of the commercial song. Beginning with the birth of American popular music in the songs of Stephen Foster and minstrels, the course explores the development of ragtime, blues, jazz, the crooners, American musical theater, country, Latin, rock & roll, rock, and contemporary Christian music.

Requisites: MUSI 2305, MUSI 2311, MUSI 3316, MUSI 1011, 1012, 1013.

Offered: Spring.

MUSB 3310 (3-3-0) Inside the Recording Industry

The development of the Recording Industry in America, including the history of recording, establishment of the major labels and the inner workings of the industry that drives the Music Business.

Requisites: MUSB 2301 Introduction to Music Business.

Offered: Fall, Spring.

MUSB 3311 (3-2-1) Introduction to the Recording Studio

An overview of the technology and techniques involved in modern multi-track recording and mixing through hands-on studio instruction. Lab fee. Music Business majors only.

Requisites: MUSB 3310 Inside the Recording Industry and the successful completion of two semesters of required Music Theory and Aural Skills. MUSI 1112, 1312, 1011, 1012, 1013.

Offered: Fall, Spring.

MUSB 3312 (3-3-6) Advanced Recording Techniques

The course provides in-depth, hands-on instruction in a working recording studio environment, introducing the study of microphones, analog and digital processing equipment, and advanced production and mixing techniques. Includes the second level of Digidesign certified Pro Tools instruction. Weekly lab requirement. Lab fee. BA or BS Music Business majors only.

Requisites: MUSB 3311, MUSI 1011, 1012, 1013 and MUSI 2311 or MUSI 3316 (Note: MUSI 2311 or MUSI 3316 may be taken concurrently).

Offered: Fall.

MUSB 3320 (3-3-0) Introduction to Songwriting

A study in the craft of songwriting, including the history of songwriting, songwriting as a career, the disciple of creating art, finding ideas for songs, releasing writing blocks, accessing inspiration, and working with a collaborator. Also included is a review of basic poetic rhyme schemes as applied to the creation of song lyrics, basic melodic design, the concept of the “hook” and an examination of the basic song forms. The class features a workshop format in which students are expected to actively participate both as solo writers and co-writers.

Requisites: MUSI 1011, 1012, 1013, MUSI 1112, 2311, 3316.

Offered: Spring.

MUSB 3321 (3-3-0) Advanced Songwriting Techniques

Applied study of the musical tools used by the professional songwriter. The course features advanced study in melodic construction, harmonic progression, unusual song forms, and enhancement of the song through the addition of solo orchestral instruments. The course features both group and individual instruction. BA or BS Music Business majors only.

Requisites: MUSB 3320, MUSI 1011, 1012, 1013, and MUSI 2311 or MUSI 3316 (Note: MUSI 2311 or MUSI 3316 may be taken concurrently).

Offered: Fall.

MUSB 3380 (3-3-0) Copyright and Intellectual Property Law

An introduction to the fundamentals of copyright law, its application to the protection of sound recordings, musical compositions, motion pictures and other creative works, and its impact on the distribution of intellectual property, including record piracy and the delivery of music via the Internet. Included also is a review and application of the principals of trademark, trade secret and patent law to the business of music and entertainment. Music Business majors only.

Requisites: MANA 3308 Business and Public Law. MUSI 1011, 1012, 1013

Offered: Fall, Spring, Summer, Online.

MUSB 4171 (1-3-0), 4271 (2-3-0), 4371 (3-3-0) Special Topics in Music Business

Examination and critical evaluation of current issues related to the Music Business. Subject matter varies; therefore, credit hours (from 1 to 3 hours) to be determined with each offering. May be repeated for credit when content changes. Grade replacement for special topics courses may only be accomplished under special topics courses with the same topic and content.

Requisites: None.

Offered:  Periodically.

MUSB 4275 (2-2-0) Songwriting Practicum

Experiencing first-hand the career of the professional songwriter by learning to create common commercial projects such as radio jingles and TV spots “on demand,” then by working in the recording studio producing demos and finished recordings of commercial projects and original songs. BA or BS Music Business majors only.

Requisites: MUSB 3321.

Offered: Spring.

MUSB 4301 (3-3-0) Music Publishing

The history, functions and operations of music publishing, including copyright acquisition, songwriter contracts, performance licensing, mechanical licensing, print publishing and synchronization rights.

Requisites: MUSB 3380 Copyright and Intellectual Property Law. Music Business majors only.

Offered: Fall, Spring, Summer, Online.

MUSB 4310 (3-3-0) The Musician as Entrepreneur

The development and management of a successful freelance career in the Music Business, including the basics of running a one-person business, lifestyle considerations, personal and professional financial management, and the exploitation of potential income streams.

Requisites: Must be a senior with a minimum of 90 credit hours completed. Course to be taken during the final year of study. Music Business major. MUSB 4301.

Offered: Fall, Spring.

MUSB 4320 (3-3-0) Launching an Entrepreneurial Venture in the Music Business

The development of a successful entrepreneurial enterprise in the Music Business through examining the nature and history of entrepreneurship in the Music Business, recognizing and creating opportunity, establishing a business model, understanding the product or service risks and benefits, determining start-up resources, establishing a founding team, crafting a business plan, analyzing legal risks and benefits, considering ethics and social responsibility and designing an entrepreneurial marketing plan.

Requisites: Music Business majors only. Must be a senior with a minimum of 90 credit hours completed. Course to be taken during the final year of study. MUSB 4301.

Offered: Fall.

MUSB 4375 (3-3-9) Music Production Practicum

Taught entirely in the recording studio, the course offers in-depth experience in the Music Production process, with emphasis on pre-production, programming, loop-based production techniques, advanced Pro Tools techniques, instrumental and vocal tracking, editing, pitch correction, mixing and mastering. Includes the third level of Digidesign certified Pro Tools instruction. Weekly lab requirement. Lab fee.

Requisites: Music Business majors only. MUSB 3213, MUSB 3312.

Offered: Spring.

MUSB 4380 (3-3-0) Seminar in Music Business

A study of selected fields in the Music Business based on the individual interest of the student. The content of each field of study is to be developed through primary research, consisting of visits to the various businesses of interest (such as recording companies, talent agencies, production houses, etc.) and personal interviews with the appropriate personnel in each organization. This course is designed as an alternative to MUSB 4385 Internship in the Music Industry I (S-L) for those students who either do not qualify for an internship or do not wish to participate in an internship project.

Requisites: Music Business majors only or permission of instructor. Admission to candidacy, Senior level status (90 hours), completion of required Music courses, required Music Business courses, required Business courses (last semester courses may be taken concurrently), and approval of intern coordinator. A letter grade of "C" or better is required in all requisites. Minimum 2.0 cumulative GPA required. MUSB 4301.

Offered: Periodically.

MUSB 4385 (3-3-0) Internship in the Music Industry I (S-L)

A formal intern educational project in which the qualifying student participates in a business organization as an intern for a selected period(s) of time. This course contains a field-based service-learning component.

Requisites: Admission to candidacy, Senior level status (90 hours), completion of required Music courses, required Music Business courses, required Business courses (last semester courses may be taken concurrently) and approval of intern coordinator. A letter grade of "C" or better is required in all requisites. Minimum 2.0 cumulative GPA required. Music Business major. Off-campus work required (O-CW). MUSB 4301.

Offered: Fall, Spring, Summer.

MUSB 4386 (3-3-0) Internship in Music Industry II

A continuation of MUSB 4385 (S-L), which may be applied as a 3-hour Music Business elective.

Requisites: MUSB 4385, Internship in the Music Industry I (S-L). Music Business major. Off-campus work required (O-CW).

Offered: Periodically.