MU1S43 - Introduction to the Music Industry 04 Nov 2020 - 31 Aug 2021 | Version 2

Associated Module Information

Module Code: MU1S43
Module Title: Introduction to the Music Industry
Faculty: Faculty of Business and Creative Industries
Faculty Group: Music and Drama
Faculty Sub Group: Music
Module Leader: Gill Edwards-Randle
Module Team: Lloyd George, Lucy Squire, Damon Minchella, Daniel Champion
First Intended Intake: SEP 2020 Final Year of Intake: 2025
Date Closed:
Credit Value: 20 Credit Level: 4
Language: English
Percentage of Module Taught in Welsh: 0
Equivalent Module:
HECOS codes: 100643 - music and arts management
HECOS Code Weighting: 100

Document Version Information

Version 2
Valid From 04 Nov 2020
Valid To 31 Aug 2021

Module Aims

To develop an awareness of the various facets of today’s rapidly evolving music industry and their inter relationship providing a grounding in the frameworks of recorded and live music and publishing.

Content Summary

The module will establish the framework of the music industry; exploring the three main sectors: recorded music; live music and publishing, delivering an overview of the contemporary music business. The role of Management; The Recording Industry: A&R process; Marketing & Promotion; Sales & Distribution; The process of Music Publishing; The role of Collection Societies; Live Music overview; UK Live Music Business and the key players; Introduction to Sponsorship and Branding; The module will also begin to explore the transformation the industry is currently undergoing and highlight future developments.

Learning and Teaching Methods

Activity Type Hours
Lecture 12
Seminar 24
Independent Study 92
Directed Study 72
Total Hours Selected 200

Learning Outcomes

# Learning Outcome
LO1 Demonstrate knowledge of the core structures and functions of the modern music industry using appropriate terminology.
LO2 Analyses practices presented in the music industry recognising the role of music specialists.

Module Requisites

N/A

Assessment Criteria

Assessment Category Assessment Type Description Duration Word Count Weight (%) Best of? Pass Mark
Asynchronous Assessment Essay 1 Music industry report: Essay examining the current state of the Music Industry comparing it with historical frameworks. 0 2400 60 No 40
Synchronous Online Assessment Classroom Test - Time Constrained (Online) 1 Online Test 100 1 40 No 40

Assessment Matrix

Assessment Type Learning Outcomes
LO1 LO2
Essay 1
Classroom Test - Time Constrained (Online) 1

Reading List

Harrison, A. (2017) Music the business: the essential guide to the law and deals. (7th ed). London: Virgin Publishing
Passman, D. (2019) All You Need To Know About The Music Business. (10th Ed). New York: Viking
Herstand, A. (2019) HOW TO MAKE IT IN THE NEW MUSIC BUSINESS?: practical tips on building a loyal following... and making a living as a musician. S.L.: Liveright Publishing Corp
Eriksson, M., Fleischer, R., Johansson, A., Pelle Snickars and Vonderau, P. (2018). Spotify teardown?: inside the black box of streaming music. Cambridge, Ma: Mit Press.
Eamonn Forde (2019). Emi, terra firma & the battle for the soul of britain’s most iconic record company.
Anderton, C., Dubber, A. and James, M. (2013). Understanding the music industries. London: Sage.
Acooke, C. (2018). Dissecting the digital dollar. Music Managers Forum, London.
Witt, S. (2016). How music got free the inventor, the mogul and the thief. London Vintage.
Baskerville, D. and Baskerville, T. (2020). Music business handbook and career guide. Thousand Oaks, California: Sage Publications, Inc.