Business of Music
Manuel Prestamo, Ph.D.
SYLLABUS
Florida International University
FALL 2015
Course: MUM 4301
Section #: U01 – C
Class: 85970
Day(s) and Time(s): T/Th AM – 9:30 AM to 10:45 AM
Start and end dates: 08-25-15 / 12-10-15
Course Delivery Method: Lecture
Course format: 16 Weeks
Location: Engr & Comp Sci 135
Instructor: Manuel Prestamo, Ph.D.
Office Email: manuel.prestamo@fiu.edu
Office Hours: By Appointment – 8:00 – 9:30 AM T/Th
Office: WPAC 142 Office Phone: 305.348.6182
COURSE DESCRIPTION AND PURPOSE
COURSE OBJECTIVES AND LEARNING OUTCOMES
This course will present basic principles and practices of modern publishing techniques; copyright laws; distribution of
music, performance rights; marketing, advertising, funding, contracts and relationships between producers, performers,
writers, personnel managers, and booking agents. Prerequisite: Permission of the instructor.
Upon successful completion of this course students will be able to demonstrate the following:
1. Factual knowledge about presenting and managing artists.
2. Factual knowledge about managing and operating performing arts facilities and events.
3. Communication skills that effectively express the understandings gained in this course.
4. Analyze the quality of performing arts products and services and speak intelligently and comfortably about
them.
5. Demonstrate an awareness and understanding of the performing arts industry throughout the world.
GLOBAL LEARNING OUTCOMES
6. Understand local, global, international, and intercultural trends related to the performing arts industry.
7. Communicate comfortably about local, global, and international artists, performances, venues and be
capable of finding significant information about them.
8. Evaluate business practices relevant to the performing arts industry throughout the world.
COURSE PREREQUISITES
There are no prerequisites for this course. Permission of the instructor is required.
TEXTBOOK
Publisher: Sage Publications (sagepub.com)
Book Name: Music Business Handbook and Career Guide, Tenth Edition
Authors: David Baskerville and Tim Baskerville
There are two options for you to choose from: ebook or print. You may purchase the-book as it is the most
economical. However, be sure to ask if your purchase of the ebook is merely a rental, and if so when your access to it
will expire.
Both versions of the book should be available for you to purchase at the FIU bookstore.
If you chose to purchase your book directly from the publisher, you have the two following options:
E-Text from Vitalsource CourseSmart with 180 day total access is $53.00, ISBN-13 9781452285269
http://www.coursesmart.com/IR/8473337/9781452242200?__hdv=6.8
Printed text from Sage for $106.25, ISBN 9781452242200
https://us.sagepub.com/en-us/nam/music-business-handbook-and-career-guide/book235116#baskervill;e
You will need to check with the FIU Bookstore to verify their price(s) and buy back options, if any. If prices are the
same or better at the FIU Bookstore, I hope you will support them and purchase your book there.
COURSE COMMUNICATION
Please plan on communicating with the professor using the e-mail address provided and writing to him via
your FIU e-mail account. Allow 48 hours or a reply. The phone number provided is to the Music
Department and students are discouraged from utilizing it as a method of communication as it will most
likely delay the response time.
TEACHING METHODS: Lectures, films, videos, recordings, group projects, assignments, class discussion and
online quizzes.
EVALUATION TECHNIQUES:
1. Class attendance and participation demonstrating completion of assigned homework and readings.
(100 points)
2. Chapter Multiple-Choice Quizzes available on-line, each worth one point per correct answer.
Material from class lectures and presentations will be included in the tests. They are available to
you and should be completed as per the schedule shown below. They will be removed at midnight
on the Sunday 2 weeks following their assigned week. You must complete them within their
assigned window of visibility as they will NOT be reinstated thereafter. They are timed and you have
a maximum of 90 minutes to complete each one. You may have your book open – however, it is
unlikely that you will be able to complete a quiz without having read the chapter in advance. You
will find each quiz in BlackBoard by going to “Course Materials,” the corresponding chapter, Ch #
Quiz. Each quiz that you will take has been coded with the corresponding Chapter Number. Please
be sure to confirm that you are taking the appropriate quiz by referring to the Tentative Schedule
below which shows dates of suggested completion and chapters. Instructor reserves the option to
add quizzes and adjust the scores accordingly. (Total Number for all quizzes = 720)
3. A Class Presentation – Flyer: Groups of 2 or more students will be organized with the instructor’s
approval and assistance. Each group will design a flyer, upload the finished product to BB, and then
present it to the class on the date shown below. Flyer may serve to promote an artist or an event.
It should incorporate appropriate details and materials as explored in class. (100 points per
student)
4. A Class Presentation – Sales Pitch or The Ask: Groups of 2 or more students will be organized with
the instructor’s approval and assistance. Each group will prepare a “sales pitch” or “the ask,”
upload a cover letter to BB, and then present a 5 minute pitch on the date shown below. The “sales
pitch” would promote an artist or group to an imaginary presenter, while “the ask” would be a
request for funding from a donor, foundation, or corporation. It is up to each group to pick one and
then develop their presentation and supporting materials. This assignment should incorporate
appropriate details and materials as explored in class. (100 points per student)
University Requirements
Academic Honesty and Plagiarism:
FIU Academic Conduct Statement
Florida International University is a community dedicated to generating and imparting knowledge through
excellence in teaching and research, the rigorous and respectful exchange of ideas, and community service.
All students should respect the right of others to have an equitable opportunity to learn and honestly to
demonstrate the quality of their learning. Therefore, all students are expected to adhere to a standard of
academic conduct that demonstrates respect for themselves, their fellow students, and the educational
mission of the University. All students are deemed by the University to understand that if they are found
responsible for academic misconduct, they will be subject to the Academic Misconduct procedures and
sanctions, as outlined in the Student Handbook.
Academic misconduct includes:
Cheating – The unauthorized use of books, notes, aids, electronic sources, or assistance from another
per-son with respect to examinations, course assignments, field service reports, class recitations or other
work; or the unauthorized possession of examination papers or course materials, whether originally
authorized or not. Cheating violates both University and College codes.
Plagiarism – The use and appropriation of another work without any indication of the source, and the representation of such work as the student’s own. Any student who fails to give credit for ideas,
expressions or materials taken from another source, including Internet sources, commits plagiarism.
Plagiarism violates both University and College codes.
Unacceptable behavior – Students who show repeated or egregious disrespect for classmates or
instructors, are disruptive, or consistently violate course rules are subject to the sanctions of the
University.
Registration in this course implies an acceptance of and compliance with the University policies for
students and the FIU Code of Academic Integrity. Please refer to the following documents for additional
information:
FIU Code of Academic Integrity – http://www.fiu.edu/~dwyere/academicintegrity.html
Religious Observances
Every effort will be made, where feasible and practical, to accommodate students whose religious practices
coincide with class requirements or scheduling. Please make sure to notify your instructor at the beginning of
the semester of which dates you will be absent or any anticipated problems with completing course work.
Physical, Mental and Sensory Challenges
Every effort will be made, where feasible and practical, to accommodate students who are so challenged.
Should you require accommodations, contact the Disability Resource Center, if you have not done so
already.
Cell Phones and Electronic Devices
Laptops, Cell Phones, Beepers, Smartphones, PDA’s and Other Electronic Devices (including
any recording equipment) may not be used during class without the prior approval of the instructor.
All such devices must be turned off and put away during the entire duration of a class period.
Any recordings made at the instructor’s discretion are for the student’s personal use only and may not
be reproduced, distributed or sold in any way.
CLASS POLICIES
Preparation
Students are expected to read the chapter(s) and materials assigned prior to coming to each class. Students
will be prepared to discuss topics covered in the text, supplemental reading, and personal experiences in
class. Students are encouraged to read all course materials and listen to recorded samples on a timely basis as
suggested in the class schedule below. Students should be ready to be called on to answer questions and
participate in class discussions.
Class Schedule and Attendance
Students are expected to attend all scheduled class sessions and behave in a professional and businesslike
manner in class. Attendance will be a part of the grade. If a guest speaker is scheduled, it is very important
to attend the class. Some of the test questions will be derived from the material covered by our guest
speakers and class lectures by the professor, note taking is therefore advised. Your attendance and active
participation in class are important to the learning experience. Consistent class attendance will increase your
understanding of the course material and result in better grades. Students who miss classes are responsible
for obtaining any materials distributed/covered during their absence regardless of the reason for their
absence. Faculty may excuse absences only in cases of documented serious illness, religious
observance, civic obligations, or participation in an activity approved by the Academic Dean or
Department Chair. If a student will miss a class for a religious observance or civic obligation, the
student must inform the instructor one week in advance of their absence. Any other absences, such as
absences for work related travel or a family emergency may be excused at the discretion of the
instructor upon receiving documentation. It is the student’s responsibility to contact the instructor after
any unanticipated absence. Instructors and administrators shall endeavor not to schedule any
examinations or other graded class events on a major religious holy day. The instructor reserves the
right to deduct one letter grade for per 3 unexcused absences”
Arriving Late, Leaving Early, Coming and Going: Classes start on time and students must arrive
to class prior to the class start time and stay in the classroom during the entire class period.
Students may enter class late only if given permission by the instructor and only if they can do so
without disruption. Arriving late or leaving class early will have an impact on the course grade at the
discretion of the instructor.
Guest Speakers
On occasion, professionals from the music industry may be invited to share their real world experiences with
the class. Students are required to attend guest-lecture sessions, to dress appropriately and to conduct
themselves in a manner to best represent themselves and Florida International University.
Examination Policy: Examinations are to be taken by students at the time and date shown in the
course syllabus. Make up exams are discouraged except under extreme medical-related
circumstances. Instructors are encouraged to offer students missing an exam either a comprehensive
final exam or to grade the student based on the exams taken and/or to be taken.
University policy states that final exams must be given on the days and times scheduled by the
University. The School affirms this policy. Students must make appropriate travel accommodations that
do not interfere with the university exam schedule. The final exam schedule is posted on the university
website within a few days of the start of each semester.
General Behavior: Students shall conduct themselves in a professional, business-like manner and
respect the faculty, fellow students, and others present in class and will follow the rules prescribed by
the instructor for classroom behavior. Students who fail to conduct themselves in an appropriate
manner may be asked to leave the classroom with a grade penalty.
It is a University policy that animals, children and visitors are not allowed in class without the express
prior consent of the instructor. Students claiming a disability which requires a service animal to be
admitted into a class must provide a written notification to the instructor prior to bringing in the service
animal.
LAST DAY TO WITHDRAW / DROP:
August 31 - Last day to drop without financial liability from the University with a WI grade.
November 2 - Last day to drop a course with a DR grade and/or withdraw from University with WI grade..
GRADING
Letter
Points
Letter
Points
1020 949
Letter
Points
A-
948 - 918
B
887 - 847
B-
846 - 816
C
785 - 745
C-
744 - 714
D
683 - 612
F
Below
611
A
B+
C+
D+
917 888
815 786
713 684
TENTATIVE COURSE CALENDAR:
Business of Music
WK
WK
1
WK
2
WK
3
Date
Item Number + Chapter
Tues
25- Part 1 - Chptrs 1- 3
Aug
Thurs
27- Prt 3 - Chptr 8 - Agents, Managers, Attorneys
Aug
Mon
Work Due - Q = Quiz in BB
Points
Q - CH 1-3
56
Tues
31- Last day to drop without penalty
Aug
1-Sep Prt 3 - Chptr 9 - Artist Management
Q - CH 8
28
Thurs
3-Sep Prt 3 - Chptr 9 - Artist Management
Q - CH 9
25
Tues
8-Sep Prt 3 - Chptrs 10 - Unions & Guilds, &
Part 2 - Chptrs 4-5 - Songwriting, Publishing
Q - CH 10
21
Thurs
WK
4
Tues
Thurs
WK
5
Tues
Thurs
WK
6
Tues
Thurs
WK
7
WK
8
WK
10
WK
11
WK
Q - CHs 4-5
15- Prt 3 - Chptr 11 - Recording Contracts + Other Contracts
Sep
17- Contracts
Sep
Q - CHs 6-7
22- Prt 5 - Chpts 16 & 17 - Concert Production
Sep
24- Prt 5 - Chptr 18 - Arts Administration (Funding & Grants)
Sep
Q - CHs 12-15 (from Prt 4)
29- Grant Process, Availability, Requirements
Sep Miami-Dade Cultural Affairs Department, Guest Speaker
Q - CH 18
61
63
Q - CHs 11
27
88
Q - CHs 16-17
43
20
1-Oct Part 2 - Chptrs 6-7 - Research and Library Resources +
More on Copyright, Liscensing, Guest Speaker
Q - CHs 19-20
Tues
6-Oct Prt 5 - Chptr 18 - Arts Administration - Structure and
Management of a 501c3.
Set up teams!
Q - CHs 21-23
Thurs
8-Oct Prt 6 - Chptrs 19 25 - Radio, Television, Movies, Ads,
Theater, Products
Q - CHs 24-25
Tues
47
68
31
13- Prt 7 - Chptr 26 - The DIY Toolkit
Oct
15- Prt 7 - Chptr 27 - Starting Your Own Business (Forms,
Oct Permits, Legalities)
Q -CHs 26-27
Q - CHs 28-29 (from Part
8)
45
20- Prt 7 - Chptr 27 - Starting Your Own Business (Raising
Oct Funds, Accounting, Finance)
Q -CHs 30-32 (from Part
9)
64
Thurs
22- Part 7 - Chptr 27 - Marketing and Advertising (Flyers and
Oct Websites)
Work on flyer
Tues
27- Part 7 - Chptr 27 - Marketing and Advertising (Media,
Oct Billboards, Digital)
Work on flyer
Thurs
29- Part 7 - Chptr 27 - Starting Your Own Business (Operations,
Oct Management, Employees)
Work on flyer
Thurs
WK
9
10- Part 2 - Chptrs - 6-7 - Copyright, Liscensing, Guest Speaker
Sep
Tues
33
Mon
2-Nov Last Day - Drop with DR, Withdraw with WI
Tues
3-Nov Online Resources - NEA, APAP, Chronicle, AFM, and more
Work on flyer
Thurs
5-Nov The Art of Programming
Work on flyer
Tues
10- The Sales Pitch or The Ask
Upload Flyer
12
Nov
Thurs
WK
13
Tues
Thurs
WK
14
Tues
Thurs
WK
15
WK
16
12- Student Presentations - Flyers
Nov
16- Review Class Rosters for Grades
Nov
17- Prt 8 - Chptr 28 - Career Options
Nov
19- Prt 8 - Chptr 29 - Career Development
Nov
24- Prt 9 - Chptrs 30-32 - The Global View
Nov
26- Thanksgiving - No Class
Nov
Work on Sales Pitch/Ask
100
Work on Sales Pitch/Ask
Work on Sales Pitch/Ask
Work on Sales Pitch/Ask
Work on Sales Pitch/Ask
Tues
1-Dec From the Experts - Part 4 - Chptrs 12 -15 - Recorded Music
Industry, Guest Speaker
Upload Cover Letter
Thurs
3-Dec From the Experts - Running a Presenting Series, Guest
Speaker
Rehearse Sales Pitch/Ask
Mon
7-Dec Finals Week - NOTE Class time CHANGE: 9:45 - 11:45
Tues
8-Dec Student Presentations - Sales Pitch or The Ask
Thurs
100
10- No Class!
Dec
Attendance / Participation
Total Points
100
1020