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Module Specifications..

Current Academic Year 2023 - 2024

Please note that this information is subject to change.

Module Title Music Business
Module Code MC413
School 59
Module Co-ordinatorSemester 1: Cormac O'Brien
Semester 2: Cormac O'Brien
Autumn: Cormac O'Brien
Module TeachersMatthew Jacobson
Jenna Harris
NFQ level 8 Credit Rating 5
Pre-requisite None
Co-requisite None
Compatibles None
Incompatibles None
Coursework Only
Description

A module designed to give learners the skills to promote their music through the press and online, and to further their careers through developing projects and making funding applications. Areas covered will include PR and self-promotion, (including the creation of an Electronic Press Kit), understanding copyright laws and publishing rights, and how to make a coherent and effective grant application

Learning Outcomes

1. Be able to develop their own press kits and promote themselves through the media and online via social media
2. Gain the technical knowledge to self-produce their own albums
3. Have the ability to prepare funding applications
4. Acquire valuable entrepreneurial skills which can be used in their professional life



Workload Full-time hours per semester
Type Hours Description
Lecture24Weekly, A one-hour weekly lecture-workshop
Independent Study101Developing an EPK, writing a grant application, research on the mechanics of performing rights
Total Workload: 125

All module information is indicative and subject to change. For further information,students are advised to refer to the University's Marks and Standards and Programme Specific Regulations at: http://www.dcu.ie/registry/examinations/index.shtml

Indicative Content and Learning Activities

Section one
Section one looks at PR and self-promotion and ways of presenting the artist, or artist’s group to the press and to social media.

Section two
Section two focuses on aspects of music recording from both an artist and record label side of production, as well as looking at musicians' rights, contracts, copyright laws, publishing deals etc.

Section three
Section three looks at funding opportunities in Ireland and abroad and addresses the skills required to put applications together for various projects.

Areas covered
° Producing an Electronic Press Kit ° Understanding Performing Rights ° Understanding copyright law ° Understanding contracts ° Development of skill sets in making grant applications ° Using Social Media as a marketing tool ° The effective use of websites as a promotional tool

Assessment Breakdown
Continuous Assessment100% Examination Weight0%
Course Work Breakdown
TypeDescription% of totalAssessment Date
ProjectPR and self-promotion project including setting up of an artist Facebook Page and the creation of an EPK35%Week 8
EssayA 500-word essay, summarising the topics covered in the module relating to recording, including musicians’ rights, contracts and copyright laws30%Other
AssignmentDemonstration of skill-set on how to make a coherent and effective grant application35%Sem 2 End
Reassessment Requirement Type
Resit arrangements are explained by the following categories;
1 = A resit is available for all components of the module
2 = No resit is available for 100% continuous assessment module
3 = No resit is available for the continuous assessment component
This module is category 1
Indicative Reading List

  • Peter Spellman: 0, The self-promoting musician, Boston, MA; Berklee Press, 0876391390
  • Mike King: 0, Music Marketing: Press, Promotion, Distribution, and Retail, Hal Leonard, 087639098X
  • George Howard: 0, Music Publishing 101, Berklee Press, 0876390629
Other Resources

0, Website, 0, IMRO FAQs on Irish Copyright Law, https://www.imro.ie/music-creators/about-copyright/faqs-on-copyright/,
Programme or List of Programmes
HMSAStudy Abroad (Humanities & Soc Science)
JZCMBA in Jazz and Contemporary Music Perfor
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