MUS-201: The Business of Music (formerly MU-290)

Course, prefix, number, & title: MUS-201 The Business of Music (formerly MU-290)

Hours (Class, recitation, Laboratory, studio): 3

Credits: 3

Course Description in college catalog:

Examination of critical issues via weekly assignments, written reports, and class discussions based on independent Internet research. Monetizing your talent. Analysis of traditional concepts—e.g., intellectual property and institutions and music publishing. How to select your “team” of advisors, choose a form of business, develop a business plan, create and “shop” a project. Study of important concepts/institutions from the “new” business—e.g., “the Long Tail,” DIY, and independent record production.

Academic programs for which this course serves as a requirement or an elective:

A.A.S. Music Production

General Education Outcomes: Below is a listing of General Education Outcome(s) that this course supports.

1. Communicate effectively in various forms

2. Use analytical reasoning to identify issues or problems and evaluate evidence in order to make informed decisions

Course-specific student learning outcomes:

x

Program-specific outcomes

Prepare students who wish to transfer to a four-year institution of higher learning to pursue a career in music by providing a solid foundation in the areas of musicianship and performance.

Provide the general college students with the opportunities to study music in a variety of classes that promotes intellectual inquiry, global awareness and lifelong active learning.

Other program outcomes (if applicable).

1. Integrate knowledge and skills in the program of study

2. Make ethical judgments while recognizing multiple perspectives, as appropriate in the program of study

3. Work collaboratively to accomplish learning objectives

Methods by which student learning will be assessed and evaluated; describe the types of methods to be employed; note whether certain methods are required for all sections:

Requirements:

1. Final Project: The culmination of the course will be the presentation of one original branding idea - and its legal underpinnings - developed alone or with a team of classmates.

2. Examinations: Students will be tested on fundamental concepts during the Mid- Term exam, and written Labs.

3. Attendance: All students are required to attend every class and be on time. An unexcused absence results in a grade of "0" for the attendance grade for that day. A 15 min late entrance results in an attendance grade of "75" for that day. Four unexcused absences generate an "F" for the course.

4.; Portable USB Storage and Notebook: Students must own and bring to every class either a portable USB drive or USB flash drive for saving articles, links and handouts, and a notebook for taking notes and recording personal ideas during class. Note: In addition to physical materials distributed in class, the course also has a Blackboard presence for sharing electronic materials.

5. Paper/Branding: Students will write a minimum 2 page research paper on one aspect of the music industry that they find useful in their own work. Prior consultation with professor highly recommended. The paper needs to include references from Music Money and Success reference text book. The materials from the text book will be distributed by the professor, as well as links to relevant articles from ASCAP Daily Brief and other notable sources. The reference text books are also available on Amazon.com, and can be purchased used, or as a digital copy/download.

Grading:
Attendance/Attitude	10%
Labs/Homework	35%
Mid Term Exam	15%
Paper	15%
Final Project	25%

Academic Integrity policy (department or College):
Academic honesty is expected of all students. Any violation of academic integrity is taken extremely seriously. All assignments and projects must be the original work of the student or teammates. Plagiarism will not be tolerated. Any questions regarding academic integrity should be brought to the attention of the instructor. The following is the Queensborough Community College Policy on Academic Integrity: "It is the official policy of the College that all acts or attempted acts that are violations of Academic Integrity be reported to the Office of Student Affairs. At the faculty member's discretion and with the concurrence of the student or students involved, some cases though reported to the Office of Student Affairs may be resolved within the confines of the course and department. The instructor has the authority to adjust the offender's grade as deemed appropriate, including assigning an F to the assignment or exercise or, in more serious cases, an F to the student for the entire course." Read the University's policy on Academic Integrity opens in a new window(PDF).

Disabilities
Any student who feels that he or she may need an accommodation based upon the impact of a disability should contact the Office of Accessibility Services in Science Building, Room S-132, 718-631-6257, to coordinate reasonable accommodations for students with documented disabilities. You can visit the Office of Accessibility Services website.