The Music Business Masterclass has a sole purpose: to empower the next generation of UC Berkeley students pursuing careers in the Music Business.
As UC Berkeley’s first academic program dedicated to analyzing and engaging with the modern-day industry, this 2-unit DeCal aims to provide creatives, executives and entrepreneurs with a comprehensive understanding of key aspects of the business, including but not limited to
- Record Labels
- Streaming Services
- Artist Development
- The Live Experience
- Music-Tech Startups
- Branding / Digital Strategy
- Content Curation
- DIY for Creatives
... and more!
Through weekly discussion sections, business case-studies and guest visits from notable industry-insiders, we will explore the interrelations between business and technology within the contextual frame of the Music Business. Upon completion of the MBM program, students will be able to answer the following questions for further topic exploration:
About me, the aspiring executive:
Which careers are directly and indirectly related to the music business?
How has Silicon Valley disrupted traditional industry practices?
How can I best pursue an internship / career in the music business?
How do related career paths (tech, finance, law) intersect with music?
How can I effectively network with music industry professionals?
About me, the creative / manager / agent:
What is the process of signing an artist / brand to a record label?
How has new media and digital analytics shaped marketing campaigns?
How can I leverage the power of entertainment branding within music?
What do the daily roles of a business manager, lawyer and A&R involve?
How has the role of A&R developed across decades and between labels?
About the music business:
In which areas is the music business shrinking and growing?
What are the key revenue streams within the music business?
How do record labels implement 360 and distribution deals?
How have streaming services impacted the industry’s overall health?
How will applications of AI, AR and VR impact the business worldwide?
In which ways are live events and music startups financially viable?
Course Policies:
- 1 Midterm and 1 Final Case-Study
- Participation and Attendance: 2 points for attendance and 1 point for participating in class discussions.
*Full Fall 2018 syllabus can be found here: https://tinyurl.com/y72btmt7
If you're excited about music - creating it, pursuing it as a passion or considering it as a career - we highly encourage you to apply. Former students have secured roles at Universal Music Group, Live Nation, Goldenvoice, Another Planet Entertainment, while independent student artists and aspiring entrepreneurs have tangibly benefitted from the MBM Program. Please find the link for the Fall semester below!
| Name | Download Link | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| Music Business Masterclass - Fall '18 Syllabus | Download |