720 Understanding the Mystery of the Music Business
Class | Available (Membership Required)
We all listen to music. Most of us have attended a concert or grooved to a live performance at a local venue and own some favorite albums, whether digitally stored on devices or as physical CDs, cassettes or vinyl. But how much do you know about the business side of the music you enjoy? Have you ever wondered...
- What does a recording contract look like?
- Who gets paid for “elevator” music?
- What goes into making sure an artist and the venue where they perform mutually benefit?
- How does music get into a film, a commercial, or on TV?
- How does someone get nominated for a Grammy?
- Why do restaurants need a licensing fee to play recorded music (even their own CDs) in their establishment?
This course is not really for the musician -- although performers are welcome -- but for those curious about the many steps in the recording process , from concept to the marketplace. From the "incubator" stage of creating a release through its marketing effort and the reaping of the payback to the artist, you will learn about the roles and duties of an artist's team: managers, agents, publicists, publishers, record label executives, radio promoters , and those on the talent-buying side. You will also take a look from the side of someone in charge of planning and event, scouting for talent, hir ing artists, organiz ing performances, and creating a “win-win” situation for the musicians, venue owner and talent buyer. This course will look at it all.
Participants are expected to have email. You'll have the opportunity to complete a project or two, so please bring paper and writing tools; some writing will be required.
- Please note: this course description was revised after the catalog was published to clarify the intent and the audience for this fun and informative class.
Bonita Tallman
BONNIE TALLMAN has worked within the music industry for nearly 40 years. Owner of a professional artist management company (BCP Inc.), a record label (Emit Doog Music), she is also a publicist, agent, blues music events producer, including for the Billtown Blues Festival for 35 years. Bonnie is a cofounder of the nonprofit Billtown Blues Association, providing musicians with performance opportunities locally, regionally and nationally. An educator for musicians of all levels and others within the music industry, she has led her own programs (Beyond the Music, You’re the CEO), workshops around the country and 16-week courses at the Uptown Music Collective in Williamsport. Bonnie was the 2004 recipient of a Keeping the Blues Alive award for artist management presented by the Blues Foundation in Memphis, Tenn., and she remains active offering mentoring and guidance as a musician’s advocate.