720 Understanding the Mystery of the Music Business

Class | Registration opens 8/10/2026 11:00 AM

UNION COUNTY GOVERNMENT CENTER 155 North 15th St Lewisburg, PA 17837 United States
Large Meeting Room
Tuesday, September 22, 2026-Tuesday, October 27, 2026
10:00 AM-11:30 AM on Tue
$60.00

720 Understanding the Mystery of the Music Business

Class | Registration opens 8/10/2026 11:00 AM

How much do you know about the business side of music production? There are 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, there are the roles and duties of an artist's team: managers, agents, publicists, publishers, record label executives, radio promoters. Then there is the talent-buying side. For those in charge of planning, they must start with an idea for an event, scout for talent, hire artists, organize performances, and create a “win-win” situation for the musicians, venue owner and talent buyer. Throughout, understanding the terms of the contract, hospitality rider, and technical rider are a must.

This course will look at it all. Whether you are a musician interested in learning about the music industry, an artist seeking a refresher or to broaden your knowledge, or a member of the general public curious about the business side of the music industry, this course will reveal many of the ins and outs behind the business of music production. The content may even inspire you to take on a new role or explore an occupation in an industry that is always looking for qualified people.

Participants are expected to have email. Everyone will complete a project or two, so please bring paper and writing tools; some writing will be required.

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.