Both Programs
Start with Music Business Foundations on Sept. 16, then Navigating the Music Business on Oct. 29
This is for you if:
You want to grow from foundational knowledge to strategic action with a clear step-by-step path.
You want to start with the “why and how” then dive into tactics and real-world applications.
You’re looking to accelerate your music business education and move with purpose.
What’s covered in Music Business Foundations?
A 101-level program focused on the basics and foundations of the music industry.
September 16
How the Music Business Operates
You’ll learn the core components of the modern music business, explore how money is made in today’s music industry, and gain an understanding of foundational terms.
September 23
Roles Around an Artist
You’ll learn about key, modern-day roles in the music industry. They will understand what each role does, see real-world examples, learn how these professionals get paid, and discover when to bring each one on board.
September 30
Record Label & Distribution Basics
You’ll learn about different deal types in the music industry, including distribution, label, licensing, and 360 deals, as well as understand basic contract terms and industry standards such as advances, recoupment, and royalties.
October 7
Music Publishing Basics
You’ll learn what music publishing is, including the division between the writer’s share and the publisher’s share. They will understand the role of performing rights organizations and how to collect different types of royalties.
October 14
Building an Independent Artist’s Toolkit
You’ll learn about digital distribution platforms available to independent artists and gain skills to read and interpret data dashboards on platforms like Chartmetric, Spotify for Artists, Apple Music for Artists, YouTube Studio, and TikTok for Artists.
October 21
Program Wrap-Up and Final Project
In the final week, we will recap the material covered throughout the class and provide detailed instructions for the final project.
What’s covered in Navigating the Music Business?
A 201-level program focused on strategy and real-world application.
October 29
Hiring for an Artist’s Team
We’ll identify the various roles of an artist’s team. You will gain an understanding of the independent and interconnected responsibilities of each role, how they support the artist, and how these specific roles on the artist’s team are compensated.
November 5
Marketing for the Modern Era
This week will teach you how to market an artist’s music, build their brand, and attract the modern consumer. You will learn how to identify a target demographic and psychographic, and how to help an artist stand out in a crowded marketplace.
November 12
Music Publishing Principles
This week will delve into the lucrative world of music publishing. You will learn how money is made in publishing, the difference between a co-publishing deal and an admin deal, and study some of the best publishing companies in the business.
November 19
Legal Aspects and Analyzing Deal Structures
This week will break down the various contracts and agreements that are given to, and created by, an artist and their team. You will learn how to identify and understand all necessary legal jargon and what to look out for in management, recording, distribution, and publishing deals.
December 3
Booking Strategies for Small Teams
This week we will break down best practices for booking more shows and the data points promoters are looking for. You’ll learn how to strengthen your cold outreach and alternative approaches to booking more shows.
December 10
Program Wrap-Up and Final Project
In the final week, we will recap the material covered throughout the class and provide detailed instructions for the final project.
What comes with career coaching?
✓ Three 1:1 sessions to dig into your challenges and goals.
✓ A personalized action plan that organizes your priorities and next steps.
✓ Monthly check-ins to support your progress.
Both programs also include:
Official certificates awarded upon completion of each program and its final project.
On-demand video lectures from Philip Payne (former manager, Tory Lanez).
Guest lectures with industry professionals sharing real-world insights.
Immediate networking with current and past classmates for collaboration and support.
Tailored student pairings based on shared interests and career goals.