Competency: Entrepreneurship
Course Number: IND-106
Credits: 2

Course Description
A&R (Artists & Repertoire) relates to the process of sourcing and signing new talent, helping the artist(s) define their repertoire in accordance with the marketing strategy and overall label vision, along with overseeing the development and delivery of the final product. This course includes a study in selecting songs and producers for the project, managing the studio process, creating the music budget, and partnering with the artist and producer through the process, while also meeting the demands of the company financing the release. This course consists of a weekly, two-hour lecture.

Competency: Entrepreneurship
Course Number: IND-107
Credits: 1

Course Description
If an artist is to have a successful long-term career, it is crucial that they have a brand strategy to guide their business. Brand is much more than simply photos or styling, rather it is about identifying the core audience, understanding their needs, and strategically positioning the artist to take advantage of the marketplace opportunity. The artist positioning will drive all business decisions including merchandise licensing, retail partnerships, sponsorships, and marketing strategy. This course will provide students a strong understanding of the process of creating a long-term brand strategy, building a brand plan, managing the brand, and creating a planning calendar to guide the artist’s business. This course consists of a weekly, one-hour lecture.

Prerequisite(s): Music Marketing Foundations and Promotion Concepts & Tools.

Competency: Entrepreneurship
Course Number: IND-108
Credits: 2

Course Description
This course provides an in-depth look into the role of the artist’s personal manager and the daily operations of a management company. Study includes strategies to manage an artist’s career, building the artist’s team, finding and securing artist clients, artist development, and the host of business deals that accompany an artist’s career. Students will have a deep understanding of the functions of management and key issues and opportunities to join a major management company or create an independent one. This course consists of a weekly, two-hour lecture.

Prerequisite: Building the Artist’s Team. 

Competency: Entrepreneurship
Course Number: IND-109
Credits: 2

Course Description
Building on the foundation of the historical aspects of how the traditional record industry evolved into what we know as the music industry as we know it today, this course will cover topics related to the four primary revenue streams for an independent artist launching in the current competitive market. A study of live performance and touring, merchandise and retail, sales and downloads, along with licensing and placements will combine to provide the student with a thorough overview of the most essential elements of a recording artist’s primary sources of income. This course consists of a weekly, two-hour lecture.

Prerequisite: Music Industry Studies 1.

Competency: Instrument
Course Number: IND-115
Credits: 2

Course Description
The primary goal of this course is to act as reinforcement for the core curriculum of the Department. Any questions involving individual weekly classes will be addressed, and the instructor will help each student keep up with the general pace of all classes in their program. Additional assignments may be given to students when appropriate. This course consists of a weekly, one-hour private lesson.

Prerequisite: Students must complete each level in order to continue into the subsequent level of the course

Competency: Musicianship
Course Number: MUS-1001
Credits: 3

Course Description
Applied Theory Lab 2 continues with the five primary elements of Applied Theory 1. Diatonic harmony, chord construction and progressions as well as chromaticism are introduced. Added requirements for ear training will be chord progression and chord recognition dictation. Students are asked to perform on the piano all ear training material to better comprehend the information. Computer notation is introduced. This course consist of four weekly, one-hour labs.

Prerequisite: Applied Theory Lab 1.

Competency: Musicianship
Course Number: MUS-1002
Credits: 3

Course Description
Applied Theory 3 continues to build on the five primary elements of Applied Theory 1 and 2. Minor keys/scales, modes, progressions in major and minor tonality, modulation, constitutes some of the new information in Applied Theory 3. Melodies, rhythms, intervals, progressions, chord qualities continue to grow in complexity as we move through these upper levels of Applied Theory 3. This course consist of four weekly, one-hour labs.

Prerequisite: Applied Theory Lab 2. 

Competency: Entrepreneurship
Course Number: IND-110
Credits: 2

Course Description
Social media has become the most important tool in breaking and developing an artist’s career. Understanding how to carry a consistent branding approach across multiple social media platforms will be a focus of this course. There will also be an in-depth exploration of the various social networks, key strategies and examples of successful social media campaigns. Topics will include analysis and exploration of strategies for YouTube, Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, Pinterest, Tumblr, Reverb Nation, Snapchat and more. This course consists of a weekly, two-hour lecture. This course may be taken as an elective.

Competency: Entrepreneurship
Course Number: IND-111
Credits: 2

Course Description
This course covers essential business affairs issues related to understanding music agreements and basic music legal principles. It will prepare students to effectively review and comprehend the standard points in music deals and contracts. Topics will include the introduction to understanding recording agreements, management contracts, music licensing agreements, touring agreements, merchandise deals, producer agreements, publishing deals and distribution agreements. This course consists of a weekly, two-hour lecture.

Prerequisite(s): Music Industry Studies 1-2.

Competency: Entrepreneurship
Course Number: IND-113
Credits: 2

Course Description
This course focuses on the industry of music publishing and the various income sources related, for both the songwriter and the company involved. Students will study the areas of Copyright Rights & Protections, Performance Rights Organizations (PRO), along with the many varied approaches to publishing splits and deals. This course consists of a weekly, two-hour lecture.

Competency: Entrepreneurship 
Course Number: IND-112
Credits: 2

Course Description
This course provides students an in-depth review of the process and legal aspects of licensing music for film, TV, advertising, and artist placement. It will include the review of the roles of music publishers, synch agents, music supervisors, ad agencies, and A&R executives. Topics covered also include licensing administration, securing licenses, collecting and distributing payments, usage tracking, clearance agencies, and licensing songs for covers or samples. This course consists of a weekly, two-hour lecture.

Competency: Instrument
Course Number: IND-116
Credits: 2

Course Description
The primary goal of this course is to act as reinforcement for the core curriculum of the Department. Any questions involving individual weekly classes will be addressed, and the instructor will help each student keep up with the general pace of all classes in their program. Additional assignments may be given to students when appropriate. This course consists of a weekly, one-hour private lesson.

Prerequisite: Students must complete each level in order to continue into the subsequent level of the course.

Competency: Entrepreneurship
Course Number: IND-206
Credits: 2

Course Description
Pitching an artist for business deals, publicity, or sponsorships requires professional and strategically produced materials that will generate interest for further exploration. This course will review the various types of materials from EPKs, press releases, pitch decks, biographies, one-sheets and more. Students will learn key elements of each, how and when to use them, and will create their own materials in class to pitch to other students. This course consists of a weekly, two-hour lecture.

Prerequisite: Music Marketing Foundations, Promotion Concepts & Tools, Brand Development, Social Media Branding.

Competency: Literacy
Course Number: MUS-110
Credits: 1

Course Description
History of Rock and Pop Music 1 focuses on the beginnings of Rock & Roll music. Students will study Rock Music in the 1950’s with artists such as Elvis Presley, Buddy Holly and Chuck Berry. Rock History 1 then moves to the “Golden Age” of rock music and focus on the 1960’s and the British Invasion, Folk Rock and Psychedelic Rock movements. This course finishes with the 1970’s and Classic Rock, Glam Rock and Prog (progressive) Rock. These topics will be explored via lectures, reading and research assignments, listening exercises and YouTube videos. This course consists of a hybrid combination of on campus meetings and online coursework. This course may be taken as an elective.

Competency: Entrepreneurship
Course Number: IND-200
Credits: 2

Course Description
Building on the foundation laid in Music Business Law & Contracts 1, students will learn essential aspects of negotiating fair and equitable deals for their future projects and clients. While an attorney is always necessary for final review and counsel prior to signing, a manager and/ or artist will need to know how to address points of concern or required adjustments in any given agreement. This course will also focus on important cases that have been pivotal in affecting the evolution of the music industry as we know it today. This course consists of a weekly, two-hour lecture.

Prerequisite: Music Business Law & Contracts 1. 

Competency: Musicianship
Course Number: IND-300
Credits: 1

Course Description
In this faculty-directed ensemble course series, students will practice all aspects of being a member of a professional ensemble performance group. Tracing the various history and styles courses, students will learn how to perform a selection of songs live, create and interpret charts, and produce powerful song arrangements for a live showcase setting. This course series will also focus on developing in the areas of advanced rehearsal techniques, musical direction, stage movement, image development and advancement, and polished performance skills. Each student will also play a role in the “business” of a professional performance ensemble. Roles include accounting, social media marketing, PR, graphic design, photography, fan management, networking, stage and audio/video logistics, and more. To conclude each Contemporary Performance Ensemble course, a final performance of the set will be promoted by the group and performed in a multi-media industry showcase setting. This course will consist of one weekly two-hour lab.

Prerequisite: Students must complete each level in order to continue into the subsequent level of the course. 

Competency: Instrument
Course Number: IND-216
Credits: 2

Course Description
The primary goal of this course is to act as reinforcement for the core curriculum of the Department. Any questions involving individual weekly classes will be addressed, and the instructor will help each student keep up with the general pace of all classes in their program. Additional assignments may be given to students when appropriate. This course consists of a weekly, one-hour private lesson.

Prerequisite: Students must complete each level in order to continue into the subsequent level of the course.

Competency: Entrepreneurship
Course Number: IND-201
Credits: 2

Course Description
Continuing to build on the knowledge gained in Music Licensing 1, students will practice reviewing and editing standard music licensing agreements. A practical study of sourcing new licensing opportunities for an artist or composer will allow the students a hands-on experience while interfacing with music supervisors from “pitch to placement”. This course consists of a weekly, two-hour lecture.

Prerequisite: Music Licensing 1.

Competency: Entrepreneurship
Course Number: IND-213
Credits: 4

Course Description
This course will put students in the driver’s seat of managing an artist. Management does not just entail handling the business details of the artist, but will require knowledge in the areas of song selection, performance skills, production and instrumentation, along with helping the artist to build a viable business model for their music. Each student will contact an artist to develop musically, and will build and execute a creative and career plan for that artist with supervision from a seasoned artist manager. This course consists of a weekly, three-hour lecture.

Prerequisite: Artist Management Seminar

Competency: Entrepreneurship
Course Number: IND-214
Credits: 0.5

Course Description
This course will introduce students to professionals from the music industry in various areas of specialization. Industry guests will include Managers, Entertainment Attorneys, Publishers, Music Supervisors, A&R Representatives, Marketing Professionals, Recording Artists, Booking Agents, Tour Promoters, Entrepreneurs and more. In a lecture and Q&A format, the students will have the opportunity to network with and learn from working professionals in the Los Angeles music industry. Understanding how to apply the knowledge they are gaining in their program to a “real world” application in the industry will be a crucial focus and this master class series will provide invaluable networking and opportunities to learn about varied career path options. This course consists of a bi-weekly, two-hour lecture.

Competency: Entrepreneurship
Course Number: IND-202
Credits: 2

Course Description
Delving deeper into the topics introduced in Music Publishing 1, this course will outline in detail the current music industry’s approach to monitoring and growing publishing income for any given songwriter’s catalog. An in-depth study of the function of PROs and a comparison study between the three major PROs in the United States, along with those established worldwide, will offer the students an essential base of understanding for how a song can be monetized throughout the entire process from conception to completion. This course consists of a weekly, two-hour lecture.

Prerequisite: Music Publishing 1

Competency: Literacy
Course Number: MUS-111
Credits: 1

Course Description
History of Rock 2 is a survey of Rock music from the 1980’s to present. Students will study music starting with the Hair Bands of the 80’s, New Wave and Pop music. Then the focus will shift to Seattle and the Grunge scene with bands such as Nirvana and Soundgarden. Rock history 2 will conclude by studying modern Alternative Rock with Artists and bands such as Jack White, Radiohead, the Foo Fighters and Muse. These topics will be explored via lectures, reading and research assignments, listening exercises and YouTube videos. This course consists of a hybrid combination of on campus meetings and online coursework. This course may be taken as an elective.

Competency: Musicianship
Course Number: IND-301
Credits: 1

Course Description
In this faculty-directed ensemble course series, students will practice all aspects of being a member of a professional ensemble performance group. Tracing the various history and styles courses, students will learn how to perform a selection of songs live, create and interpret charts, and produce powerful song arrangements for a live showcase setting. This course series will also focus on developing in the areas of advanced rehearsal techniques, musical direction, stage movement, image development and advancement, and polished performance skills. Each student will also play a role in the “business” of a professional performance ensemble. Roles include accounting, social media marketing, PR, graphic design, photography, fan management, networking, stage and audio/video logistics, and more. To conclude each Contemporary Performance Ensemble course, a final performance of the set will be promoted by the group and performed in a multi-media industry showcase setting. This course will consist of one weekly two-hour lab.

Prerequisite: Students must complete each level in order to continue into the subsequent level of the course.  

Competency: Entrepreneurship
Course Number: IND-204
Credits: 2

Course Description
This course studies and analyzes the process of calculating music royalty payments. Topics include calculating, tracking and paying master, synch, and mechanical royalties for labels, artists, producers and songwriters. This course consists of a weekly, two-hour lecture.

Prerequisite(s): Music Publishing 1-2; Music Licensing 1-2. 

Competency: Entrepreneurship
Course Number: IND-205
Credits: 2

Course Description
The distribution of digital audio and video content is the cornerstone of today’s music business. Understanding the various digital retailers, process of distributing the content, metadata requirements for royalty tracking, distribution companies, retail advertising, and payment processes are all critical to successfully distribute and sell digital content. This course will include a study of the primary digital distributors and related deal variations, retailers, metadata requirements, and marketing and sales strategies related to distribution. This course consists of a weekly, two-hour lecture.

Competency: Entrepreneurship
Course Number: IND-311
Credits: 4

Course Description
This course will allow students to gain practical experience with the day-to-day operations or running an independent record label, from the creative construction of artist projects to executing the final objectives of marketing and distribution. Students will launch their label, find an artist to sign, develop that artist and the creative/musical process, and manage the sales, marketing, distribution and finance aspects of running the artist’s label.This course consists of 2 weekly, two-hour lectures.

Prerequisite(s): Music Industry Studies 1-2; Building The Artist’s Team; A&R Strategy; Music Marketing Foundations

Competency: Instrument
Course Number: TBD
Credits: 2

Course Description
The primary goal of this course is to act as reinforcement for the core curriculum of the Department. Any questions involving individual weekly classes will be addressed, and the instructor will help each student keep up with the general pace of all classes in their program. Additional assignments may be given to students when appropriate. This course consists of a weekly, one-hour private lesson.

Prerequisite: Students must complete each level in order to continue into the subsequent level of the course.

Competency: Entrepreneurship
Course Number: IND-207
Credits: 2

Course Description
This course will cover creative and business concepts associated with the role of the Music Supervisor, including: what a music supervisor’s primary job is, how to interact with the music supervisor on a Film/TV assignment, what a music supervisor needs to know and be qualified to do, and how to pursue becoming a music supervisor. Qualities a music supervisor must have will be studied extensively, as this can be a viable career path for many musicians and songwriters. Topics will include: critical “song to picture” analysis, expansive music genre and artist knowledge, ability to organize song clearances and cue sheets, confidence in communicating with directors and producers of Films and TV shows along with expressing specific needs to composers in regard to musical direction, tempo, keys, song edits and “sound alike” references. This course consists of a weekly, two-hour lecture.

Competency: Literacy
Course Number: MUS-107
Credits: 1

Course Description
The History of American Roots and Blues Music offers students a glimpse of the styles, songs and singers that helped shape American popular music as we know it today. The course will focus primarily on early-to-mid 20th century genres—including African-American work songs and spirituals, minstrelsy, blues, traditional folk balladry, hillbilly music, protest songs, early rock ‘n’ roll—which will be explored via lectures, reading and research assignments, listening exercises, YouTube videos and biographical sketches. This course consists of a hybrid combination of on campus meetings and online coursework. This course may be taken as an elective.

Competency: Literacy
Course Number: MUS-108
Credits: 1

Course Description
The History of Jazz 1 will examine jazz from its origins thru the 1940’s. Special attention will be given to such artists as Scott Joplin (the Joplin Rag), Jelly Roll Morton, Cab Calloway, Count Basie, Tommy Dorsey and Louis Armstrong. Class time will be spent listening to and analyzing a wide variety of recordings as well as watching video presentations. This course consists of a hybrid combination of on campus meetings and online coursework. This course may be taken as an elective.

Competency: Entrepreneurship
Course Number: IND-208
Credits: 2

Course Description
The touring business is much deeper than just income from the ticket sales and merchandise. Managing the tour budget, understanding the promoter and venue shares, and accounting to managers and labels can be a complex equation. This course will provide a solid understanding of the process of budgeting and accounting all aspects of tour income and expenses. This course consists of a weekly, two-hour lecture.  

Competency: Entrepreneurship
Course Number: IND-209
Credits: 1

Course Description
Understanding revenue streams and expenses is the key to properly managing music income. Artists, managers, attorneys and business managers all must understand the fundamentals of managing the artist’s, company’s or project’s revenue and budget. This course will provide a solid understanding of music career finance. In addition, tools for managing the time invested in the varied areas of a music career will be introduced as an essential component of making certain that every resource is being fully realized and efficiently utilized. This course consists of a weekly, one-hour lecture.

Competency: Entrepreneurship
Course Number: IND-210
Credits: 2

Course Description
The emergence of independent record labels has created a more varied and prolific production and release of new music. This course will study the differences between how indie labels and major labels function, with the benefits and drawbacks analyzed extensively. Students will also receive an introduction to the essential aspects of building and operating their own independent record label. This course will provide a review of the important functions of running an independent record company including artist development, marketing, radio, digital, retail, business operations and finance. This course consists of a weekly, two-hour lecture.

Prerequisite(s): Music Industry Studies 1-2, A&R Strategy, Music Marketing Foundations.

Competency: Entrepreneurship
Course Number: IND-211
Credits: 2

Course Description
A major revenue stream in the music business is merchandise, licensing and retail development. It is much more complex than printing t-shirts to sell at concerts. An artist must have representatives that create a strategy for creating relevant products around their brand, find partners to license and manufacture these products, and build retail relationships to promote and sell the products. This full ecosystem is centered on the artist’s brand strategy set forth in the Branding Plan. Students in this course will learn the process of identifying licensees and retailers, and get a full understanding of the role of the licensing agent. This course consists of a weekly, two-hour lecture.

Prerequisite(s): Music Marketing Foundations, Brand Development.

Competency: Entrepreneurship
Course Number: IND-215
Credits: 0.5

Course Description
This course will introduce students to professionals from the music industry in various areas of specialization. Industry guests will include Managers, Entertainment Attorneys, Publishers, Music Supervisors, A&R Representatives, Marketing Professionals, Recording Artists, Booking Agents, Tour Promoters, Entrepreneurs and more. In a lecture and Q&A format, the students will have the opportunity to network with and learn from working professionals in the Los Angeles music industry. Understanding how to apply the knowledge they are gaining in their program to a “real world” application in the industry will be a crucial focus and this master class series will provide invaluable networking and opportunities to learn about varied career path options. This course consists of a bi-weekly, two-hour lecture

Competency: Musicianship
Course Number: IND-302
Credits: 1

Course Description
In this faculty-directed ensemble course series, students will practice all aspects of being a member of a professional ensemble performance group. Tracing the various history and styles courses, students will learn how to perform a selection of songs live, create and interpret charts, and produce powerful song arrangements for a live showcase setting. This course series will also focus on developing in the areas of advanced rehearsal techniques, musical direction, stage movement, image development and advancement, and polished performance skills. Each student will also play a role in the “business” of a professional performance ensemble. Roles include accounting, social media marketing, PR, graphic design, photography, fan management, networking, stage and audio/video logistics, and more. To conclude each Contemporary Performance Ensemble course, a final performance of the set will be promoted by the group and performed in a multi-media industry showcase setting. This course will consist of one weekly two-hour lab.

Prerequisite: Students must complete each level in order to continue into the subsequent level of the course.

Competency: Entrepreneurship
Course Number: IND-410
Credits: 2

Course Description
Students will be evaluated according to their skill sets and career objectives, to be placed in a practical internship with an active Los Angeles music company. Students will work on location at this company for a minimum of eight hours per week and will be supervised and evaluated by that company’s staff. Throughout the quarter, the student will report to a faculty advisor regarding specific challenges and receiving guidance on improving their competitive edge for future employment possibilities.