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The music business is an exciting industry, that many aspiring entrepreneurs, producers, and musicians want to get into. But, many don’t know where to begin, how do you get into the music business? Enrolling in an online music business course is a great place to start as it will give you a solid foundation in the topics you need for a career in the music business.
The best online music business course will include lessons in music marketing, artist management, label A&R, self promotion, record deals, licensing, copyrights and distribution. You can find these topics covered in comprehensive degree programs or in one off courses. This list of music industry courses provide both options. I’ve ensured that each of the music business courses selected provides the appropriate content to develop your carrer path in the music business. So, if you’re ready to take your music career to the next level, explore this list of the best online music industry courses and start your journey toward success today.
TL;DR
Summary of Best Online Music Business Courses
If you’re serious about getting into the music business Berklee School of Music’s Music Business Specialization offers four courses Music Business Foundations, Creativity and Entrepreneurship, Copyright Law In The Music Business and Building Your Career In Music: Developing A Brand And Funding Your Music all rolled into one specialization. If you don’t want to commit to the four courses you can also take them individually.
LinkedIn Learning offers two great one off courses; Music Law and Copy Writing a Song and Digital Releases and Promotion Strategies for Musicians. Excellent options for musicians and entreprenuers looking for an introduction into copyright law and digital music markteing.
Skillshare offer the great value course Music Business Fundamentals which can be watched as part of a 30 day free trial. They also offer some other great courses on music production and audio engineering which can be watched for the same monthly subscription.
Another great one of course is University of Maryland’s The Cycle: Management of Successful Arts and Cultural Organization, taken by over 23k students, this course show entrepreneurs how to grow their music ventures into bigger projects.
Table of Contents
Berklee College of Music
Berklee College of Music has established itself as a world leader in contemporary music education. With a rich history dating back to 1945, Berklee has consistently nurtured and inspired talented musicians, composers, and music industry professionals.
Berklee’s renowned faculty is composed of accomplished musicians and industry professionals who bring a wealth of experience and expertise to the online classroom. These professionals provide invaluable guidance and education in the music business courses provided and will help in fostering students’ artistic growth and preparing them for successful careers in the music industry.
Berklee now has a range of music business courses available via the Coursera platform. The following courses will provide everything you need to know about the music business.
Related: The Best Music Production Schools
Music Business Specialization
4 months, 4 courses, 3 hrs a week
Comprised of four separate courses, Berklee’s Music Business Specialization is a comprehensive online certificate program that provides learners with a deep understanding of the music industry.
The courses that make up this specialization are Music Business Foundations, Creativity and Entrepreneurship, Copyright Law In The Music Business and Building Your Career In Music: Developing A Brand And Funding Your Music. Each of these courses can be taken separately if you wish.
Upon completion of the Music Business Specialization, you will have learnt how to navigate the music business as an independent artist, how to network, leverage social media, and launch a crowdfunding campaign. You’ll have a greater insight into how the music business functions, copyright law, leveraging rights, including contract agreements, how artists make money and various roles within the music business.
A comprehensive course, worth checking out!
Certificate available on completion. Click on the link to find out more, or you can read more about each course below.
Music Business Foundations
12 hours
Music Business Foundations provides a comprehensive introduction to the fundamental aspects of the music industry. This course covers a wide range of topics, including copyright and intellectual property, publishing, licensing, contracts, concert touring, and marketing strategies. Through engaging video lectures, practical assignments, and interactive quizzes, learners gain valuable insights into the key principles and practices that drive the music business.
Berklee College of Music designed the course for individuals with various backgrounds and interests, including musicians, aspiring managers, entrepreneurs, and industry professionals. By the end of the course, participants will have a clear understanding of the inner workings of the music industry. In addition, it helps you understand the importance of effective business strategies and the essential skills vital in navigating the ever-changing music landscape.
Key learning outcomes
- Analyze recording contract provisions
- Assess the various rights that make up the copyright bundle of rights
- Discuss the roles of the personal manager, business manager, road manager, agents, road crew, and attorneys
- Examine the importance of having written agreements that outline the duties and obligations of various parties
Can be taken separately or as part of the Music Business Specialization class. Certificate available on completion.
Creativity and Entrepreneurship
Creativity & Entrepreneurship explores the fusion of creativity and entrepreneurship. Through interactive lectures and exercises, learners gain insights into creative problem-solving, design thinking, market research, branding, and fundraising.
This online music business course is ideal for aspiring entrepreneurs and creative professionals. Studying the course equips participants with the knowledge and skills to transform innovative ideas into successful ventures. By the course’s end, learners will possess a strong understanding of the entrepreneurial process and the ability to apply creativity in a business context.
Can be taken seperately or as part of the Music Business Specialization.
Certificate available on completion.
Copyright Law In The Music Business
Copyright Law in the Music Business covers the complex world of copyright law as it pertains to the music industry. This course delves into the legal frameworks surrounding music copyrights, intellectual property, and licensing in the music business.
You learn through video lectures, quizzes, and real-world case studies, gaining a thorough understanding of copyright basics, fair use, infringement, and the rights and responsibilities of artists, songwriters, and music publishers. The course also explores the digital landscape, including streaming, sampling, and online distribution.
Ideal for musicians, songwriters, producers, and industry professionals, this course equips learners with the knowledge to protect their creative works, navigate licensing agreements, and avoid legal pitfalls. By the end of the course, participants will have a solid foundation in copyright law, enabling them to make informed decisions regarding their music and effectively manage their rights in the new music business.
Can be taken seperately or as part of the Music Business Specialization.
Building Your Career In Music: Developing A Brand And Funding Your Music
Berklee’s Building Your Career In Music is one of the best business courses for musicians that are looking to make money from their music. The course will help you identify the vision and intention of your musical project, how to network with industry professionals, give guidance and insights into industry trends, crowdfunding, marketing strategies and how to balance the management of your music and still create tracks.
The course is taught via video lectures, interactive assignments, and real-world examples. The topics include artist branding, marketing, self-promotion, revenue streams, fan engagement, social media marketing and music distribution. The course emphasizes the importance of entrepreneurial thinking and equips artists with the skills to effectively navigate the industry independently.
Can be taken seperately or as part of the Music Business Specialization.
The Business Of Music Production Specialization
The Business of Music Production Specialization explores the intersection of music and business in the context of music production. This specialization offers a series of courses designed to equip learners with the knowledge and skills to navigate the modern music production landscape. It’s a specialization that would suit aspiring music producers as it includes two music production courses.
Similar to the Music Business Specialization this specialisation comprises four courses; Music Business Foundations, The Art of Music Production, Copyright Law in the Music Business & ProTools Basics. Certificate available on completion.
Related: Music Marketing Tips
Skillshare Music Business Fundamentals
Skillshare’s Music Business Fundamentals is a collection of two online music business courses taught by Ableton certified trainer Jason Allen. The two courses have been designed to equip musicians and aspiring music industry professionals with essential knowledge and skills to navigate the music industry. Whether you’re an artist looking to monetize your music or an entrepreneur seeking to understand the industry, these courses provide practical insights and actionable strategies to help you succeed.
Part one “Music Business Fundamentals Part 1: Monetizing Your Music” focuses on the various ways to monetize music effectively. Participants learn about revenue streams such as music sales, streaming platforms, live performances, merchandise, and licensing opportunities. The instructors delve into topics like publishing, royalties, copyright, branding, marketing, and industry relationships. Thus, they provide learners with a comprehensive understanding of the business side of the music industry.
Through engaging video lessons, real-life examples, and interactive assignments, students gain practical insights into building a sustainable career in the music industry. They learn how to protect their intellectual property, maximize their earnings, and navigate the legal and financial aspects of the music business. By taking this course, participants acquire the tools and knowledge necessary to navigate the ever-evolving music industry.
This course is a certificate program
Skillshare’s courses are available via subscrition. You can get 30% off your subscrition by clicking here or try a 30 day free trial here.
The Cycle: Management of Successful Arts and Cultural Organization
The Cycle: Management of Successful Arts and Cultural Organizations is an enriching online course offered on Coursera. The course provides a comprehensive exploration of the key principles and strategies vital in managing arts and cultural organizations successfully.
The course is developed by the University of Maryland in partnership with industry experts. The partnership provides valuable insights into the unique challenges and opportunities within the arts and cultural sector. Participants will gain a deep understanding of the entire cycle of managing such organizations, from strategic planning and marketing to financial management and fundraising.
Throughout the course, learners will explore case studies, engage in discussions, and complete practical exercises that simulate real-world scenarios. They’ll develop essential skills in leadership, audience development, budgeting, and stakeholder engagement.
“The Cycle” course is suitable for individuals at all stages of their careers, from aspiring arts managers to seasoned professionals looking to enhance their skills. The flexible online format allows learners to study at their own pace and interact with a global community of learners.
Certificate available on completion.
Related: SEO tips for Musicians
Linked In Learning: Music Law and Copywriting a Song
LinkedIn Learning offers a comprehensive online course titled Music Law: Copyrighting a Song that provides invaluable insights into the legal issues of the music industry. This course is designed to equip musicians, songwriters, and industry professionals with the knowledge and understanding of copyrighting and law in relation to the music industry
The course covers a wide range of topics, including copyright fundamentals and the importance of song registration. In addition, you’ll get insights on licensing and royalties, fair use, and protecting intellectual property. Led by expert instructors, the course combines engaging video lessons, real-world examples, and interactive quizzes to facilitate effective learning.
Students will also gain a solid understanding of copyright laws specific to the music industry. With this knowledge, you’ll be able to protect your original compositions, negotiate licensing agreements, and receive fair compensation for your work. The course also explores digital music platforms and the impact of technology on copyright issues.
By completing “Music Law: Copyrighting a Song” on LinkedIn Learning, individuals can ensure they have a solid foundation in music copyright. The content empowers them to confidently navigate the legal aspects of the industry and safeguard their creative works. This online music business course includes the following content; copyright law foundations, copywriting a song, music licensing & royalties, and fair use in music.
A certificate is available at course completion.
Linked In Learning: Digital Releases and Promotion Strategies for Musicians
Digital Release and Promotion Strategies for Musicians is an essential music business class that focuses on digital music marketing. on LinkedIn Learning, presented by Evan Sutton. This course addresses a key challenge that musical artists face, how to get people to listen to their music.
The course can help you create effective promotion and distribution of your music in the digital landscape. With a duration of 59 minutes, it is suitable for beginners seeking guidance on self-releasing and promoting music online via digital distribution or those wanting to start a record label.
With this course, you’ll get skills in mastering online aggregators, getting release dates right, and ISRC codes. The course also covers various online promotional strategies such as blogs, press releases, free download strategies, exclusives, and streaming options.
Another crucial aspect discussed in the course is email marketing strategies to capture contact information, schedule emails, and utilize platforms like MailChimp. The instructor emphasizes the importance of maintaining momentum with an audience through enhancing promotion consistency, horizontal networking, support-based audience interaction, and the potential involvement of third-party professionals.
By completing this course, aspiring musicians will gain valuable knowledge and practical insights into digital music marketing, enabling them to effectively promote their music online. Upon completion, learners can earn a shareable certificate to showcase their newly acquired skills and enhance their professional profiles on platforms like LinkedIn.
A certificate is available at course completion.
Related: Best Music Business & Marketing Books
Summing Up
The world of the music business offers endless opportunities for aspiring musicians, entrepreneurs, producers, and industry professionals. To navigate this dynamic landscape successfully, online music management courses have become invaluable resources, providing comprehensive knowledge and practical skills.
From Skillshare’s “Music Business Fundamentals” collection to Berklee College of Music’s online programs, these online music business courses cover a wide range of topics. Copyright law, artist management, marketing, branding, and revenue streams are the key topics these courses cover. Participants gain insights into the inner workings of the music industry, learning how to protect their intellectual property, promote their music effectively, and monetize their creative works.
Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced professional, these online courses cater to learners at all levels. They offer flexibility, allowing you to study at your own pace and access a wealth of resources, including video lectures, interactive assignments, and networking opportunities with industry experts and fellow learners. So, if you’re ready to take your music career to the next level or explore the business side of the industry, enrol in one of these top online music business courses today.
FAQS
What are the best music business courses online?
The best online music business courses will cover a range of topics to get you up to speed with the new music business.
Berklee College of Music – One of the best online colleges for music education. Berklee offers a range of courses:
Music Business Specializations
Music Business Foundations
The Business Of Music Production Specialization
Creativity and Entrepreneurship
Copyright Law In The Music Business
Building Your Career In Music: Developing A Brand And Funding Your Music.
Other Options:
Linked in Learning: Music Law and Copy Writing a Song – Best for Music Copyright
Linked in Learning: Digital Releases and Promotion Strategies for Musicians – Best for Digital Music
Skillshare: Music Business Fundamentals – Best course for value.
What is music business and management?
Music business and management is simply defined as the process of connecting artists, producers, and other music industry professionals with the broader business world. It involves topics such as marketing, branding, networking, negotiating contracts for recording projects, contract legal issues, royalties, copyright, planning tours, securing sponsorships and endorsements and ensuring that each person involved in a project has their needs met.It also includes managing finances to ensure everyone gets paid properly and on time.
Music business and management is an essential component of any artist, producer, or music industry professional’s career. Good management ensures that all parties involved in a project have their needs met and are working together to achieve the best possible outcome for everyone involved. It can also help build strong relationships between artists, producers, and other professionals in the music industry so that they can continue to work together in the future. Having music business and management knowledge is highly valuable for any artist or producer looking to make it in the music industry.
Is music business a good degree?
Music Business Programs will definitely help you develop as an aspiring music entrepreneur. Providing you with solid business acumen that is specific to the music industry.
What should I study for the music business?
Bachelor of Music Management degrees often cover the diverse facets of the music industry. Students learn many subjects related to music and business, including management, marketing, budgeting, law and technology. Specific in-depth knowledge of the musical industry is also taught.
Is going to school for the music business worth it?
Music business degrees will certainly help advance your career. You will get a solid foundation of business education which can be applied to any business as well as specific knowledge about how the music business works.
