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Coursera

Music Management, Marketing and PR

via Coursera

Overview

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Learn the fundamentals of managing music, marketing, and public relations in the modern music industry. This course covers the critical strategies required to effectively promote artists, manage their careers, and engage with audiences across various media platforms. It is designed for professionals in the music industry who want to enhance their management skills and increase their impact. Through real-world case studies and theoretical knowledge, you’ll gain insights into artist development, branding, sponsorship, and the financial aspects of the music business. The course will help you master key strategies for creating a buzz, using online platforms, and ensuring a successful career in music. What sets this course apart is its combination of theoretical foundations and practical application. You’ll learn how the theory translates into real-world success in artist management, music marketing, and public relations, providing you with the tools needed to succeed. This course is perfect for aspiring music managers, marketers, or anyone interested in advancing their career in the music industry. Some familiarity with music or marketing is helpful but not required. This course is based on the book, Music Management, Marketing and PR, by, Chris Anderton, James Hannam, and Johnny Hopkins. Copyright ©2022 by Sage Publications Limited. All rights reserved, including rights for text and data mining and training of artificial technologies or similar technologies. Published by Sage Publications Limited, London. Used by arrangement with Sage Publications Limited.

Syllabus

  • Industry Overview and Theoretical Approaches
    • This module introduces the main sectors and institutions within the music industries, exploring foundational theories such as political and cultural economy. Learners will also discover a relationship-based approach to understanding industry dynamics and the interconnected roles of artists, managers, and marketers.
  • Getting Started: Building Teams and Understanding Management Functions
    • This module explores the foundational aspects of music management, including the development of artist-manager relationships, team structure design, and key contractual and financial considerations. Learners will gain insights into the roles and responsibilities within artist teams and the strategies for building effective industry networks.
  • Artist Development Strategies
    • This module explores the key strategies for developing an artist's career in the modern music industry, including DIY approaches, label services, and the roles of managers and A&R. Learners will gain insight into music release options, contract types, and the functions of record and publishing companies. By the end, you'll understand the pathways and decisions that shape successful artist development.
  • Creating a Buzz
    • This module explores how artists and their teams generate buzz by leveraging audience insights, data analytics, and compelling visual and verbal identities. Learners will discover strategies for building artist visibility, engaging fans across platforms, and crafting effective publicity campaigns. Practical examples include photography, branding, and innovative promotional tactics like guerrilla gigging.
  • Music Marketing
    • This module introduces key concepts and models in music marketing, including the 5Cs and 9Cs frameworks, and explores strategies such as guerrilla and viral marketing. Learners will examine the importance of audience research, cultural relevance, and data-driven approaches to building fan engagement and commercial success. Practical examples from advertising, publicity, and retail channels illustrate how these theories are applied in the modern music industry.
  • Public Relations and Promotion
    • This module delves into the essential functions of public relations and promotion within the music industry, highlighting the strategies professionals use to manage media exposure, craft compelling campaigns, and handle crises. Learners will explore the principles behind effective storytelling, media engagement, and the use of digital platforms to maximize artist visibility. Practical insights into campaign planning, content creation, and relationship-building with media outlets are also covered.
  • Online Music: Media Platforms, Music Streaming and Music Recommendation
    • This module explores how digital platforms have transformed music distribution, revenue models, and artist-audience relationships. Learners will examine the mechanics of streaming services, the challenges of fair compensation, and the influence of algorithms and gatekeepers in shaping music discovery. The module also covers alternative funding and collaboration models such as crowdsourcing and crowdfunding.
  • Concerts and Festivals
    • This module explores the dynamic world of live music, examining the roles of artists, venues, promoters, and managers within the concert and festival industries. Learners will investigate the social, economic, and cultural impacts of live events, as well as the challenges and innovations brought about by digital technologies and recent global events. The module also addresses issues of authenticity, sustainability, and the evolving landscape of ticketing and festival-led campaigns.
  • Branding and Sponsorship
    • This module explores the dynamics of artist branding and sponsorship within the music industry, focusing on how artists and events collaborate with brands to expand reach and commercialize live experiences. Learners will examine the construction of artist brands, the nuances of sponsorship deals, and the impact of brand fit on successful partnerships.
  • Copyright, Funding and Revenue Streams
    • This module explores essential financial strategies for music professionals, including budgeting, copyright management, and the diversification of income sources. Learners will gain practical insights into royalty collection, funding opportunities, and sustainable revenue planning within the music industry.
  • Beyond the Music: Well-being and Equality
    • This module explores the intersection of well-being, diversity, and equality within the music industries. Learners will examine mental health trends, analyze diversity data, and discover strategies for fostering inclusivity and sustainable professional practices. The content emphasizes emotional intelligence, authentic leadership, and practical steps to improve work-life balance.
  • Conclusion
    • This module explores how cultural and relational factors influence business strategies and decision-making in the music industry. Learners will examine the interplay between B2B and B2C relationships, power dynamics, and the role of diversity in shaping industry outcomes.

Taught by

Sage Instructors

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