Undergraduate School of Business Administration | Business Courses | Mike Curb School of Music Business | Music Business Courses

Music Business Courses (MBU)

MBU 111. Survey of Music Business (3). A study of the major areas of Music Business. Attention is given to the practical application as well as the theoretical foundations. In-depth study of organizations and a general overview of the industry. Guest lecturers from the music industry may be utilized.

MBU 138. Survey of Recording Technology (3). A study of the major areas of recording technology as related to the music industry. The student receives an overall view of analog and digital technology with attention to its innovations, history, and effect on the music industry.

MBU 199-499. Special Studies (1-3).

MBU 200. Music Business Internship Lab (0). Prerequisites: MBU 111, MBU 138 and sophomore standing or 12 hours of credit in residence at Belmont for transfer students. A computer/lecture-centered, career-oriented course covering basic business communication skills and music industry administration. Interviewing skills, internship expectations, career-building methodology, and networking techniques in the music business are also covered.

MBU 213. History of the Recording Business (3). A study of the foundations of the recorded music business, which includes the development of recording labels, technology-driven changes, and recordings from 1877 to the present. Also discussed is the formation of the major recording labels and the development of the marketing structure whereby recorded music is exposed and sold to consumers.

MBU 226. Studio Maintenance and Electronics I (3). Prerequisites: MBU 111, MBU 138. An analysis of preventive maintenance, troubleshooting, and repair of recording studio components including an introduction to basic electronic circuitry as related to the recording studio. (Lab hours required)

MBU 227. Studio Maintenance and Electronics II (3). Prerequisite: MBU 226. An analysis of advanced troubleshooting, repair, and modification of recording studio components and other areas of electronic circuitry as related to the recording studio. A continuation of MBU 226. (Lab hours required)

MBU 230. Audio Engineering I. (3). Prerequisites: MBU 111, MBU 138 and permission of instructor. A detailed study of the technical characteristics and performance of each component of the recording studio. Topics include basic studio electronics and signal flow, tape machine alignment, dynamic processing, basic microphone design, studio acoustics, basic session procedures, and the role of the assistant engineer. Emphasis is placed on developing audio perception skills for recording engineers. Lab hours required. ($30.00 course fee)

MBU 245. Music Publishing (3). Prerequisite: MBU 111. A study of music publishing. The course deals with contracts, foreign publishing, catalog development, setting up a publishing company, demo sessions and licensing.

MBU 252. Intellectual Properties (3). Prerequisite: MBU 111. This course provides a comprehensive study of Intellectual Property, including copyrights, trademarks, trade secrets, patents, and rights of privacy and publicity. Specific topics include exclusive rights, infringement claims and defenses, ownership, duration, and registration.

MBU 300. Music Business Internship (1-6). Prerequisites: MBU 111, MBU 138, MBU 200, MBU 245, MBU 252 and/or approval of intern coordinator. A letter grade of "C" or better is required in all prerequisites. Students must also complete 24 hours of credit in residence at Belmont with a letter grade of "C". Transfer students must complete 12 hours of credit in residence at Belmont with a letter grade of "C". Minimum 2.8 cumulative G.P.A. required. This is a formal intern education assignment in which the qualifying student participates in a business organization as an intern for a selected period(s) of time. (May be repeated; however, only 1-6 hours may be used as Music Business electives.) Only full-time degree-seeking students may register for MBU 300.

MBU 319. Audio Engineering II (3). Prerequisite: MBU 230 and permission of instructor. A continuation of MBU 230, this course is an advanced study of the technical characteristics and performance of each component of the recording studio. Topics include advanced studio electronics and signal flow, computer-based digital recording and editing, digital tape machine operations, automated console operations, condenser microphones, spatial signal processing, and the role of the audio engineer. The development of audio perception skills for recording engineers is emphasized. Lab hours required. ($30.00 course fee)

MBU 333. International Music Business (3). Prerequisite: MBU 111 or permission of instructor. An exploration of issues confronting entertainment and Music Business firms in a competitive global environment. Particular emphasis includes the manufacturing, marketing, management or financing of entertainment and promotion of the music and entertainment industries which are additional areas of study.

MBU 336. Entertainment Career Development (3). Prerequisite: MBU 111. A study of personal entertainment career development and management including educational, promotional, and financial concerns of the professional entertainer. Various unions, guilds, and associations are studied from the entertainer's viewpoint.

MBU 337. Studio Production (3). Prerequisite: MBU 230 or permission of instructor. This course develops producing as it relates to the production of recorded music and session arranging, etc. It provides an opportunity to create a commercial product. Lab hours required. ($30.00 course fee)

MBU 340. Pre/Post Production Techniques (3). Prerequisites: MBU 230 and permission of instructor. Application of audio/studio technology in the production of video sound tracks and movie scoring. Advanced editing and SMPTE skills. Lab hours required. ($30.00 course fee)

MBU 356. Sound Reinforcement (3). Prerequisites: MBU 111, MBU 138. A study of equipment, systems concepts, design, and acoustical problems involved in sound reinforcement for live performances and road work as related to a professional concert situation. ($30.00 course fee)

MBU 357. Advanced Sound Reinforcement Techniques (3). Prerequisite: MBU 356. The objective of this course will be to enhance the technical communication and understanding of sound-related topics and environment. Students will be required to think critically and make enlightened judgments about their acoustical environment. Students will have hands-on experience with different sound systems, live mixing, monitor equalization, and areas related to management of a live sound system in a professional concert situation. ($30.00 course fee)

MBU 358. Live Recording Techniques (3). Prerequisite: MBU 357. A study of recording techniques which involve environmental studies of acoustics. Advanced microphone techniques as related to live sound when used in a live recorded situation. The course will also provide the follow-up experience of mixing and mastering the live recorded project. ($30.00 course fee)

MBU 362. Marketing of Recorded Music (3). Prerequisites: MBU 111, MKT 321 or permission of instructor. A study of the movement of the recorded and printed product from the studio to the ultimate consumer. Includes market structure and analysis, distribution patterns, promotional strategies, charts, airplay, pricing, and legal aspects.

MBU 363. Record Company Operations (3). Prerequisites: MBU 245, MBU 252. This course organizes the areas of operations of a record company. Emphasis is placed on areas such as A & R, creative services, promotion, royalty distribution, in-house production, marketing, publicity and other areas in relationship to the independent vs. major label.

MBU 372. Public Relations in the Music Industry (3). Prerequisite:MBU 111. This course deals with press releases, press kits, press parties, artist kits, news for radio and T.V., and other areas which relate to the printed page as public relations support for the artist, company and product.

MBU 373. Electronic Media in the Music Industry (3). Prerequisite:MBU 111. This course deals with the integration of electronic media in the music industry. Attention is given to the music video process including scripting, casting, direction, production, budgeting, and promotion. The importance of artistic career development and promotion via television and radio are examined with a focus on preparation and placement.

MBU 395. Studies Abroad (3-18). Study in a foreign country. Individual course titles and locations are assigned for each course taken. See Studies Abroad program for details.

MBU 400. Music Business Seminar (0). A graduation requirement for Music Business students. Required each semester of Music Business students who are enrolled for 12 hours or more. Specific requirements are stated in the course syllabus. Students are required to attend a specific number of seminars each semester as well as one of two Music Business Showcases per semester. Pass/Fail. MBU 400 is also a corequisite for students enrolled in MBU 300, Music Business Internship. ($30.00 course fee)

MBU 438. The Recording Engineer (3). Prerequisites: MBU 230; and three hours from MBU 319, MBU 337, MBU 340 or permission of instructor. A study of the many roles of the modern recording engineer. Topics include studio ownership and management, clients, unions, current tax laws, and the impact of electronic and acoustic innovations and patents. Research project and lab hours required. ($50.00 course fee)

MBU 459. IQ/TEF Computer-Based Sound Reinforcement (3). Prerequisites: ISM 133, MBU 357. This course will present the IQ Protocol and TEF (Time, Energy, Frequency) system as related to control and measure the acoustical environment in sound systems. The course will also address computerized control of sound systems and related equipment. ($50.00 course fee)

MBU 463. Legal Issues in the Music Business (3). Prerequisites: MBU 111, MBU 252. A comprehensive overview and analysis of advanced legal issues in the music industry, specifically those relating to the Exclusive Songwriter Agreement, the Single Song Agreement, the Copublishing Agreement, mechanical and synchronization licenses, blanket performance licenses, the Exclusive Recording Agreement, the production deal, the Independent Producer Agreement, "pitching and shopping" agreements, the Management Agreement, and principles of trademark practice related to band names and merchandising.

MBU 480. Entrepreneurship in the Music Industry (3). Prerequisite: MBU 111. Entertainment entrepreneurship is based on the process of identifying opportunities in the entertainment marketplace, exploring potential resources to pursue those opportunities, and committing to action the resources necessary to exploit the opportunities for long-term gain.

MBU 482. Artist Management I (3). Prerequisites: MBU 245, MBU 252; MGT 311, or permission of instructor. An analysis of the various aspects of artist management including talent agencies, personal management, performance and recording contracts, tours, and artist promotion.

MBU 483. Concert Promotion and Booking (3). Prerequisites: MBU 252 or permission of instructor. A study of the role of the concert promoter and the organization of concert promoting, including contracts, riders, venues, audience projections/demographics, and finance (budgets, corporate sponsorships, gate receipts, etc.).

MBU 495. Music Business Exit Examination (0). (Pass/Fail) A requirement for all Music Business graduates during the last semester of work prior to graduation. The examination will cover four core areas: general Music Business knowledge, music publishing, intellectual property, and recording studio principles. Additional questions in the student's chosen emphasis area (Marketing, Management, Product Development, or Recording Technology) are included. A grade of 70 or higher is required for graduation.