Mike Curb College of Entertainment and Music Business | Music Business Courses

Music Business Courses (MBU)

On June 1, 2005, specific audio technology related courses changed from the MBU prefix to AET.

MBU 1110. 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 3990-4990. Special Studies (1-3).

MBU 2000. Music Business Internship Lab (0). Prerequisites: MBU 1110, MBU 1380 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 2130. 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 3000. Music Business Internship (1-6). Prerequisites: MBU 2000, MBU 1110, MBU 1380, junior standing, a minimum of 2.8 Belmont cumulative G.P.A. and/or approval of the Dean of Mike Curb College of Entertainment and Music Business. A letter grade of “C” or better is required in all prerequisites. Transfer students must have completed 12 hours of credit in residence at Belmont. Co-requisite: MBU 4000. This is a formal intern education assignment in which the qualifying student participates in an entertainment business organization as an intern for a selected period of time. (May be repeated; however, a maximum of 6 credit hours may be used as Music Business electives.) Only full-time degree-seeking students who have met the prerequisites may register for MBU 3000.

MBU 3330. International Music Business (3). Prerequisite: MBU 1110 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 3360. Entertainment Career Development (3). Prerequisite: MBU 1110. 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 3450. Music Publishing (3). Prerequisite: MBU 1110. A study of music publishing. The course deals with contracts, foreign publishing, catalog development, setting up a publishing company, demo sessions and licensing.

MBU 3520. Intellectual Property (3). Prerequisite: MBU 1110. 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 3620. Marketing of Recorded Music (3). Prerequisites: MBU 1110, MKT 3210 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 3630. Record Company Operations (3). Prerequisites: MBU 3450, MBU 3520. 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 3720. Public Relations in the Music Industry (3). Prerequisite: MBU 1110. 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 3730. Electronic Media in the Music Industry (3). Prerequisite: MBU 1110. 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 3950. 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 4000. Music Business Seminar (0). Required each semester of all full-time or part-time Music Business (CEMB) students. Co-requisite for students enrolled in MBU 3000, Music Business Internship. Seminars are discussion based session with high-profile guest speakers currently active in music and entertainment industries. Session content will vary depending upon guest(s) expertise but generally will engage practical, philosophical, and current issues in music and entertainment industries. Attendance requirements follow university policies and are stated in the course syllabus. Pass/Fail. ($40.00 course fee)

MBU 4610. Christianity in the Entertainment Industry (3). This course examines the role and influence of Christianity in the entertainment and music business. Specifically, the course will investigate the Christian impact on morality in entertainment. Topics focus on music, movies, and television in relation to "The Great Commission" and whether or not Christians are engaging the important issues of the day. Students will be asked to discover and understand the Christian culture's primary shapers, their history, and issues.

MBU 4630. Legal Issues in the Music Business (3). Prerequisites: MBU 1110, MBU 3520. 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 Co-publishing 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 4800. Entrepreneurship in the Music Industry (3). Prerequisite: MBU 1110. 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 4820. Artist Management (3). Prerequisites: MBU 3450, MBU 3520, MGT 3110, 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 4830. Concert Promotion and Booking (3). Prerequisites: MBU 3520 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 4950. 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 (Business and Production) are included. A grade of 70 or higher is required for graduation.

Audio Engineering Technology Courses (AET)

AET 1380. 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.

AET 2000. Audio Engineering Internship Lab (0). Prerequisites: AET 3090 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. Interviewing skills, internship expectations, career-building methodology, and networking techniques are also covered.

AET 3000. Audio Engineering Internship (1-6). Prerequisites: AET 2000, AET 3190, junior standing, a minimum of 2.8 Belmont cumulative G.P.A. and/or approval of the Associate Dean. A letter grade of “C” or better is required in all prerequisites. Transfer students must have completed 12 hours of credit in residence at Belmont. This is a formal intern education assignment in which the qualifying student participates in an entertainment business organization as an intern for a selected period of time. May be repeated. Only full-time degree-seeking AET majors who have met the prerequisites may register for AET 3000.

AET 3090. Audio Engineering I. (3). Prerequisites: AET 1380 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, dynamic processing, basic microphone design, studio acoustics, basic session procedures, and the role of the assistant engineer. Emphasis is placed on developing logistical as well as audio perception skills for recording engineers. Lab hours required. ($30.00 course fee)

AET 3190. Audio Engineering II (3). Prerequisite: AET 3090 and permission of instructor. A continuation of AET 3090, 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, 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)

AET 3260. Studio Maintenance and Electronics (3). Prerequisites: AET 3090 and permission of instructor. 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)

AET 3270. Studio Maintenance and Electronics II (3). Prerequisite: AET 3260. 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 AET 3260. (Lab hours required)

AET 3370. Studio Production (3). Prerequisite: AET 1380 and permission of instructor. An in-depth study of the producer and the production of recorded music product. Students create “demo” and “master” projects under the guidance of the instructor. Lab hours required. ($30.00 course fee)

AET 3560. Sound Reinforcement (3). Prerequisites: AET 1380 and permission of instructor. A study of equipment, systems concepts, design, and acoustical problems involved in concert and live performance sound reinforcement. ($30.00 course fee)

AET 3990-4990. Special Studies (1-3).

AET 4015. AET Senior Practicum Capstone (6). Prerequisite: Admission by instructor and advisor only. This course is a senior "capstone experience” that spans two semesters comprising an in-depth application of audio engineering knowledge and experience including an investigation of the student’s personal experiences, opportunities, ambitions, and anticipated career and life objectives in light of the “world” or “global” influence of the audio engineering industry. The course will review and integrate major areas of the art and science of audio engineering through the development of an applied project. The instructor will guide the student to develop a unique and novel application of prior art as applied to their interests and the practice of audio engineering. Taken in the final two semesters before graduation. Pass/Fail only. A minimum grade of 70 is required for passing (P) credit.

AET 4190. Recording Techniques (3). Prerequisites: AET 3090, AET 3190, and permission of instructor. An intensive study of microphone design and techniques used for recording acoustic instruments. Hands-on experience is provided in several methods of recording different instruments and vocalists to produce a variety of musical and non-musical results. Course of study includes a research project in microphone technology and applications. Lab hours required. ($30.00 course fee)

AET 4230 Auditory Perception, Psychoacoustics, and Music Cognition. (3). Prerequisites: Nine (9) hours from any AET 3000. An in-depth study of auditory perception, psychoacoustics, music cognition, and auditory modeling as it relates to the process of audio engineering, sound recording, music, and sound production.

AET 4380. The Recording Engineer (3). Prerequisites: AET 3090, and three hours from AET 3190, AET 3370, AET 4400, or AET 3560, and 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.

AET 4400. Post Production Techniques (3). Prerequisites: AET 3090, AET 3190, and permission of instructor. Application of audio/studio technology in the production of video sound design, CD mastering, and post-mix / re-mix sweetening techniques used in music production. ($30.00 course fee)

AET 4480. Master Mixing Techniques (3). Prerequisites: AET 3090, and three hours from AET 3190, AET 3370, AET 4400, or AET 3560, and permission of instructor. This course explores the practical application of master mixing techniques used in modern production ($30.00 course fee). This course will substitute for AET 4190 or AET 4380.

AET 4560. Advanced Sound Reinforcement Techniques (3). Prerequisite: AET 3560. A practicum based study of concert sound reinforcement. Students will have hands-on experience with various sound reinforcement systems, live mixing, monitor equalization, and areas related to management of a live sound system in a professional concert situation. ($30.00 course fee)

AET 4580. Live Recording Techniques (3). Prerequisite: AET 3560 and permission of instructor. A practicum based study of live-concert recording techniques utilizing a remote recording truck. The course will also provide the follow-up experience of mixing and mastering the live-recorded project. ($30.00 course fee)

AET 4590. Tour Production (3). Prerequisites: AET 3560, AET 4560. A practicum based study of tour-support personnel and their responsibilities including pre-production planning, technical coordination, transportation logistics, and the associated contracts and organizational paperwork. Special emphasis is placed on the role of the "Production" and "Tour" manager. Lab hours required.