
The introductory lecture outlines the main objectives of the course
In this lecture I discuss the main differences between pursuing music as a hobby and pursuing music as a career. I also explain why having a business-orientated mindset is hugely important for modern day music artists
In this lecture I explain why having a well-rounded understanding of the music business is so important to career development. I also address some of the common mistakes that many young artists make, particularly during the early stages of their careers
This lecture expands further on the contents of lecture 2 and provides a detailed overview of the various subdivisions that make up the overall music industry. I also highlight some of the main advantages that signed artists have over independent artist
In this lecture I provide an overview of the business model of commercial radio and explain why the majority of independent artists struggle to get their music played on mainstream radio shows
In this lecture I summarize the main talking points from lectures 2, 3 and 4 and use them to explain why Record Labels have such a major influence on the music industry in general. I also explain the key role that they play when it comes to music marketing
In this lecture I provide a breakdown of the key skills and attributes that record labels tend to look for in modern music artists. The purpose of this lecture is to help you to understand how you can “fit the profile” of a commercially viable music artist
In this lecture I recap on some of the content contained in lecture 1 and explain why establishing the right mindset is such an important part of career development. I also present a number of case studies that prove the benefits of having a positive mental attitude
In this lecture I expand further on the contents of lecture 6 and show you how you can begin formulating a workable strategy for progressing and succeeding in the modern day music industry. This lecture lays the foundation for sections 3 and 4 of the course
In this lecture I explain why performing live is such an important component of artist development. I also explain how it can help you to establish credibility, gain media exposure, and develop relationships with other industry professionals
In this lecture I explain why stage fright is so common in the performing arts. I also explain the environmental and psychological factors that cause it and provide a list of useful strategies that you can use to combat and control it
In this lecture I explain why an artists stage presence has a significant bearing on how an audience reacts to their performance. I also provide a list of strategies and tips that you can use to develop in this area
In this lecture I talk about the importance of networking and explain why building strong relationships with other music industry professionals is an essential part of career development
In this lecture I list the main reasons why artists encounter rejection during the early stages of their careers. I also use specific case studies to explain the difference between criticism and constructive feedback
In this lecture I explain why becoming a proficient songwriter can give a music artist a significant amount of bargaining power when it comes to negotiating record deals and publishing contracts. I also explain the causes of “writer’s block” and the steps you can take to combat it
In this lecture I talk about the multi-faceted nature of music marketing in the digital age. I also stress why it’s important to avoid a “one size fits all” approach and why understanding your audience demographics is the best way to formulate an effective marketing plan
In this lecture I continue to talk about the importance of identifying your target audience and explain why profiling your fans is a great way to hone your artistic niche. I also provide a number of strategies you can use to create your ideal fan profile
In this lecture I talk about fan engagement and the various ways you can interact with your audience on social media. The strategies that I share in this lecture are designed to help you to build and develop a good long-term rapport with your audience
In this lecture I talk about the role of video production and why it’s such a crucial part of driving brand awareness in the modern digital age. I also outline why the creation of video content is a critical component of modern music marketing
In this lecture I discuss the key differences between marketing and branding and outline the steps you can take to influence how your audience perceives your artistic image and persona
In this lecture I explain why having a dedicated website is a crucial part of marketing and driving brand awareness. I also share some tips and strategies for ensuring that your website is laid out effectively. I conclude the lecture by recommending an automated website builder that will enable you to launch your own website quickly and easily
In this lecture I explain why building a list of email subscribers is the number 1 marketing strategy used by the majority of mainstream music artists. I also outline some of the key advantages that email communication has over social media
In this lecture I show you how to set up an auto responder to build your database of email addresses. I’ll also show you how you can use your auto responder to streamline and personalize the emails you send to your subscribers
In this lecture I provide a detailed explanation of creative copyright and outline the steps that you can take to ensure that your musical material is protected by copyright law
In this lecture I expand on the contents of lecture 23 and walk you through all of the exclusive rights that you automatically hold as the author and creator of original musical works
In this lecture I explain how mechanical copyright pertains to recorded sounds. Or in other words, the copyright that protects the musical performance contained on a physical CD or downloadable MP3. I also include a case study to help differentiate mechanical copyright from creative copyright
In this lecture I explain the role that music-publishing companies play when it comes to ensuring that songwriters and composers receive royalty payments. I also outline the potential benefits of aligning with a music-publishing company
In this lecture I cover the 5 main types of record deals that Record labels generally offer to new artists and explain the main contractual conditions that are commonly found within each one
In this lecture I talk about effective campaigning and how to work in an organized and active way towards securing a record deal. I also share some strategies that you can use to strengthen your eligibility
In this lecture I explain why negotiation is hugely important when it comes handling contractual dealings. I also share some strategies that you can use when negotiating any contractual offers you may receive from a major record label
Having worked in the music industry for over 15 years, I am well aware of the challenges and obstacles that many artists face during the early stages of their careers.
Given that the music industry is continuously evolving and becoming increasingly competitive, it can often be difficult for aspiring singer-songwriters to develop a solid workable strategy for pursuing careers as professional music artists.
They often find it difficult to devise a workable strategy that suits their particular needs and objectives due to the fact that the Internet is congested with information that is too general and vague to offer any real insight.
This is compounded further by the fact that many modern-day educational programs contain excessive amounts of theory. The curriculum contained in these programs is usually created by tutors and teachers who work in the educational sector as opposed to people who have first hand experience of working in the music industry.
And that is precisely the difficulty that this course aims to address. It’s designed to help aspiring music artists to develop a solid workable strategy for progressing and succeeding in the modern day music industry
The lectures cover a wide range of topics that encompass music business, artist development, marketing, branding, web technology, copyright and contractual agreements. The main focus of the course is Strategy development – knowing what to do and how to do it
So if you’re intent on pursuing a career as a professional music artist and are looking to increase your chances of securing a record deal then this is definitely the ideal course is for you.