Bachelor of Applied Business in Music Industry

The purpose of this module is to introduce the student to the different sectors that operate within the music industry: where they come from, what they do and how they do it. The subject offers an historical view of the development of the business side of the music industry. Students will also learn how to operate effectively in the music industry in terms of professional communications. This subject will develop understanding and skills necessary to communicate effectively in the modern Music Business environment. Students will develop their understanding and ability for formal oral and written communication, negotiation, meetings, conflict resolution, problem solving and interpersonal skills within this environment.

Contact hours are 1 hour lecture, 2 hour tutorial each week for 13 weeks.
Prerequisites: None
Assessment: Assessment 1: Team Debate, One Hour, 25%
Assessment 2: Trends Essay, length 1,000 words, 50%
Assessment 3: Job Prospects Presentation, 5 minutes, 15%
Assessment 4: Class participation and in-class exercises, 10%

This core subject offers students an understanding of the historical development, conventions and language associated with music and popular culture, through a study of the comprehensive history of the music industry and associated products from the establishment of colonial America to today. Political climates, world events and shifts in popular culture are examined to reveal how they have shaped the music industry. This subject also considers changes in recording technology, the delivery of recorded products and the impact that those changes have had to date on the music industry.

Contact hours are 1 hour lecture, 2 hour tutorial each week for 13 weeks.
Prerequisites: None
Assessment: Assessment 1: Research Assignment, length 1,000 words, 30%
Assessment 2: In class listening tests, 20%
Assessment 3: In class questionnaires, 20%
Assessment 4: 1.5 hour Exam, 30%

Music Industry Publicity, Promotions & PR provides the student with an understanding of core promotional activities required in todays music industry market, and the ability to incorporate them into an integrated marketing plan. Students will construct strong promotional campaigns across all platforms, and develop skills such as writing media releases, organising news conferences, undertaking media training for artists and briefing agencies, as well as handling communications in a crisis situation. The ethical and regulatory issues that can arise in promotional activity will also be studied. 
Prerequisites: None
Assessment: Assessment 1: 500 word media release + 500 word supporting documentation, 20% Assessment 2: Promotional Plan, length 2,000 words, 40% Assessment 3: Examination - 2 hours, 40%

Assessment: Assessment 1: Weekly Group Report - Group Presentations, 10 minutes each, 20% Assessment 2: Project Brief, length 800 words, 20% Assessment 3: Network database creation, length 800 words, 20% Assessment 4: Reflective Journal, length 1600 words, 40%

Assessment: Assessment 1: Office Suite Documents, 8 x 1 page documents, 30% Assessment 2: Promotional Materials, 5 x 1 page documents, 40% Assessment 3: Adobe Suite Documents, 5 x 1 page documents, 30%

Music Industry Studies 2 continues directly from Music Industry Studies 1. Students will expand upon and consolidate concepts, knowledge, understanding and skills concerning the music industry with a particular focus on conceptual and theoretical understanding of the principles, practice, roles and functions of band and artist management and administration. Students will develop key skills of band and artist management.

Contact hours are 1 hour lecture, 2 hour tutorial each week for 13 weeks.
Prerequisites: Yes - BAB111
Assessment: Assessment 1: Influential Manager Presentation, 5 minute presentation, plus 1,000 words, 20%
Assessment 2: Portfolio of Common Management Documents, length 1,000 words, 20%
Assessment 3: Contract Negotiation, length 1,000 words, 40%
Assessment 4: Tutorial participation and in-class exercises, 20%

This subject serves as an introduction to the operation of law in Australian industry and commerce. It addresses the Australian legal system, sources of law, the law of contract including the law relating to professional negligence. This subject considers contract law in relation to its application in common music industry contracts such as recording and publishing deals, artist management contracts and venue agreements.

Contact hours are 1 hour lecture, 2 hours tutorial each week for 13 weeks.
Prerequisites: None
Assessment: Assessment 1: In class test, 1 hour, 20%
Assessment 2: Case Studies, length 2,000 words, 30%
Assessment 3: In class participation and in-class exercises, 10%
Assessment 4: Examination, 2 hours, 40%

The aim of this subject is to provide students with relevant business approaches and principles to successfully work within the music industry. This subject provides students with a thorough conceptual understanding of marketing principles and fundamentals. The key focus will be on the application of these concepts to all aspects of the music industry, including music-specific topics such as image making for performing artists and the practice of public relations.

Contact hours are 1 hour lecture, 2 hour tutorial each week for 13 weeks.
Prerequisites: None
Assessment: Assessment 1: Sales Pitch Presentation, length 15 minutes, 20%
Assessment 2: Marketing Plan, length 3,000 words, 50%
Assessment 3: Examination, one hour, 20%
Assessment 4: Class participation and completion of in-class exercises, 10%

Prerequisites: BAB114 Applied Business 1
Assessment: Assessment 1: Event Plan, length 1500 words, 30% Assessment 2: Journal, length 1600 words, 40% Assessment 3: Critical Reflection, length 800 words, 20% Assessment 4: Weekly report, length 5 minutes, 10%

This subject further develops knowledge and skills in the Music Industry suite of subjects. The first part of this subject looks at record companies in depth: their history, structures and operations, and contracts. It will consider the different types of recording deals and contracts available. The subject will then consider how to choose the best deal for an artist and how to fulfil the artist’s contractual obligations. The subject covers the skills required by artists or their managers to gauge specific recording contract potential for best fit with the music act. The second part of this subject involves the research, planning, preparation and successful completion of an Artist & Repertoire (A&R) Journal. Students will learn the fundamentals of A&R, including production schedules, recording processes, release schedules, budgeting for a release and presenting a pitch. Assessment will enable students to undertake the A&R procedure with a real band of their own selection.

Contact hours are 1 hour lecture, 2 hour tutorial each week for 13 weeks.
Prerequisites: Yes - BAB121
Assessment: Assessment 1: Short answer test covering industry fundamentals including key terms and definitions, one hour, 25%
Assessment 2: Contract Summary and evaluation, length 1,000 words, 25%
Assessment 3: A & R Journal, length 2,000 words, 25%
Assessment 4: A & R Pitch Presentation, length 5 minutes, 15%
Assessment 5: Class participation and completion of in-class exercises, 10%

This subject presents an introduction to the provision and management of special events such as music festivals, local music shows, state-wide and national touring. Students will learn the critical elements of creating, staging and facilitating music events such as securing venues, catering, logistics, safety and risk, travel, accommodation, band requirements and marketing. Students will also gain an understanding of the role that these events play in society, and how they contribute to, and impact upon, host communities.

Contact hours are 1 hour lecture, 2 hour tutorial each week for 13 weeks.
Prerequisites: None
Assessment: Assessment 1: Part A: Event Concept Assignment using an event template, length 1,500 words, 30%
Assessment 1: Part B: Peer Review and Feedback, 1,000 words, 10%
Assessment 2: Live Case Study, length 1,500 words, 20%
Assessment 4: Event Plan: Group Project plan of a major music event, tour or festival of over 1,000 people, to potential sponsors, length 10 minutes, 40%

This subject provides students with a comprehensive understanding of key concepts pertaining to music copyright and considers the fundamental role that it plays in the exploitation of music, artwork, photography, film and merchandising, as they relate to the music industry. The principles and functions of collection societies and of copyright-generated royalties are also considered. International systems for copyright exploitation and protection will be studied and this subject concludes with consideration being given to the future of copyright and possible changes in current legislation.

Contact hours are 1 hour lecture, 2 hour tutorial each week for 13 weeks.
Prerequisites: None
Assessment: Assessment 1: Copyright Case Studies, length 1,000 words, 20%
Assessment 2: Fortnightly research tasks investigating copyright issues, length 2,000 words total, 40%
Assessment 3: 2 hour Exam, 40%

This is a practical subject that builds on skills and knowledge acquired in the previous subjects in this stream. The aim of this subject is to mentor students through the process of creating and maintaining a functioning and profitable on-campus 360-degree record label. Artists will A&R and sign artists, organise distribution, marketing, international licensing, and book shows, including supports, and tours. The structure of the group will mirror the organisational structure of a record label with various departments responsible for the different label functions. Each artist will have a label manager responsible for overseeing the functions of the label in respect of the artists signed.

Contact hours are 1 hour lecture , hour tutorial for 13 weeks,
Prerequisites: Yes - BAB124 Applied Business 2
Assessment: Assessment 1: Project Brief, length 1,000 words, 30%
Assessment 2: Journal, length 1600 words, 50%
Assessment 3: Weekly Report, 10 minutes per team, 10%
Assessment 4: Critical Analysis, length 500 words, 10%

This subject builds on skills and knowledge acquired in the ‘Technology Applications’ suite of subjects. The subject will discuss the concept of social media and the evolution of this new form of communication from simple online communities to large networks. The role of technology in changing the techniques marketers use to communicate with their consumers will be investigated, including business strategies for incorporating social media into marketing and promotions, and how this technology can be effectively managed and controlled. This subject will investigate how consumers use social media to circumvent the traditional methods of marketing and promotion and begin talking directly with other consumers via technologies like Facebook and Twitter. The subject analyses underlying theories of community and how Web 2.0 technology has enhanced this concept of online communities and social networks to incorporate the Internet. The subject will also provide students with hands-on experience including the creation of marketing and products using Web 2.0 technology.

Contact hours are 1 hour lecture, 1 hour tutorial each week for 13 weeks.
Prerequisites: Yes - BAB125 Technology Applications 2
Assessment: Assessment 1: Research Assignment: review of social media applications in Music Business, length 1200 words, 40%
Assessment 2: Multimedia Marketing Strategy Campaign: Presentation length 10 minutes, 20%
Assessment 3: Multimedia Marketing Strategy Campaign: Written Report, length 1200 words, 30%
Assessment 4: In-class participation and completion of short in-class exercises, 10%

This subject explores the body of knowledge that constitutes the evolving nature of the music industry, and provides a thorough theoretical foundation and understanding of the functions, driving forces and operations that shape this industry. In this subject, which continues from Music Industry Studies 3, students will expand upon and consolidate concepts, knowledge, understanding and analytical thinking as they consider the future of the music industry. This subject provides a conceptual framework for students to evaluate the current trends and changes within the music industry, impacts of changes in the operating environment and possible outcomes and future projections. Students will explore how the music of the future will be delivered and accessed by consumers. It is expected that students will develop maturity in undertaking self-initiated and self-directed work, reflective thinking and practice, creativity and innovation, and critical evaluation of their own work.

Contact hours are 1 hour lecture, 2 hour tutorial each week for 13 weeks.
Prerequisites: Yes - BAB211
Assessment: Assessment 1: Essay: Critical Review of Recent Changes in the Music Industry, length 1500 words, 40%
Assessment 2: Research Essay: New business models for a new era in the music industry, length 2,500 words, 30%
Assessment 3: Tutorial Presentation: review of the week's reading, length 15 minutes, 20%
Assessment 4: In-class participation and completion of in-class exercises, 10%

This subject introduces the underlying general principles and practices of accounting, a framework that represents an international ‘language of business’. This subject enables stakeholders to explain and apply the concepts underlying accounting systems and practice. Students will understand how accounting reports and financial statements can inform decisions made for organisations, including those taken by managers and stakeholders, and the basis upon which useful financial information is sourced, prepared, and presented.

Contact hours are 1 hour lecture, 2 hour tutorial each week for 13 weeks.
Prerequisites: None
Assessment: Assessment 1: Part A: Summary of roles of financial accounting and management accounting in a large service organisation, length 200 words
Assessment 1: Part B: Analysis and comparison of businesses in a hypothetical business context, length 8000 words, TOTAL 20%
Assessment 2: Ratio Analysis evaluation and report, length 1,000 words, 20%
Assessment 3: Examination, 3 hours, 60%

This subject provides students with a comprehensive understanding of key concepts in music publishing. The principles and functions of the publishing industry as a system within the music industry, and role of the publisher in collecting copyright-generated royalties are also considered. This subject includes an in-depth study of the different types of publishing contracts and dissects some typical publishing contracts. Students will be able to use contracts to determine deal points that will assist them in calculating publishing income.

Contact hours are 1 hour lecture, 2 hour tutorial each week for 13 weeks.
Prerequisites: Yes - BAB113 Copyright
Assessment: Assessment 1: Fortnightly research assignments on roles, issues and themes of music publishing, length 1,000 words, 20%
Assessment 2: Publishing income and expenditure calculations - take home assignment, length 2,000 words, 30%
Assessment 3: Examination, 2 hours, 40%
Assessment 4: In-class participation and in-class exercises, 10%

This is a practical, workshop-based subject that aims to mentor students through the process of creating and maintaining a functioning and profitable campus, 360-degree record label. Building on the skills and knowledge developed in Applied Business 3, students will further their skills in the knowledge of distribution, marketing and promotions, international licensing, and book shows for their artists, including supports and tours. The structure of the group will mirror the structure of a record label with different departments responsible for various label functions. Students will work in small groups of 2-4 students.

Contact hours are 1 hour lecture, 1 hour tutorial each week for 13 weeks.
Prerequisites: Yes - BAB214 Applied Business 3
Assessment: Assessment 1: Project Brief, length 1,000 words, 30%
Assessment 2: Journal, length 1600 words, 50%
Assessment 3: Critical Analysis, length 500 words, 10%
Assessment 4: Weekly Report, length 10 minutes per team, 10%

This subject builds on skills and knowledge acquired through the ‘Technology Applications’ stream. This subject will develop the basic skills of website authoring, from design to implementation. Students will develop skills in the creation of digital content for a Content Management System (CMS) and learn how to apply principles of web design to develop a website using a CMS.

Contact hours are 1 hour lecture, 1 hour tutorial each week for 13 weeks.
Prerequisites: Yes - BAB215 Technology Applications 3
Assessment: Assessment 1: Simple website design, 20%
Assessment 2: Full webhost and CMS implementation, including users, basic menu system ad some content, 25%
Assessment 3: Presentation of a dynamic website for the Music Business Market, including demonstration of CMS responses to client questions, 45%
Assessment 4: Participation and completion of in-class exercises, 10%

This subject presents an introduction to social science research methodology and business statistics. It seeks to provide students with critical thinking and analytical skills as applied to empirical research. The subject consists of two sections: the first deals with social and business research methods as well as contemporary research issues; the second covers basic descriptive and inferential statistical techniques.

Contact hours are 1 hour lecture, 2 hour tutorial each week for 13 weeks.
Prerequisites: None
Assessment: Assessment 1: Journal Article Critique, length 1,000 words, 20%
Assessment 2: Group Research Project: data collection & analysis, length 1500 words, 30%
Assessment 3: Presentation of Group Research Project, length 15 minutes, 10%
Assessment 4: Examination, 2 hours, 40%

This subject builds on knowledge and skills acquired in the Music Industry Studies stream. The subject will examine theory and policies relating to international business from a management and organisational perspective. Topic areas will include international trade, foreign investment, international finance and consideration of the Australian music industry in the international context. The approach taken will be to demonstrate the similarities in theoretical perspectives between the Australian music industry and international markets, in order to allow students to analyse opportunities to develop international business. There will be an emphasis on the import and export of the artist and music products.

Contact hours are 1 hour lecture, 2 hour tutorial each week for 13 weeks.
Prerequisites: BAB221
Assessment: Assessment 1: International music tour planning project, length 2,000 words, 25%
Assessment 2: Presentation on innovative company or country, length 10 minutes, 25%
Assessment 3: Weekly Tutorial Participation, length 200 words per week, 25%
Assessment 4: Examination - one hour, 25%

This subject builds on knowledge and skills acquired in the Applied Business suite of subjects. In this subject, using collaborative investigative, planning and management methods students will acquire, and apply, knowledge and key practical skills that prepare them for entry into the music industry. A significant reference will be made to import/export initiatives working in concert with the Music Industry Studies 5 (International Business) subject. The campus record label—Boxer Records—component of the subject will study the key elements of applied research and entrepreneurial thinking in relation to idea and business creation, and the contextual potential of the music video. It will also consider the current climate of the music industry, so that students can ally entrepreneurial thinking to their own music industry careers. Students will be actively encouraged to continue developing their business networks with a view to gaining potential internships for the upcoming semester.

Contact hours are 1 hour lecture, 1 hour tutorial each week for 13 weeks.
Prerequisites: Yes - BAB224 Applied Business 4
Assessment: Assessment 1: Project Brief, length 1,000 words, 30%
Assessment 2: Journal, length 1600 words, 50%
Assessment 3: Weekly Group Report, 10 minutes per team, 10%
Assessment 4: Critical Analysis, 500 words, 10%

This subject builds on skills and knowledge acquired in the ‘Technology Applications’ stream of subjects. In this subject, students will develop, analyse, and conceptualise and create content-rich media that meets the needs of music industry clients. To reach the maximum potential audience, artists and music businesses need to have a wide range of content-rich media available for use as promotional tools. This subject aims to provide students with skills, knowledge and the technical ability to allow them to assess and analyse the multimedia needs of their clients. Students will generate different types of media suitable for different types of client groups. The types of media skills required include shooting and editing video, embedding content into media, creating animations, and considering appropriate file type conversion, and merging and synchronising different media such as audio/film/graphic material.

Contact hours are 1 hour lecture, 1 hour tutorial each week for 13 weeks.
Prerequisites: Yes - BAB225 Technology Applications 4
Assessment: Assessment 1: Analysis of a short film, length 1,000 words, 15%
Assessment 2: Creation and placing of a short animation, length 10 seconds, 10%
Assessment 3: Photoshoot for a Band, Artist or Business, 25%
Assessment 4: Promotional video or short film for a Band, Artist or Business, 50%

This unit provides students with an understanding of entrepreneurship, innovation and new venture generation, and start-up. Students will learn how to leverage business management knowledge and use it successfully in entrepreneurial ventures. A key focus will be the development of enterprising and entrepreneurial attitudes, skills and behaviours, to ensure the effective establishment of ideas, management or work, regardless of organisational context.

Contact hours are 1 hour lecture, 2 hour tutorial each week for 13 weeks.
Prerequisites: Nil
Assessment: Assessment 1: Essay, length 1,500 words, 30%
Assessment 2: Tutorial Leadership, length 15 minutes, 20%
Assessment 3: Entrepreneurial Opportunity - Group or Individual project, length 3,000 words, 40%
Assessment 4: Class participation and in-class exercises, 10%

This subject explores the body of knowledge surrounding management theory and practice, and evaluates the impact on management decision-making in the Australasian context. The subject develops student understanding of the changing contexts of, and demands on, management, particularly as relevant to Music Business. Theories and practices of individual and group behaviour in the context of organisations and their environment are explored. This subject provides fundamental knowledge and skills for students planning a career within organisations. The nature, contexts and practices of management and leadership, change management, human resource management and time management will be studied through theory, case studies and the sharing of personal experiences.

Contact hours are 1 hour lecture, 2 hour tutorial each week for 13 weeks.
Prerequisites: None
Assessment: Assessment 1: Research Essay: Review of management theory and application, including self-reflection, length 2,000 words, 40%
Assessment 2: Written Report, length 1200 words, 10%
Assessment 3: Tutorial Presentation, 10 minutes, 10%
Assessment 4: Examination, 2 hours, 40%

Students will learn about the theory and nature of sound and develop fundamental skills in understanding audio signal flow, music recording and the use of advanced music recording software and digital audio workstations. The key outcomes for students are to gain a working knowledge of studio production principles and practices, as well as the knowledge and language needed to communicate with professionals in team settings on music initiatives. Students will record and manipulate audio, work with midi, edit and use effects, and mix a final product. Students explore the aesthetics of music and are challenged to review music from a wide range of genres and styles. Students will gain skills and knowledge in the perception and descriptions of music, as required for working in the music industry. Further, students will develop the capacity to assess artists, performances and recordings in a wide range of styles and genres in relation to social and cultural contexts in which the music is produced and presented.

Contact hours are 2 hour lecture, 2 hour tutorial each week for 13 weeks.
Prerequisites: None
Assessment: Assessment 1: Editing and mixing, 15%
Assessment 2: Studio recording project, 15%
Assessment 3: Audio Theory test 20%
Assessment 4: Fortnightly responses to aesthetics questions, length 200 words, 25%
Assessment 5: Aesthetics Essay, 25%

This subject builds on knowledge and skills acquired through the ‘Music Industry Studies’ subject stream. Through this particular subject, students will gain a thorough understanding of sources of funding available to support the music industry, including government grants. They will gain a comprehensive conceptual understanding of the Federal and State funding frameworks, the principles of grant writing, evaluation and management, and the responsibilities of individuals and entities funded by the taxpayer. This subject will include developing an understanding of entrepreneurial innovation and export grants, as well as traditional arts funding sources.

Contact hours 1 hour lecture, 2 hour tutorial each week for 13 weeks.
Prerequisites: Yes - BAB312 Music Industry Studies 5 (International Business)
Assessment: Assessment 1: Sources of Appropriate Funding, at least 12 appropriate sources detailed on template provided, 20%
Assessment 2: Grant Budgeting, fully itemised, balanced budget, 20%
Assessment 3: Weekly short in-class grant-writing exercises of 200 words, 20%
Assessment 4: Major Grant Funding Application, 1,000 words, 40%

This subject aims to provide knowledge and skills needed to successfully manage a career, and work professionally in the music industry. Conceptual, procedural and dispositional capacities will all be considered. Students will gain an understanding of their own strengths, weaknesses, knowledge, skills, abilities, graduate attributes and employability skills. Students will reflect on their profile using this broad framework and apply it to a career management strategy. At the end of this subject the student will have completed a music industry internship that will complement their career development goals. Students will be involved in activities within a professional Music Business environment, which could include a record label, a music publishing business, performance venue, or a promotional entrepreneur, for example. The student will execute and then review their internship as they observe, gain, analyse and critically assess skills and knowledge gathered in this placement, and reflect on the implications for and refine future career goals and directions. Students will be supervised by an industry professional, and/or, an academic mentor. The internship must be negotiated with, and approved by, the subject co-ordinator.

Contact hours are: 1 hour lecture per week for 13 weeks, and 12 full days at the students' internship site.
Prerequisites: Yes - BAB314 Applied Business 5
Assessment: Assessment 1: Internship Proposal, length 1,500 words, 30%
Assessment 2: Critical Reflection and report on internship undertaken, length 2,000 words, 40%
Assessment 3: Supervisor's report, 10%
Assessment 4: Critical Reflection on Supervisor's report, length 1,000 words, 10%
Assessment 5: Class participation and in-class exercises, 10%