The Essentials
Of Music Business
Become a Music Business Professional Today, Register for the most comprehensive Music Business Professional training by PurpleBlue Academy of Music Business.
Second Cohort Starts on the 1st of April 2025
Globally Recognized Certificate
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Program Cost
Pay-as-you-go Tuition Model(no heavy upfront costs)
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Why you must take this Course:
Become a professionally trained Music Business Expert today!
Sign up for the Essentials of Music Business by PurpleBlue Academy and stand a chance to work alongside industry experts.
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It is the most comprehensive, detailed, and practical music business course
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Led by 20 industry experts, locally and internationally
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Learn from the comfort of your home
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Very affordable and you can split payment
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Work on 3 real-life projects
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Every module has assignments/projects that will help you practicalize what you are learning
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The course offers internship opportunities
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Know the ins and outs of copyright laws, IP laws, music business structure, etc.
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Mentorship opportunities
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Globally recognized Music Professional certificate
Meet Our Tutours
Stephanie Oluwaferanmi Ologan
Business Associate (Creative Lab), Google
Professor Daniel Nordgard
Professor in Music Business and Management at University of Agder (UiA), Center leader of CreaTeME
Module 1
Introduction to Music Business & the Future of the Music Industry
This module provides a comprehensive exploration of the global music business, with a focus on the digital revolution’s evolution and its impact on various industry sectors. It examines key technologies that have shaped music distribution and revenue streams over time, alongside a review of industry contracts. The significance of data in the streaming era is emphasized, along with an analysis of its role in shaping current and future music industry landscapes. Additionally, the module discusses emerging revenue sources, evolving business models, and shifts in industry value chains. Insights into the ongoing influence of big data, AI, VR, and blockchain are also provided, encouraging students to anticipate and adapt to forthcoming disruptions in the industry.
Learning Outcomes
Lesson 1 – Saturday, April 05, 2025
- Historical Overview of the Global Music Industry Evolution
- Contemporary Landscape of the Music Industry: Analysing Current Revenue Trends and Future Growth
- Understanding the Structure and Value Chain of the Music Industry.
- Navigating Careers in the Music Industry and Description of Major Industry Roles
- Unravelling Revenue Streams or Sources in the Music Industry, including Emerging Revenue Streams.
- Insights into Music Industry Contracts and Data Transparency.
Lesson 2 – Sunday, April 6, 2025
- Leveraging Data as a Strategic Asset in Music Business and Artist Development
- Exploring Emerging Technologies: VR, AI, Blockchain, and Non-Fungible Tokens (NFTs) in the Music Industry.
- Harnessing Big Data for Music Industry Advancements.
- Convergence of Music and Podcasts: Opportunities and Challenges.
- Anticipating the Next Disruption in the Music Industry and Technological Innovations
Barrister Michael Akpan
Ntsietso Mokitimi-Makhofola
Chief Legal and Revenue Officer at SAMPRA, South Africa
Module 2
Copyright and Neighbouring Rights
This module focuses on Copyright and Neighbouring Rights, exploring their legal frameworks and the international conventions influencing them. It includes a critical examination of key markets in sub-Saharan Africa: Nigeria, Kenya, Ghana, and South Africa. Additionally, it delves into the functions of collective management organizations (CMOs) and music licensing companies, especially in the digital realm. The module also analyzes the governance structure of CMOs, emphasizing transparency, accountability, and governance amidst evolving business models driven by technological advancements.
Learning Outcomes
Lesson 3 – Sunday, April 12, 2025
- Defining Copyright and Neighbouring Rights
- Distinguishing Between Copyright and Neighbouring Rights
- International Conventions and Treaties Governing Copyright and Neighbouring Rights
- Types of Works Eligible for Copyright Protection
- Conditions for Establishing Copyright Eligibility
- Rights Granted by Copyright Law
- Rights Granted by Neighbouring Rights Law
- Initial Ownership of Copyright
- Transfer of Copyright Ownership
- Limitations on Copyright and Neighbouring Rights
- Enforcement of Copyright and Neighbouring Rights Against Infringement
- Legal Remedies Available for Copyright and Neighbouring Rights Infringement
- Exceptions to Copyright and Neighbouring Rights Protection
Lesson 4 – Sunday, April 13 2025
- Introduction to Copyright and Related Rights
- Administration of Copyright and Related Rights: Roles of Copyright Office & Collective Management Organizations (CMOs)
- Individual vs. Collective Management
- Collective Management Organizations (CMOs)
- History of Collective Management Organizations (CMO)
- Nature of Collective Management Organizations (CMO)
- Different Models of Collective Management Organizations (CMOs)
- Governance Structure of Collective Management Organizations (CMOs)
- CMOs in the Digital Environment
- Comparison and Contrast
- CMOs vs. Rights Management Entities (RMEs)
Barrister Justin Ige
Principal Partner, Creative Legal
Kizito Ahams
Licensing and Publishing Manager at Mavin Records
Module 3
Music Licensing
This module will examine the nuts and bolts of music licensing and how musical works and sound recordings are monetized, especially in the digital environment. We have also created scenarios to better explain the dynamics of music licensing.
Learning Outcomes
Lesson 5 – Saturday, April 19, 2024
- Introduction to Music Licensing
- Exploring the Language and Formalities of Music Licensing
- Essentials of Music Licensing: Navigating the Art of Granting and Clearing Licenses
- Understanding Fair Dealing in Music Licensing
- Legal Considerations and Copyright
- Licensing of Sound Recordings or Master Recordings
- Clearing Licenses for Digital Samples, Interpolations and Cover Versions
- Exploring Typical Music Copyright License Fees
- Specialized Areas of Music Licensing
- Music Licensing for Live and Recorded Public Performances
- Licensing Music for Live Streaming and Virtual Concerts
- Metaverse Music Licensing, Game Licensing, and Live In-Game Concerts
Lesson 6 – Sunday, April 20, 2025
- Music Licensing for Various Platforms
- Securing Music Licenses for Digital Print: Lyrics and Sheet Music in the Digital Environment
- Licensing Music Compositions in Sound Recordings
- Acquiring Music Licenses for Background Music Services and Digital Jukeboxes
- Music Licensing for Audiovisual Works: Films, Animation, Documentaries, etc.
- Music Licensing for Television, Radio, and Internet Advertising
- Clearing Licenses for Music in User-Generated Content Platforms: YouTube, Vevo, Facebook, TikTok, etc.
- Music Licensing for Videogames and Digital Platforms: Apps, Karaoke, Podcasts, etc.
- Future Trends and Developments
- The Evolving Landscape of Music Licensing
- Introduction to Music Licensing
Unique Oliver
Music Licensing Lead & Music Supervisor (Film, Games and New Media) at Spring Sound Ltd
Thando Makhunga
Managing Director @ Sheer Publishing Africa | Non-Exec Board Member at CAPASSO | Chairperson: Music Publishers Association Of South Africa
Module 4
Music Publishing
This module provides a comprehensive examination of the music publishing industry, covering synchronization, licensing, and music publishing contracts in detail. Participants will gain insight into the significance and impact of these elements within the broader context of music publishing. By exploring these key components, students will acquire the knowledge and skills needed to navigate the industry effectively. The module aims to deepen understanding of the legal and commercial aspects of music publishing, empowering students to make informed decisions and overcome challenges confidently.
Learning Outcomes
Lesson 7 – Saturday, April 26, 2025
- Art of Music Publishing
- Historical Background
- Music Publishing Today
- Sources of Music Publishing Income
- Distribution of Music Publishing Income
- Organisation of the Music Publisher
- Establishing a Music Publishing Company
- How to establish a Music Publishing Company?
- Music Publishing Business Model
- Interested Parties in the Publishing Industry
- Music Publishing Splits
- Publishing Licensing Process
- Reproduction (Mechanical) Licensing
- Public Performance Licensing
- Songwriter Contracts
- Songwriter/Composer Agreements
- Songwriter Agreement for Single Song
- Co-publishing and Administration Agreements
- Staff Writer Agreement
- The Administration Process in Music Publishing
Lesson 8 – April 27, 2025
- Licensing in Music Publishing
- Synchronization Licensing
- Digital Music Licensing
- Sample and Cover Version Licensing
- Revenue Streams and International Publishing
- Revenue Streams in the Streaming Era
- International Sub-Publishing
- Business Background
- Sub-Publishing
- Selecting a Sub-Publisher
- Negotiating the Sub-Publisher Agreement
- Sample Sub-Publisher Agreement
- Craft and Business of Songwriting
- Craft and Business of Song Writing
- Music Supervision and Role of Music Supervisors
- The Future of Music Publishing
- Music Publishing of the Future
Laverne Thomas
Operations Lead | Chief of Staff at Warner Music Africa
Michael Odiong
CEO at Premier Records ltd and Chairman of Music Publishers Association of Nigeria (MPAN)
Module 5
Recorded Music Business
The module is designed to guide our students methodically through various sectors of the recorded music industry, offering a comprehensive understanding of contracts and illuminating the inner workings of the business. Furnishing them with current industry insights aims to equip them with the latest information necessary to navigate this dynamic field effectively. The curriculum will explore the historical evolution of the recorded music business, offering insights into its past developments and bringing clarity to its present state. Through this journey, students will gain valuable insights into the industry’s trajectory and the factors shaping its current landscape.
Learning Outcomes
Lesson 9 – Saturday, May 3, 2025
- Introduction to the Record Business
- Overview of the Record Business
- Definition of a Record
- Definition of a Master
- Development of Recorded Music
- Evolution of Record Companies and its Current Landscape
- The Role of Record Labels in the Digital Era
- Major and Independent Record Labels
- Major Record Company Structure
- Understanding Contracts and Business Operations
- Royalty Structures and Calculations
- Marketplace Research
- Understanding the Consumer
- Research Topics
- Data Sources
- Artiste Recording Contracts
- Types of Deals
- Negotiations
- Major Components of the Contract
- 360 Deals
- Producer’s Contract
- Record Production Process
- Record Production Overview
- Recording Studio – Operation and Selection
- Stages of Record Production
- Getting Started in the Business
- Marketing and Distribution
- Record Label Marketing and Distribution
- Marketing Plan
- Elements of Marketing Plan
- Record Distribution
- Artiste Development and Future Trends
- A & R and the Principle of Artiste Development
- Record Label of the Future
Lesson 10 – Sunday, May 4, 2025
- Record Production Process
- Record Production Overview
- Recording Studio – Operation and Selection
- Stages of Record Production
- Getting Started in the Business
- Marketing and Distribution
- Record Label Marketing and Distribution
- Marketing Plan
- Elements of Marketing Plan
- Record Distribution
- Artiste Development and Future Trends
- A & R and the Principle of Artiste Development
- Record Label of the Future
Daniel Fletcher
Chief Innovation & Corporate Development Officer at Primavera Sound, Barcelona, Spain
Andy Inglis
Founder at 5000
Module 6
Live Music, Merchandise & Tour Management
This module explores the significance of live music, music merchandise, and touring within the music industry, emphasizing their substantial contribution to revenue generation. With streaming revenue often insufficient, income from live performances, merchandise sales, and tours becomes a critical financial lifeline for artists and labels. The module delves into the various aspects of this essential component, examining its revenue streams and how artists and labels sustain themselves through it.
Learning Outcomes
Lesson 11 – Saturday, May 10, 2025
- Introduction to Live Music in the Music Industry
- Live music and its importance in the music industry
- Concert Production
- Concert Promotion
- Booking the Artiste
- Making an Offer
- Art of the Deal
- Contracts
- Planning and Preparation for Live Events
- Production Planning
- Marketing
- Publicity and Public Relations
- Sponsorship
- Role of Team Members
- Concert Venues
- Venue Contracts
Lesson 12 – Sunday, May 11, 2025
- Execution and Management of Live Events
- Ticketing
- Licensed Merchandise
- Concert and Touring
- A Guide to Tour Management
- Booking Agents and Promoters
- Livestreaming and Virtual Concerts
- Revenue Streams and Future Trends
- Sources of Revenue in Live Music
- Merchandise and Merchandise Deals
- Monetizing Audience and Fandom
- The New Economy of Live Music
- The Future of Live Music
- Execution and Management of Live Events
Sam Onyemelukwe
TRACE, Senior Vice President of Global Business Development
Josh Greenberg
Founder / Creative Strategy Partner, Green Mountain Lodge
Module 7
Music Marketing and Promotion
In today’s music industry, where thousands of songs are released daily and competition for audience attention is intense across numerous streaming platforms, artists face the challenge of standing out. This module explores strategies for effective music marketing and promotion, aiming to increase visibility, traction, and revenue. Through comprehensive analysis, students will learn to leverage diverse marketing techniques and platforms to maximize their reach and impact. By understanding the nuances of promotion and employing innovative approaches, artists can enhance their presence, connect with broader audiences, and elevate their success in the industry.
Learning Outcomes
Lesson 13 – Saturday, May 17, 2025
- Understanding Music Marketing and Promotion
- Who does what in the Marketing and Promotion of an Artiste?
- Promotion Infrastructure – Public Relations, Press, Advertising & Wider Media
- Effective Strategies in Music Marketing and Promotion (Highlighting digital marketing strategies and utilizing/tailoring social media depending on the specific market or territory in Africa)
- Music in Media – Radio, Television, Internet & Social Media, Convergence
- Building Your Brand and Engaging Fans
- Basics of Branding for Musicians
- Stop Thinking Transactional
- Developing your Brand from Life Experience
- Think Fan Funnels
- Converting Fans to Super Fans
- The Fan Funnel Approach – Attract, Engage, Convert & Retain
Lesson 14 – Sunday, May 18, 2025
- Strategies for Successful Marketing
- The Lifecycle of an Artiste
- Conversion Marketing vs. Brand Awareness
- Going Viral
- Marketing Plan and Release Strategies
- Time Table of activity for Successful Releases
- Utilizing Social Media and Partnerships
- Role of Press, Radio, Television and Social Media
- Social Media Engagement Tips
- The Attention Economy and Social Media
- Brand Partnerships
- Examples of Successful Brand and Music Partnerships
Ifeoluwa Ajagbe
Radio Host and former Head of Operations, Symphonic West Africa
Ibrahim (Oladele) Kadiri
Managing Director at Transsnet Music Limited
Module 8
Digital Music Distribution
This module offers a comprehensive understanding of the evolution of music distribution, tracing its journey from vinyl records to digital streaming. It explores the transformative impact of digital technologies on distribution methods, including online music stores and streaming platforms. Emphasizing the importance of staying updated on industry trends, students learn to navigate the evolving landscape and capitalize on emerging opportunities.
Learning Outcomes
Lesson 15 – Saturday, May 24, 2025
- Historical Trends and Developments in Music Distribution
- Historical trends and developments that have shaped the distribution landscape
- What is Music Distribution?
- Understanding Digital Music Distribution
- How does digital music distribution work?
- Specific roles of DSPs, Aggregators, and Distributors
- Digital Innovation and Radical Industry Changes
- Review of Business Models of Major Digital Streaming Services (Boomplay, Mdundo, Spotify, Apple Music, Amazon Music, YouTube Music, Deezer, Tidal)
- Exploring Distribution Platforms
- Review of Business Models of Major Distribution Platforms (The Orchard, Ingrooves, TuneCore, CD Baby, DistroKid, OneRPM, FUGA, AWAL, Amuse)
- Guide to Digital Music Distribution
Lesson 16 – Sunday, May 25, 2025
- Digital Distribution Processes
- Digital Distribution Deal
- How the Services Charge
- How the Music is Distributed
- How Paperworks are Handled (including artist metadata/assets consolidation)
- How Money and Royalty Collections are Handled
- Future Perspectives
- Future of Music Distribution
- Role of Emerging Platforms (like TikTok)
Sijuade Adedokun
Founder / CEO of Cream Entertainment Africa
Efe Omorogbe
Managing Partner/co-founder & Founder & CEO at NOW MUZIK
Module 9
Artist Management
This module explores the vital role of artist management in the music industry, highlighting its multifaceted nature in guiding and nurturing artists’ careers. It provides a comprehensive understanding of artist management as both brand and business management, covering fundamental concepts and responsibilities. Through in-depth analysis, students gain insights into strategies and techniques for effective artist management, preparing them to thrive in this dynamic field.
Learning Outcomes
- Lesson 17 – Saturday, May 31, 2025 Understanding Artiste Managers
- Who are they?
- What do they do?
- The key Functions of Management
- Advancing the Career of the Artiste
- Managing the Artiste’s Career
- Managing the Five Stages of an Artiste’ Career
- The unique skills required for Management
- The Artist/Manager Relationship
- Discovering each other
- Financial Aspects of Artiste Management
- How do managers get paid?
- The various structures
- The Management Agreements
- Lesson 18 – Sunday, June 16, 2024 Artiste Management Strategies
- Artiste Management and Promotions
- Artiste and Band Career Development
- Artiste Managers – Navigating the Covid-19 Era & Post Covid-19 Era
Gerome Vanherf
Co-founder at MusicTech Europe and MusicTech Belgium
Barrister Oyinkansola Foza Fawehinmi
Lead Legal Consultant
Module 10
Music Business Finance, Entrepreneurship and Funding
This module focuses on financial fundamentals in the music industry, including evaluating statements, recording transactions, and understanding key metrics and royalty statements. It also covers cash flow dynamics, budgeting, and interpreting financial statements, offering real-world experiences and entrepreneurial tools for career development. Special attention is given to securing funding for startups, attracting investments in music catalogs, and developing comprehensive music business plans.
Learning Outcomes
Lesson 19 – Saturday, June 7, 2025
- Essential Elements of Financial Statements
- Utilizing Ratios for Company Financial Analysis
- Decoding Royalty Statements
- Principles of Budgeting in the Music Business
- Copyright Asset and Entity Bookkeeping Practices
- Assessing the Value of Music Catalogues
- Valuation Techniques for Music Publishing and Recording catalogues
- Intersections of Music and Finance
- Investment Strategies in the Music Industry
- Financing Music Assets: Exploring Decentralized Finance, Royalty Exchange Platforms, and Global Investment Funds
- Navigating Taxation in the Music Business
Lesson 20 – Sunday, June 8, 2025
- Fundamentals of Entrepreneurship in the Music Industry
- Characteristics of a Successful Music Business Entrepreneur
- Insights into the Contemporary Music Business Landscape
- Crafting an Effective Music Business Plan
- Strategies for Securing Funding for Artists and Music Projects
- Negotiating Optimal Deals for Your catalogues
- Key Considerations for Royalty Investors Evaluating Catalogues
- Delivering Value to Clients in the Music Business
- Techniques for Identifying and Engaging Investors
- Essential Tools for Music Business Operations