MA Music Industry Management

This module introduces the principal theories and methodologies underpinning the processes of practice as research, self-reflection, and reflective analysis. You analyse your own professional work and discover how to use that work as research to develop your professional journey. You are invited to self-reflect in a critically rigorous manner and apply the conclusions to career planning and development. Through lectures, seminars, and group discussions, you develop your essential learning, academic and writing skills, while cultivating essential critical thinking skills. You become familiar with appropriate research methodologies and understand the importance and procedures of ethical conduct of research projects in preparation for designing your own research projects and MA dissertation.

Through this module, you develop your academic writing and research skills. These are essential to enable you to evaluate and critically analyse complex elements of a research project, through either a practice-based research dissertation or a research-based dissertation. Through lectures, seminars and one-to-one tutorials, you learn how to propose and defend a research project and to critically evaluate complex and current debates concerning working methods within the music industry. You gain insights into how to devise a sophisticated research methodology, gather and critically analyse data and evidence so you can present informed, sophisticated and objective arguments regarding the various dynamics underpinning, informing and frame-working your chosen sector of the Music Industry. In addition, you will be able to use academic theories and industry-based methods to analyse and evaluate approaches to achieving high quality, innovative, productive and creative applied work within your chosen sector of the music industry.

This module gives a wide-ranging critical overview of the music industry, studying music business organisation, the industrys evolving infrastructure and how entrepreneurs grow new music business models. Students take a deep dive into record labels, publishing, artist management companies, live music, and events companies. The module examines the importance of intellectual property, copyright management, music agreements, income streams and music catalogue exploitation including the role played by new digital technologies.

In this module, students examine the history and development of management techniques as well as the latest and emergent approaches in the context of a changing and dynamic industry. Combined with a deeper study of strategies for effective management, students evaluate the latest industry practices and ideas, while developing research skills through independent research into their chosen area of the music business. They develop a comprehensive understanding of artist management, the skills and traits required to manage bands and small medium music enterprise, while developing a knowledge of strategic marketing techniques and research music manager career profiles. As part of this module students produce a bi-weekly podcast "Music Business Insider", interviewing music managers working in various areas of the music industry, providing invaluable insights into their career journeys and practice.

Term 1 Feasibility & Planning

The module allows students to, research and demonstrate the viability of their practical ideas, through detailed study of proposals, strategies, concepts, resources, and budgets. The study is designed to inform the students practical work in term 2, confirming a coherent methodology that is applicable to their proposals and area of research. Students develop critical thinking and problem-solving skills whilst establishing the scope of their project including key performance indicators designed to guide progression and practical work.

Term 2 Process and Execution

The project promotes real-world industry engagement and research through distinct practical project work that is career led, contributing to ongoing professional development and personal career planning. The work is informed by the findings of the feasibility study conducted in term one, putting into practice the skills and knowledge learned on the course, demonstrating familiarity with music industry management practices, operating as a manager collaborating with a team of professionals in a creative environment. The practical work is supported through experienced industry mentors and managers, relevant to the students chosen career pathway and/or subject specific research topic. The module prepares students for the Practical Project Based Dissertation, as well as, managing in the music industry.