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There are 4 modules in this course
If you want to learn how to make a living with your music, this is the course for you. How to Make Money with Your Music Copyrights will provide an overview of basic copyright principles and their relationship to music publishing as well as the primary revenue streams available to independent songwriters and artists.
Taught by the experienced entertainment attorney and record label executive turned Berklee instructor, Professor Tonya Butler J.D., LL.M., you will learn how to utilize the different copyrights available in the US copyright law for musical works in order to access the four primary revenue streams.
You will start by learning the basics of US copyright law and the difference between a musical work and a sound recording. Then, you will learn about the four primary revenue streams and hear from industry professionals and their tips on achieving success in the music industry. Finally, you will learn how music artists can make money as the owners of their own sound recordings. By the end of this course, you will have a better understanding of the different ways and the various organizations that can help you get paid for your music.
Welcome to the course! Here we will cover all the details about the course and what you'll need to know to get the most out of your experience. Then, we will begin with the basics of music copyright law and how your money is directly connected to the ownership of your copyrights. We will also take a look at music publishing and the four primary sources of revenue for songwriters.
The Four Primary Types of Music Publishing Income•7 minutes
The Role of Music Publishers•8 minutes
The NMPA and Recent Copyright Law Changes•4 minutes
Composition vs. Recording•9 minutes
5 readings•Total 52 minutes
Course Resources•5 minutes
Earn A Course Certificate•7 minutes
Connect with Your Classmates•5 minutes
Copyright Basics•30 minutes
Recap and Module 2 Preview•5 minutes
2 assignments•Total 40 minutes
Review: What is Copyright?•10 minutes
Module 1 Quiz•30 minutes
2 discussion prompts•Total 15 minutes
Meet and Greet•5 minutes
Publishers and Publishing Deals•10 minutes
Module 2: Mechanical and Print Income
Module 2•1 hour to complete
Module details
In this module, we will discuss the definition of a mechanical reproduction, how to obtain a mechanical license, and the various ways to generate mechanical royalties.
In this module we will discuss the role of performing rights organizations and how they collect public performance royalties. We will also dive into making money by writing for movies, TV shows, and commercials.
What's included
5 videos1 reading2 assignments1 discussion prompt
Show info about module content
5 videos•Total 35 minutes
What You'll Learn in Module 3•1 minute
Public Performance•8 minutes
Synchronization•5 minutes
Collecting Your Synch Fees•10 minutes
How to Find Synch Opportunities•10 minutes
1 reading•Total 5 minutes
Recap and Module 4 Preview•5 minutes
2 assignments•Total 40 minutes
Review: Public Performance Income•10 minutes
Module 3 Quiz•30 minutes
1 discussion prompt•Total 10 minutes
PROs and Synch Opportunities•10 minutes
Module 4: Artists Ownership of Master/Sound Recordings
Module 4•2 hours to complete
Module details
In this final module, we will shift our focus from songwriters to artists. We will talk about the differences between being a songwriter vs. an artist and how artists get paid from the ownership of their master recording copyrights.
What's included
7 videos1 reading2 assignments1 discussion prompt
Show info about module content
7 videos•Total 40 minutes
What You'll Learn in Module 4•1 minute
Record or Download Sales•7 minutes
Master Use•7 minutes
Digital Performance Royalties for Sound Recordings•11 minutes
What is the Role of the Record Company?•8 minutes
Record Deals•5 minutes
Congratulations!•2 minutes
1 reading•Total 7 minutes
Are you looking for more?•7 minutes
2 assignments•Total 40 minutes
Review: Artists Ownership of Master/Sound Recordings•10 minutes
Module 4 Quiz•30 minutes
1 discussion prompt•Total 10 minutes
Record Deals and SoundExchange•10 minutes
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Founded in 2002, Berklee Online is the premier innovator and largest provider of worldwide music education, offering more than 75,000 students from 144 countries the renowned curriculum of Berklee College of Music, at a fraction of the cost. Through Berklee Online’s award-winning online courses, certificates, bachelor’s, and master’s degree programs, students receive expert music instruction and emerge with the skills to exceed the demands of the music industry.
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What will I get if I subscribe to this Specialization?
When you enroll in the course, you get access to all of the courses in the Specialization, and you earn a certificate when you complete the work. Your electronic Certificate will be added to your Accomplishments page - from there, you can print your Certificate or add it to your LinkedIn profile.
Is financial aid available?
Yes. In select learning programs, you can apply for financial aid or a scholarship if you can’t afford the enrollment fee. If fin aid or scholarship is available for your learning program selection, you’ll find a link to apply on the description page.