Music Industry Administration in the Digital Age – A brief description of the evolution of current industry practices and some of the challenges to come: Will our college graduates possess the necessary skills to enter this marketplace?

Melissa Wald
Middle Tennessee State University

Abstract

This paper provides an overview of the changes in industry practices with respect to the licensing and administration of copyrights contained on both physical and digital products and the administrative problems associated with the rapid growth of new formats such as streaming, tethered downloads, subscription services, etc. It includes an analysis of the accounting structures of each Billboard Number One Album since 1978 in order to illustrate the increase in the complicated ownership of copyrights over the past three decades. A brief description of the flow of sales information within royalty accounting systems is also included. It also addresses the need to update student learning outcomes in topics such as music publishing in order to go beyond the traditional lecture format to include relevant computer-based projects designed to promote problem solving and critical thinking skills.

Keywords: music industry curriculum, music publishing, music licensing, digital administration, music business, digital music, music business pedagogy, Billboard

Wald, Melissa. “Music Industry Administration in the Digital Age – A brief description of the evolution of current industry practices and some of the challenges to come: Will our college graduates possess the necessary skills to enter this marketplace?” Journal of the Music and Entertainment Industry Educators Association 11, no. 1 (2011): 223-238.  https://doi.org/10.25101/11.9

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