Navigating The Music Business Program
Next semester begins Tuesday, August 4
This is for you if:
You’re an artist or professional with some industry experience.
You need business frameworks and strategic guidance to move forward.
You have an entrepreneurial mindset.
You’re looking to apply practical tactics and take clear next steps.
What’s covered in the program?
August 4
Roles Around An Artist
We’ll break down the different roles across the music industry, when it makes sense to bring people onto your team, how compensation typically works, and best practices for hiring effectively.
August 11
Marketing in the Modern Music Industry
Learn how today's artists cut through the noise, from identifying the right audience to building a brand that actually connects. We'll cover the strategies behind artist marketing in the streaming and social media era.
August 18
Understanding Labels and Distribution
Learn how labels operate, what a record deal actually means, and how music moves from an artist's hands to every streaming platform and store. We'll also cover the tools industry professionals use every day from CRMs like HubSpot to analytics platforms like Chartmetric.
August 25
Music Publishing & Royalties
Learn how publishing works, how songwriters get paid, and what separates an admin deal from a co-pub deal. We'll look at how the biggest publishing companies operate and what it means to own or sign away a catalog.
September 1
Live Music & Touring
Learn how the booking process works from both sides - what promoters look for and how to strengthen cold outreach. Whether you're an artist or looking to break into the live industry professionally, you'll leave with the tools, language, and know-how to open doors and build a real career in the live space.
September 8
Program Wrap-Up and Final Project
In the final week, we will recap the material covered throughout the class and provide detailed instructions for the final project.
What comes with career coaching?
✓ Three 1:1 sessions to dig into your challenges and goals.
✓ A personalized action plan that organizes your priorities and next steps.
✓ Monthly check-ins to support your progress.
The program also includes:
Navigating the Music Business Certificate awarded upon completion of the program and final project.
On-demand video lectures from Philip Payne (former manager, Tory Lanez).
Guest lectures with industry professionals sharing real-world insights.
Immediate networking with current and past classmates for collaboration and support.
Tailored student pairings based on shared interests and career goals.