Comprehensive Music Business Knowledge

Understand the systems behind royalties, publishing, and rights ownership so you never leave money on the table again.

Clear, Practical, Up-to-Date Framework

Master the exact administrative steps every artist, producer, and songwriter must follow to get paid correctly.

Guidance from Real Industry Experience

Learn from an instructor actively working with independent artists, studios, and professionals navigating today’s music business landscape.

About the Course

Are you an independent artist, producer, songwriter, manager, or engineer who wants to finally understand how the music industry works behind the scenes? Mastering the Music Business gives you a clear and simple breakdown of royalties, copyrights, publishing, metadata, and all the administrative processes that determine whether you get paid (or not). You’ll learn to protect your work, register your music properly, understand who owns what, and avoid the mistakes that most creators make. Whether you’re just starting out or already releasing music, this course will give you the knowledge and tools to operate confidently and professionally in the modern music industry.

Meet Your Instructor,  Michael Surprenant

As an industry expert with years of experience, I understand the challenges independent artists face in navigating the music business. I'm dedicated to sharing my knowledge and insights to help you succeed in this ever-changing industry. Join me on this journey to unlock the secrets of the music business and take control of your career aspirations.

Course Curriculum

6 Chapters · 33 Lessons

  1. 1

    Introduction to the Music Business

    1. (Included in full purchase)

      Welcome to the Course

    2. (Included in full purchase)

      Core Music Industry Concepts (Must-Know Terms)

    3. (Included in full purchase)

      The Modern Music Landscape: How Money Flows Today

    4. (Included in full purchase)

      Recording Academy vs. RIAA

  2. 2

    Copyright basics & US framework

    1. (Included in full purchase)

      What Copyright Actually Is

    2. (Included in full purchase)

      US Copyright

    3. (Included in full purchase)

      Public Domain Songs

    4. (Included in full purchase)

      Cover Songs

    5. (Included in full purchase)

      Derivative Works

  3. 3

    Collaboration, Splits & Agreements

    1. (Included in full purchase)

      Introduction: Why Agreements Matter

    2. (Included in full purchase)

      Split Sheets

    3. (Included in full purchase)

      Joint Works (Part 1)

    4. (Included in full purchase)

      Joint Works (Part 2)

    5. (Included in full purchase)

      Work For Hire

    6. (Included in full purchase)

      Who Gets Publishing, Who Gets Master

    7. (Included in full purchase)

      Reversion Clause

    8. (Included in full purchase)

      Writing Up

    9. (Included in full purchase)

      Scenario 1

    10. (Included in full purchase)

      Scenario 2

  4. 4

    Royalties & Monetization

    1. (Included in full purchase)

      Introduction: The Main Royalty Streams

    2. (Included in full purchase)

      Mechanical Royalties

    3. (Included in full purchase)

      Performance Royalties

    4. (Included in full purchase)

      Print Royalties

    5. (Included in full purchase)

      Neighboring Rights

    6. (Included in full purchase)

      Synchronization Fees

  5. 5

    Publishing, Subpublishing & Distribution

    1. (Included in full purchase)

      Publishing - An Overview

    2. (Included in full purchase)

      Subpublishing

    3. (Included in full purchase)

      Distributors

  6. 6

    Resources & Final Notes

    1. (Included in full purchase)

      Split Sheet Sample - Writers & Master

    2. (Included in full purchase)

      To Do List

    3. (Included in full purchase)

      Administration Agreement

    4. (Included in full purchase)

      Music Business Acronyms

    5. (Included in full purchase)

      Final Message

Ready to Take the Next Step?

Enroll now to gain access to exclusive industry knowledge and take your music career to new heights.

Enroll Now