The Business of Music and Sound Courses

The Business of Music and Sound

“Hey Steffen (Music Business Instructor),
I just wanted to take a second and tell you thanks for everything this year. I can’t put into words how much Ive taken from your classes and our conversations. I hope y’all have a safe and happy holiday season. Keep fighting the good fight. If there is ever anything I can do for you, you know how to reach me.” – Brandon W. (Pyramind Graduate)

Planning for Success 101

The music industry has changed dramatically over the past fifteen years. The key driving factors in that change has been the rapid deployment of new digital technology and the proliferation of mobile phones and other mobile devices all connected to the Internet. What was tried and true yesterday is rarely the same as what we’ll need to know to succeed tomorrow. One of the only constants is that the industry will change, and students will need to anticipate those changes in order to be prepared for what lies ahead.

This class explores and elaborates on the many niches of the music and sound industries and how technology has been a constant factor in the rise and fall of the sale of recorded music. Students are challenged to match their passions with their core competencies and to help define their weaknesses to shine a light on where the challenges will be to realize their visions for themselves. In a world where good is no longer “good enough” PFS 101 takes a look at the various components that incubate greatness. The class is designed to help focus career objectives and to make the most out of the intense learning and growing experience that is Pyramind. This class lays the ground-work necessary to generate the confidence and assets needed post graduation to launch your own career as a recording artist or producer or to find work doing what you love.

A key component of both the PFS 101 and 110 classes will include special guest lectures highlighting different success stories from the front lines of the industry.

Key topics include:

• Assessing your skills
• Assessing your weaknesses
• Clarifying your objectives
• Defining success as it pertains to you
• Setting your goals
• Building your road map for success

[BACK TO TOP]

Planning for Success 110

The role of the Producer is not just responding to performances and coaching artists – today’s producer has to have an intuitive understanding of the creative, technical and business processes. They must provide value to both the Artist and the Label – and in todays DIY and indie fueled industry they must often be both in order to get the necessary traction and visibility to graduate to the next level.

Strategies for managing your time and resources are central to having the necessary discipline to succeed. Marketing and team building for artist and personal development are key components that will be covered in depth along with the following other topics:

• Defining yourself within your market
• Finding your niche and your “peeps”
• Building your brand
• Practical tools and techniques for self-marketing
• Creating and delivering on your best value proposition
• Creating demand for your services and talents
• Practical tools and techniques for time management and self-promotion
• Building your career ladder.

[BACK TO TOP]

Music Business 201

A primer to aspects of today’s independent music business, both as an artist and producer, with an emphasis on independent releases.

With the power of the Internet reaching directly to consumers, producers have a better chance than ever of finding clients and customers – with no one in between.

Topics include:

• Music Business Fundamentals
• How to build success without spending money
• Low-cost and no-cost marketing techniques
• Creating the physical product to sell – graphics and CD duplicating
• Multiple business streams from one release

[BACK TO TOP]

Music Business 210

This course is designed to give students an in-depth look into the business of music publishing and licensing. The course will provide detailed explanations of many different licensing and rights issues for the composer, the producer and the artist.

Topics include:

• Copyright
• Publishing
• Performing Rights Organizations
• Record agreements & contracts
• Mechanical royalties and fees
• Music industry roles
• The Internet and digital rights

[BACK TO TOP]

Music Business 301 (Elective)

Many individuals, artists, and labels need help when it comes to effectively planning and building their businesses. Now more than ever, independent artists, labels, and production companies need someone who can help guide them in establishing the foundational aspects of a new business entity.

Also, in today’s web-based DIY world, an artist or label can do much of the legwork. But frequently time can be wasted unless they create a game plan before they release a project, or begin a marketing and promotional campaign.

Pyramind Training now offers a new program to students and graduates to help them address these important needs.

Music Business 301 is a 4 hour program that includes:

Four 1-hour one-on-one building and planning sessions
OR… two 2-hour meetings.

Students are given a clear path to success through Steffen’s comprehensive and tested management formula. This is the same formula that earned him the National Association of Record Industry Professionals (NARIP) 2009 Nomination for “Best Traditional Distribution Executive”, alongside the heads of industry titans Universal Music Distribution and KOCH Distribution.

Additional advantages of these programs include:

Timelines and real-world goals to help establish student’s career
Simple and cost-effective techniques, which will help jump start any company, career, or release
Affords students a chance to work directly with IDC

Contact admissions@pyramind.com for more information, or to enroll today.

Pricing:
Music Business 301: $295

[BACK TO TOP]