In the current music industry, it is crucial that artists and producers are armed with a clear understanding of how the business works. To be successful in this business, you must have equal parts musical artistry and business savvy. In this specialization, you’ll learn about the various roles in the music industry, how to read and decipher a recording contract, and how to protect your assets in the United States under US copyright law. You’ll also learn how to launch your career as a producer, how to establish a vision and intention for the music you want to produce, and how to record music using the most popular industry standard digital audio workstation (DAW), ProTools.
The Business of Music Production Specialization
Top instructor
The Business of Music Production Specialization
Become a Business-Savvy Music Producer. Gain the knowledge and skills you need to launch your career as a music producer.
Instructors: John P. Kellogg, Esq.
Included with 
Get in-depth knowledge of a subject
(663 reviews)
Beginner level
Recommended experience
1 month at 10 hours a week
Flexible schedule
Earn a career credential
Share your expertise with employers
Get in-depth knowledge of a subject
(663 reviews)
Beginner level
Recommended experience
1 month at 10 hours a week
Flexible schedule
Earn a career credential
Share your expertise with employers
What you'll learn
The structure of the recording music industry and to read and interpret recording contracts
How to earn money with your recorded music by leveraging copyright law
Cast a clear vision for a recording project and how to use the right tools to achieve your vision
How to record, edit, and mix a production using the industry standard digital audio workstation, Pro Tools
Overview
Skills you'll gain
What’s included
Shareable certificate
Add to your LinkedIn profile
Taught in English
35 practice exercises
Advance your subject-matter expertise
- Learn in-demand skills from university and industry experts
- Master a subject or tool with hands-on projects
- Develop a deep understanding of key concepts
- Earn a career certificate from Berklee
Specialization - 4 course series
What you'll learn
Analyze recording contract provisions
Assess the various rights that make up the copyright bundle of rights
Discuss the roles of the personal manager, business manager, road manager, agents, road crew, and attorneys
Examine the importance of having written agreements that outline the duties and obligations of various parties
Skills you'll gain
Intellectual Property, Business Management, Law, Regulation, and Compliance, Music History, Business, Music, Digital Transformation, Team Building, and Entrepreneurship
What you'll learn
Discuss why one musical recording is more compelling than another and identify the unique elements of the recording that contribute to it
Begin to assess and establish your identity, vision, and intention as an artist and producer
Write and develop a compelling piece of music by utilizing various tools
Establish the sonic signature of your production by utilizing specific production techniques
Skills you'll gain
Musical Composition, Writing, Technology Solutions, Peer Review, Media Production, and Music
What you'll learn
Explain the six exclusive rights of copyright law
Describe the concept of Fair Use and know when it applies and when it doesn't
Describe the various aspects involved in a copyright lawsuit
Differentiate between the composition copyright and the sound recording copyright
Skills you'll gain
Intellectual Property, Law, Regulation, and Compliance, Legal Strategy, Lawsuits, Digital Assets, Decision Making, Musical Composition, Music, and Case Studies
What you'll learn
Identify the various components in the Pro Tools interface and organize session files
Discuss difference between a synthesizer and sampler and know how to use each of them
Record a live performance into Pro Tools
Balance your production mix by adjusting levels, using pan, and applying effects such as EQ, reverb, and compression
Skills you'll gain
Editing, Musical Composition, Creativity, File Management, Media Production, Music, Electronic Media, and Music Performance
Earn a career certificate
Add this credential to your LinkedIn profile, resume, or CV. Share it on social media and in your performance review.
Instructors
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Frequently asked questions
Each course is 4 weeks so the whole specialization should take about 16 weeks to complete.
While you do not need to take the courses in a specific order, we recommend taking The Art of Music Production before you take Pro Tools Basics.
No. Berklee does not currently offer university credit for courses offered through Coursera. If you are interested in enrolling in online courses for credit with Berklee, please go to online.berklee.edu.
More questions
Financial aid available,