Music Publishing: A Creative and Business Perspective
| Program start date | Application deadline |
| 2026-09-01 | - |
| 2026-12-01 | - |
| 2026-03-01 | - |
Program Overview
University Programs
The university offers a range of programs for students to choose from. These programs are designed to provide students with a comprehensive education and prepare them for their future careers.
Certificates & Programs
The university offers various certificates and programs, including:
- Custom and Corporate Training
- Technical Management Program (TMP)
- OLLI (Osher Lifelong Learning Institute)
- Pathway Program
- UC Excelerator
Browse by Topic
Students can browse programs by topic, including:
- Accounting & Finance
- Architecture & Interior Design
- Business & Management
- Communications
- Computer Science
- Design & Arts
- Education
- Engineering
- Entertainment
- Environmental Studies
- Health Care & Counseling
- Humanities & Social Sciences
- Landscape Architecture & Horticulture
- Legal Programs
- Osher (OLLI)
- Pathway
- Public Affairs
- Real Estate
- Sciences & Math
- Writing
Music Publishing: A Creative and Business Perspective
Course Description
This entry-level course is of interest to songwriters, bands, and producers but applicable to anyone who wants to learn both the creative and business basics of music publishing from A-Z. Students learn how to improve their chances for getting seen, heard and signed. Topics include effective songs, broadcast quality recordings and brand equity; how to ensure that you're not getting ripped off: United States copyright basics, copyright registration in Washington D.C. and co-writer and producer splits; what music publishing companies can do for your career: song-plugging, advances and copyright administration; how to make sense of publishing deals and copyright assignment: exclusive songwriter agreements, co-publishing deals and administration agreements; and how to get paid for your music and master recordings: mechanical royalties, performance royalties, synch fees, master-use fees, print royalties, new electronic transmissions and foreign sub-publishing monies.
Course Details
- Course Code: MUSC X 448.81
- Availability: Typically available in Fall and Winter
- What you can learn:
- Understand the nuance of copyright law and protect your revenue with it
- Become knowledgeable in publishing deals and contracts
- Discover how to improve your chances at becoming seen, heard, and signed as an artist
- Understand how to start your own music publishing company
- Learn about the various music organizations and when to join them
Related Programs
This course applies toward the following programs:
- Independent Music Production certificate
- Music Business certificate
- Music Supervision specialization
Program Descriptions
- Independent Music Production: Learn the ins and outs of independent music production, covering the creative and marketing aspects of the business.
- Music Business: Gain the knowledge to tackle the rapidly evolving music industry.
- Music Supervision: This specialization program will guide you through the ins and outs of music supervision.
