MA Music Business (Online Blended)

The MA Music Business (Online Blended) is a one year, practical and industry-focused Master of Arts Degree, delivered via a combination of online interactive media and face-to-face delivery. It is designed for the creative industry experienced, aspiring or established music entrepreneurs seeking a flexible approach to study alongside their professional lifestyle and work commitments.

The online blended programme features:

• Live classes that are recorded for access at any time
• 1-2-1 academic and pastoral tutorials
• 1-2-1 industry mentoring sessions
• Songwriting camps with live commercial briefs (for those who write or produce)
• Regular playbacks and A&R surgeries, and
• An optional 10-day creative business camp at Tileyard London

All students are matched with a professional music practitioner for 1-2-1 mentoring sessions during their second and final terms, ensuring continued professional feedback and strengthening of pathways to employment. Alumni also receive regular live commercial briefs, and discounts on products and events, and can annually pitch any commercial projects to the Tileyard Investment Fund.

Tileyard is home to more than 110 professional recording studios and 250 music and entertainment businesses including Spitfire Audio, Arturia, Apple Music, A&G Songs, Believe Digital, Electric Pineapple, Focusrite, Pioneer DJ, Ella Eyre, Joel Corry, Good Soldier, The Prodigy, Pendulum, Noel Gallagher, Martyn Ware, Goetz Botzenhardt, Jon Kelly, Paul Whalley, Tom Fuller, Dru Masters and many more.

A minimum of a 2:2 honours degree, or an appropriate equivalent, i.e. a professional qualification, from a recognised British or overseas institution. Mature students with at least 3 years industry experience are also welcome to apply.

Applicants without an undergraduate qualification at the required level will be considered if they possess three years work experience in the field and are capable of undertaking and completing the programme at the required academic standard. These applicants will be asked to submit an academic assessment, work experience portfolio after submitting their first application.

Applicants may be asked to interview. Offers are subject to confirmation with the Programme Director and final confirmation with the university.

Applicants who have been taught and assessed in languages other than English should have the English language equivalent to IELTS 6.0

Student Finance England Funding is available to British, Irish (Northern & Southern) and EU nationals with settled status (Those who moved to the UK before 31/12/20) who are currently living or planning to live in England. If you are an EU national and want to see if you are eligible for settled status, CLICK HERE.

Those who meet the criteria in this paragraph can apply for a UK Government Postgraduate Master’s Loan, here

This course can be eligible for Help Musicians funding.

Online Blended Learning Study

Online delivery uses interactive video content and supporting written materials, reinforced with live online conferences, video calls and workshops. Student learning is checked using a combination of:

• Self-assessed exercises
• Peer-assessed exercises
• Teacher/mentor marked assignments
• Interactive tutorials

Coursework will include submissions in the form of:

• Written essays, reflective accounts and reports
• Audio artefacts
• Video presentations (live and pre-recorded)

Feed-forward and feedback are provided using a combination of discussion boards, written delivery and video/audio messaging. Support is also available via e-mail, live chat and video calls.

Term 1: Foundation (60 credits)

• Creative Music Management
• Entrepreneurship
• Legal and Business Affairs

Term 2: Development (60 credits)

• New Technology in Music and Entertainment
• Entertainment Marketing
• Live Event Management

Term 3: Creation (60 credits)

• Creative Business Project

Term 1: Creative Music Management

The module focuses on the interconnected and collaborative stakeholders and activities undertaken in the production, distribution and marketing of commercially released music. It begins with a mapping and critical evaluation of label, publisher and creative artist management in its historical context along with an analysis of how that landscape is evolving and adapting to competitive dynamics. The module continues with an audit of those key creative management entities, roles functions, budget and timeline variables. It also details all of the music and entertainment industry legal and contractual points covering recording, publishing, management, live, digital, synchronisation and brand licensing, new tools, techniques and case studies in the physical and digital worlds. Cases studies used will be based in the UK and the wider international music scene, and will include both major labels and independents. Students have an opportunity to work in groups to formulate and execute a professional commercial strategy and content for an independent music artist of your choosing, competing to win a small promotional budget supplied by Tileyard. Groups present analysis and feedback to invited guest speakers, tutors and contemporaries.

Term 1: Entrepreneurship

The module provides students with a comprehensive and detailed foundation of managerial economics, lean business management, the economics of global commercial entertainment and entrepreneurship. This module also includes mapping and evaluation of current sources, routes and methods to financing creative projects.

Term 1: Legal and Business Affairs

20 credits / 40 hours tuition Assessment: Case Study, Essay

A module providing a detailed analysis of contracts, negotiation points and new business development strategies in the music and entertainment sectors, from a legal perspective. The module analyses current contracts for recording, publishing, management, live event, touring, festivals, new technology, IP licensing and start up business and creates a forum for discussion on strategies for deal brokering, negotiation and conflict resolution.

Term 2: New Technology in Music and Entertainment

20 credits / 40 hours tuition Assessment: Essay, Presentation This module explores and analyses the impact of new technology on the music and entertainment industries. This includes breaking down the components of the digital world, mapping key stakeholders and analysing start-up companies, platforms, applications and new technologies following the food chain of creation, production, distribution, marketing and sales. Case studies of start-up companies developing and adapting new technology for the music industry will be included alongside a new tech accelerator programme.

Term 2: Entertainment Marketing

20 credits / 40 hours tuition Assessment: Report, Presentation

The module provides a critical evaluation and analysis of the principals and practices of marketing, both physical and digital, with specific reference to entertainment, youth, media and campaign driven marketing case studies. It will focus on the sociological, psychological and consumer behavioural dynamics inherent in branding, promotion and the communication of perceived value.

Term 2: Live Event Management

20 credits / 40 hours tuition Assessment: Portfolio

A compact module providing a critical analysis and evaluation of the mechanics, income streams and associated costs of the live music, culture and event industry. The module will focus on managing individual live music concerts, UK and international touring, festivals, corporate and brand sponsored events, merchandising and the impact of digital technologies. Students will hear first-hand accounts of case studies from recent and current artists and other music professionals. A practical assessment will challenge students to host a live music event on site at Tileyard Studios.

Term 3: Creative Business Project

60 credits / 30 hours tuition Assessment: Report (12,000 words)

Presentation This module provides the student with an opportunity to consolidate their learning into a business plan and investor presentation for a new product, service, or creative campaign. Initial classes will introduce the project and develop research skills. Deliverables include a full business plan, market research analysis, financials, any legal or IP ownership status, any prototypes or demo products or platforms, business team, timeline for deliverables, investor pitch and associated presentation. In addition to handing in their assessments for marking, students present their business case live to the Tileyard Studios investment fund. The module is supported by an initial series of classes in academic research methods, critical and reflective analysis and project management techniques. You will also be allocated an industry mentor for the duration of the module who will help guide the development of your work. Meetings with your mentor will take place through a balance of regular Skype meetings.