Bachelor of Applied Business in Music Industry

Subject Details

Year One

MUZ161 – Music industry studies 1A - (39 hours)

This subject is the first of a six-subject stream of core study. The stream explores the body of knowledge that constitutes the evolving nature of the music industry and provides a thorough theoretical foundation and understanding of the functions, driving forces and operations that shape this industry.
Music Industry Studies 1A provides a comprehensive overview of the music industry and lays the foundation for facets to be explored in subsequent subjects. This overview includes an examination of the roles and responsibilities of key industry personnel such as booking agents, managers, record companies, distributors, music publishers, events managers, producers and the function and significance of the media, events and retail distribution.

MUZ162 – Music industry studies 2A - (39 hours)

This subject is the second of a six-subject stream of core study.
Music Industry Studies 2A continues directly from Music Industry Studies 1A. Students will expand upon and consolidate concepts, knowledge, understanding and skills in the music industry with a particular focus on conceptual and theoretical understanding of the principles, practice, roles and functions of band and artist management and administration.

MUZ163 – History of music and popular culture - (39 hours)

This core subject will provide a comprehensive history of the music industry and music products from the 1900’s to today including investigations into political climates, world events, shifts in popular culture and how they shaped the music industry. This subject will also consider changes in recording technology, the delivery of recorded products and the impact that those changes have had on the music industry.

MUZ164 – Workplace communication - (39 hours)

This subject will develop understanding and skills necessary to communicate effectively in the modern business environment. The student will develop their understanding and ability of formal oral and written communication, negotiation, meetings, conflict resolution, problem solving and interpersonal skills within this environment

MUZ165 – Copyright and publishing - (39 hours)

This subject provides students with a comprehensive understanding of key concepts in copyright and publishing and considers the fundamental role that copyright plays in the exploitation of music, artwork, photography, video clips and merchandising. The principles and functions of the publishing industry as a system within the music industry and role of the publisher in collecting copyright-generated royalties are also considered

MUZ166 – Law (music industry) - (39 hours)

This subject provides students with an introduction to relevant law in Australia, including its principles and operation commercially with a particular focus on the music and arts industries. The unit covers the Australian legal system, sources of law, the law of contract, and the specific regulatory framework governing the operations of the music industry and relevant aspects of tort law and statutes relating to professional negligence, venue licensing, and the Entertainment Industry Act.

MUZ167 – Applied business 1 - (39 hours)

The subject aims to place the student in a training workplace environment where concepts, knowledge, and skills acquired can be transferred into practical application. Set within a model office scenario, the Music Industry Business Office (MiBO) will enable students to transfer knowledge into a practical application of skills. Students will contribute to running the MiBO and manage their own music industry projects.
The aim of this subject is to provide an environment where students can investigate real business scenarios, design solutions and produce outcomes. This will include the use of practical computing skills with a focus on music industry software programs.

MUZ168 – Applied business 2 - (39 hours)

The subject is a direct extension of Applied Business 1 and aims to place the student in a training workplace environment where concepts, knowledge, and skills acquired can be transferred into practical application. Set within a model office scenario, the Music Industry Business Office (MiBO) will enable students to transfer knowledge into a practical application. The subject culminates in a major event that is conceived, designed, organised and produced by students.
The aim of this subject is to provide an environment where students can investigate real business scenarios, design solutions and produce outcomes. This will include the creation of web pages, HTML documents, professional social networking pages and complex database management.

Year Two

MUZ261 – Music industry studies 3 - (39 hours)

This subject is the third of a six-subject stream of core study.
Music Industry Studies 3 is a direct continuation from Music Industry Studies 2 and is designed to familiarise students with the various systems and key bodies in the music industry. This will include a comprehensive understanding of the principles and practices of record companies and industry associations. The subject will focus on both major and independent record companies, alternative means of recording distribution and non-traditional record company activities. This subject will also provide a conceptual understanding of royalties and how they are calculated, recording contracts, and the roles and responsibilities of various music industry associations including Australian Independent Records (AIR), The Phonographic Performance Company of Australia (PPCA) and The Australian Record Industry Association (ARIA)

MUZ262 – Music industry studies 4 - (39 hours)

This subject is the fourth of a six-subject stream of core study.
Music Industry Studies 4 continues directly from Music Industry Studies 3. In this subject, students will expand upon and consolidate concepts, knowledge, understanding and analytical thinking as they consider the future of the music industry. This subject provides a conceptual framework for students to consider the current trends and changes within the music industry, impacts of changes in the operating environment and possible outcomes and future projections. Students will explore how the music of the future will be delivered and accessed by consumers. It is expected that students will develop maturity in undertaking self-initiated and self-directed work, reflective thinking and practice, creativity and innovation, and the critical evaluation of their own work.

MUZ263 – Marketing (music industry) - (39 hours)

This core subject is one of a suite of four providing key business concepts and skills specific to the music industry. The subject provides students with a thorough conceptual understanding of marketing principles and fundamentals. The key focus will be on the application of these concepts to all aspects of the music industry, including music specific topics such as image making for performing artists and the practice of public relations.

MUZ264 – Business creation and development in the arts - (39 hours)

This subject considers the design and development of small business in the music industry with consideration of the broader arts sector and its business environment. It aims to equip students with the ability to assess and evaluate an existing business and provide a comprehensive understanding of the legal requirements of setting up a small business. Studies will include: detailed business planning, business development documentation and business design and modelling. Students will prepare detailed feasibility studies, business plans and other business creation documentation.
This core subject is one of a suite of four providing key business concepts and skills specific to the music industry

MUZ265 – Special event management - (39 hours)

This subject is designed to provide detailed knowledge and understanding about the provision and management of special events such as product launches, industry expos and conferences, incentive programs and sponsorship opportunities. Students will learn of the critical role that the music industry plays in the facilitation of special events, providing entertainment and other associated support including travel, accommodation, food, security and registration.
Students will gain an understanding of the role that these events play in society and how they contribute to both brand awareness and motivation of internal and external clients.

MUZ266 – Accounting for decision making - (39 hours)

This subject will examine how information produced by the traditional bookkeeping process is used by various decision makers in allocating scarce resources. The emphasis in this subject is on the ‘users’ of accounting information not the processes for the preparation of the accounting information.
The tools used for decision making by external users and management are explored in detail along with accounting information systems and the internal controls necessary to produce useful information. Accounting for short-term management planning and for financial management will also be examined.

MUZ252 – Negotiated project 1 - (26 hours)

This subject involves close discussion and planning sessions in consultation with a supervisor who will approve an independent project or a group project in which participants' individual roles are clearly defined. The project may involve the planning and implementation of a public performance event, the development of a significant music industry initiative, collaboration with an affiliated industry group in producing a significant work or event, scoring for film, recording songs and original compositions, producing recordings for other students or the production of a significant music resource.

MUZ253 – Negotiated project 2 - (26 hours)

This subject involves close discussion and planning sessions in consultation with a supervisor who will approve an independent project or a group project in which participants' individual roles are clearly defined. Project 2 can be an extension of the activity commenced in Negotiated Project 1. The project may involve the planning and implementation of a public performance event, the development of a significant music industry initiative, collaboration with an affiliated industry group in producing a significant work or event, scoring for film, recording songs and original compositions, producing recordings for other students or the production of a significant music resource.

Electives -All Second Year students should choose one sequence of electives (2 subjects)

MUZ141 – Instrumental studies 1 - (26 hours)

Through performing in ensembles students will acquire concepts and knowledge about the practical application of arranging and composing or live recording. Learning a second study instrument will give students the experience of an instrument with which they are unfamiliar, equipping them with fundamental understanding that is integral to their specialised disciplines.

MUZ142 – Instrumental studies 2 - (26 hours)

This subject is a continuation of Instrumental Studies 1. Through performing in ensembles students will acquire concepts and knowledge about the practical application of arranging and composing or live recording. Learning a second study instrument will give students the experience of an instrument with which they are unfamiliar, equipping them with a fundamental understanding that is integral to their specialised disciplines.

MUZ143 – Introduction to filmscoring 1 - (26 hours)

Students will develop philosophical and musical concepts of the aesthetic role and function of music used in films between 1920-1950s. Students will acquire the capacity to evaluate film scores with reference to established conventions, including compositional techniques, and their application in defined social, historical and cultural contexts.

MUZ144 – Introduction to filmscoring 2 - (26 hours)

Students will study post-1950s film music genres to evaluate the role and function of music in various dramatic contexts. Students will also acquire knowledge of the way in which music is synchronised to film, and then consolidate this knowledge with several assignments in composing and synchronising music to short film excerpts.

MUZ121 – Principles of songwriting 1 - (26 hours)

This subject provides an analytical overview of the musical devices and conventions that exist in popular song forms and genres. Analysis of elements such as: melody, structure, rhythm, harmonic progression and style will inform the student in the composition of songs in designated popular song styles.

MUZ122 – Principles of songwriting 2 - (26 hours)

Continuing directly from the previous unit, students will extend their abilities to compose songs within a variety of genres. They will further develop greater understanding of characteristic harmonic, melodic and rhythmic treatment of lyrics within various song genres, and learn to apply these conventions with their own writing.

MUZ145 – Production principles 1 - (26 hours)

In this subject students will acquire the basic concepts of Acoustics as they relate to musical instruments and the environments in which they are played. Students will learn the core principles of recording with analogue and digital systems; theories of audio production and practice, live sound and live recording techniques in performance environments.

MUZ146 – Production principles 2 - (26 hours)

Consolidating and extending the concepts and knowledge acquired previously, students will further apply these principles in practise, using both analogue and digital recording methods as the basis for an introduction to mixing environments. Practical recording assignments make up a significant component of the course.

Year Three

MUZ361 – Music industry studies 5 - (39 hours)

This subject is the fifth of a six-subject stream of core study.
Music Industry Studies 5 continues directly from Music Industry Studies 4. Through this subject, students will gain a thorough understanding of sources of funding available to support the music industry including government grants. They will gain a comprehensive conceptual understanding of the Federal and State funding frameworks, the principles of grant writing, evaluation and management, and the responsibilities of individuals and entities funded by the taxpayer. This subject will include developing and understanding of entrepreneurial innovation and export grants as well as traditional arts funding sources.

MUZ362 – Music industry studies 6 - (39 hours)

MUZ362
This subject is the final unit of a six-subject stream of core study.
Music Industry Studies 6 continues directly from Music Industry Studies 5. This subject provides students with a comprehensive conceptual understanding of organisational systems within the music industry. It focuses in detail on administrative systems and organisational structures, organisational roles and responsibilities, change management and leadership for business operation in the music and arts industries. Students will expand upon, and consolidate, concepts, knowledge and understanding of the arts environment. They will develop organisational leadership skills through undertaking a higher level of self-initiated and self-directed work, reflective thinking and practice, and the critical evaluation of their own work.

MUZ303 – Research and application of industry principles 1A - (52 hours)

Using collaborative investigative, planning and management methods students will acquire and apply knowledge and skills that prepare them for entry into the music industry. By developing a three-tiered work plan incorporating team-based event management and planning, the planning of a CD or other published work, and the planning of a negotiated project, students will integrate knowledge and skills that underlie production, artist and event management processes in the music industry. Students will also gain practical experience and understanding of the music industry and skills in drafting a research project relevant to individual goals, preferences and expertise.

MUZ304 – Research and application of industry principles 2A - (52 hours)

The plans developed during the first unit of this subject will be put into operation. Students will acquire overarching skills in the management and production of a multi-tiered project that demonstrates: team-based event management; a CD or other published work; and a negotiated project seen through to fruition. Students will integrate knowledge and skills that underlie production and artist and event management processes in the music industry. They will gain practical experience in the music industry in a variety of situations. The production of a researched and substantiated body of work reflecting individual goals, preferences and expertise will provide students with an ideal preparation to enter the music industry. Students will present a related business plan

MUZ363 – International business - (39 hours)

This subject will examine theory and policies relating to international businesses from a management and organisational perspective. Topic areas will include international trade, foreign investment, international finance and consideration of the Australian music industry in an international context. The approach taken will be to demonstrate the similarities in theoretical perspectives between the Australian music industry and international markets in order to allow students to analyse opportunities to develop businesses internationally.

MUZ364 – Social research and business statistics - (39 hours)

This subject presents an introduction to social science research methodology and business statistics. It seeks to provide students with critical thinking and analytical skills in carrying out empirical research.
The subject consists of two sections. The first deals with social and business research methods as well as contemporary research issues. The second covers basic descriptive and inferential statistical techniques.

MUZ365 – Entrepreneurship and innovation - (39 hours)

This unit provides students with an understanding of entrepreneurship, innovation and new venture management. Students will learn how to leverage business management knowledge and use it successfully in entrepreneurial ventures. A key focus will be the development of enterprising and entrepreneurial attitudes, skills and behaviours to ensure the effective establishment of management or work regardless of organisational context.
Topics include: understanding innovative enterprises; entrepreneurial attitudes, abilities and behaviours; developing an entrepreneurial culture; opportunity recognition and viability screening; first-mover advantages and disadvantages; risk recognition and risk reduction strategies; and intellectual property protection.

MUZ366 – Management - (39 hours)

This subject will explore the body of knowledge surrounding management theory and evaluate the impact on practical management decision making in the Australasian context.
The subject further aims to develop skills and knowledge with regard to individual and group behaviour in the context of organisations and their environment.
This subject provides fundamental knowledge and skills for students planning a career within organisations. Knowledge of organisational structure, the operations of organisations, the processes of management and the behaviour of people at work are essential to the study.