Module Details

The information contained in this module specification was correct at the time of publication but may be subject to change, either during the session because of unforeseen circumstances, or following review of the module at the end of the session. Queries about the module should be directed to the member of staff with responsibility for the module.
Title MUSIC CONTRACTS
Code MUSI516
Coordinator Dr ML Jones
Music
Eben@liverpool.ac.uk
Year CATS Level Semester CATS Value
Session 2017-18 Level 7 FHEQ First Semester 15

Aims

·To encourage students to recognise that music industry is structured by direct and indirect acts of legislation and by case law.

·To examine issues of contract law and its connection with the ownership, transference and exploitation of the right to make copies of songsand recordings

To encourage students to appreciate the interaction between rights transference and the disciplines of music production

 To encourage in students a grasp of the legal framework within and through which music industry takes place

·To develop awareness in students of the nature of disputes within the music industry and the bearing of case law precedents upon them.

To consider the recording industry''s resort to the leg al system to maintain its competitive position in the market for popular music products with regard to music and the internet


Learning Outcomes

Students will be able to evaluate key legal principles and acts of legislation related to music creativity and music business.

 



Students will be able to evaluate and critique legally-binding agreements central to music business.

Students will be able to appraise decisions taken in high-profile disputes that have become case law precedents.

Students will be able to demonstrate and apply knowledge in regard< /font> to the implications of legally-binding agreements with the broadest range of music-related production activities


Syllabus

1

·Intellectual Property and associated Rights

·The assignment of Rights and sources of revenue

·The assignment of Rights and the contract system

· Key contracts

  1. Between musicans and music publishers
  2. Between musicians and record companies
  3. Between musicians and artist managers
  4. Between musicians and live agents
  5. Between Venues and musicians
  6. Between promoters and musicians and venues
  7. Between musicians and merchandisers, sponsors and brands
Contract disputes and legal remedies.

This mod ule explores the centrality of legally-binding agreements to music business and through this, to music industry. Contracts are central to music industry for the way they habitually ''position'' musicians in relation to music companies of all descriptions: music contracts tend to express the needs of businesses more than they secure the needs of musicians as music-makers. Students will read contrcats and explore contract disputes. To the extent that this module is shared between two MAs there is the opportunity to learn from the Liverpool Philharmonic''s legal team in terms of the range and nature of contracts engaged in by a complex, music institution.

Teaching and Learning Strategies

Lecture - The core concepts associated with legally-binding agreements will be introduced and then exemplified by attention to various types of music industry contract.


Teaching Schedule

  Lectures Seminars Tutorials Lab Practicals Fieldwork Placement Other TOTAL
Study Hours 24
The core concepts associated with legally-binding agreements will be introduced and then exemplified by attention to various types of music industry contract.
          24
Timetable (if known)              
Private Study 126
TOTAL HOURS 150

Assessment

EXAM Duration Timing
(Semester)
% of
final
mark
Resit/resubmission
opportunity
Penalty for late
submission
Notes
             
CONTINUOUS Duration Timing
(Semester)
% of
final
mark
Resit/resubmission
opportunity
Penalty for late
submission
Notes
Coursework  2,000 words  25  Yes  Standard UoL penalty applies  Assessment 1 
Coursework  3,500 words  75  Yes  Standard UoL penalty applies  Assessment 2 Notes (applying to all assessments) contract exercise + written assignment 2 separate pieces of written work  

Recommended Texts

Reading lists are managed at readinglists.liverpool.ac.uk. Click here to access the reading lists for this module.
Explanation of Reading List:

There are core texts that elucidate the connectons between music industry and contract law, but there is also a literature which concerns Intellectual Property (IP) as a legal concept that allows creative and cultural industries their existence. As IP has been challenged so markedly and profoundly by the impact of digital technologies on formerly secure practices, there are now many texts (articles, academic journal articles, books) that explore this wider context.