Session 1 - Introduction to the music industry

 

Aim
This session aims to start students thinking about how music manifests itself in a business or commercial context, and to draw out their existing knowledge via a series of exercises and activities.

 

Resources:

• Flip chart
• Internet access for video

 

Curriculum links:
Music (listening)
Citizenship
Media literacy
ICT
KS3

 

The music industry

The term 'music industry' covers a huge and diverse range of music-related businesses and organisations. In terms of recorded music, the industry today is dominated by four major labels:

 

EMI
Sony
Universal
Warner

 

Outside of the 'big four' there are thousands of independent labels, as well as millions of unsigned artists. However, the music industry also encompasses a variety of other areas, from music publishing to concert promotion, management and media.

•  Here various people from across the industry give their advice on getting into the music business - watch the video: 
  

 

 

 

Task 1

• Conduct a brief general class discussion to find out what the students already know about the music business.
  
• In pairs – write down four different jobs you can think of in connection with the music busines eg. concert promoter, manager.
• Share these initial ideas as a whole class.

Task 2

• In pairs, how many different kinds of jobs can you think of which contribute to the music industry? Make a list of at least eight. Some of these may have already been covered in Task 1.
  
• Share these as a whole class. Teacher compiles list on the flip chart.

Task 3

• As a whole class watch the video below  – a short interview with an event promoter.

 

• What are five important elements of an event promoter's job?
• Who will you be working with? Who do you need on your team?
• What do concert promoters actually do and what is the end result?