Understanding the Music Business

by Richard Weissman

Understanding the Music Business offers students a current overview of the music business. Going beyond what most music business texts offer, Weismann delivers a contemporary approach that addresses the unanswered questions for today’s music students, such as, “Is it really possible to make a living as musician?” Understanding the Music Business covers the basics in the first part of the text. This first section deals with the fundamentals of the industry, including recording, music publishing, agents, managers, radio and television, unions, the internet and new technology, and regional and international music markets. However, it is the second half of the text that breaks new ground by covering the career paths of new artists in the industry, the development and need for entrepreneurial skills, and the ways that individuals forge careers in the industry.

336 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2009

Reviews

[Jonathan · Rating 3 out of 5]

I used this book as a text for my Vincennes University music classes (The Business of Music and Career Options in the Music Industry). It is easy to read and generally presents information in a digestible manner. It is, however, a bit incomplete as a text and could use additional thought, illustrations and opinions. I would instead recommend this as a semi-educational introduction for the curious music fan.