Introduction to the Music Business

Book Now

• Spaces are limited so early booking is encouraged
• Bookings will close at 5pm on Friday 18 April 2025 or when the course reaches full capacity
• Read our terms and conditions

Ages 18+

Course Dates & Times

Tuesday evenings on 22, 29 April, 6, 13, 20, 27 May 2025

6.30pm–8pm, BST (UTC+1)

About Introduction to the Music Business 

This six-week online evening course will provide you with a thorough introduction to the music business. The course will cover a broad range of topics, including copyrighting, processes around performing, advice on recording contracts and how to apply for public funding to launch your own project.

Please note that the course will focus on the UK music business.

Who is the course for?

• Anyone with an interest in the music business
• Musicians, singers, songwriters and composers wanting to understand more about the industry they are trying to break into
• Music students wanting to learn about the music business
• No prior experience or training is required

What can I expect?

You can expect to learn the following:

• Starting your own business
• GDPR
• Copyright Law
• Master Recording Rights
• Licensing
• Music Organisations & Support
• Understanding PPL & PRS
• Record Deals/Contracts; Publishing Deals (what to look out for and different types of record deals)
• Live Performance (festivals, venues, working with theatre companies)
• Public Funding (Arts Council)

This course consists of lectures with time for questions and discussions with the tutor and other participants.

Course Fee

£215

Book Now

• Spaces are limited so early booking is encouraged
• Bookings will close at 5pm on Friday 18 April 2025 or when the course reaches full capacity
• Read our terms and conditions 

Eligibility

• We welcome participants from all ages 18 and over
• Participants must have sufficient English language skills in order to fully engage with the course  

Online Short Courses Requirements

All sessions will take place online using Zoom. A Zoom link will be sent to you in advance of the course start date with further instructions.

To participate in online classes you will need the following:

• An email address
• A reliable internet connection
• A laptop/tablet/desktop computer with a microphone and camera (most have these included)
• Speakers/headphones (the speakers in your laptop/tablet/computer should be sufficient)
• A fully updated web browser able to use the most up to date version of Zoom, or a fully updated Zoom client

If you have any questions regarding joining one of our online courses please contact us.

About the Course Tutor

The course is taught by Mark Hartley.

Mark trained at Guildhall School of Music & Drama as the first trumpet player to study a joint classical and jazz first study. Mark has worked for the Arts Council, trained in Film Composition at National Film and Television School, and worked extensively in the music and theatre industries as a producer and production manager.

Mark’s professional credits include shows in London’s West End, UK touring, large-scale UK festivals, corporate events. In 2022, Mark worked for the FIFA 2022 World Cup in Qatar to manage the entertainment at the Lusail (the largest stadium in Qatar) and Al Bayt Stadium. In August 2023, Mark was the Production Manager for Paines Plough’s Roundabout Theatre at the Edinburgh Fringe and Production Manager and Content Producer at Chris Evans’ CarFest.

Currently Mark works as a freelance creative producer and production manager, alongside teaching music and theatre production at Guildhall School. Mark’s ex-students are found working across the creative industry from international lighting designers, production managers and music producers, to stage managers, film editors, costume designers and engineers.

2023 sees the launch of Mark’s new national initiative ‘My Creative Future’, to give young people the access and information to see the huge employment and creative potential of working in production arts for the creative industries.