Ever had that dream where you’re late for school, it’s time for final exams and you haven’t studied at all? It’s a common nightmare, but next time it happens try imagining this instead: You’ve just come home but your house is different somehow, finer, more inviting than you remembered it being. You know it’s OK though, because in this dream you have already completed your music education. 

You’re in your front hallway, looking at the framed photos on the walls. You’re in all of them, different versions of you. You’re playing music, you’re performing to crowds, you are completely absorbed in front of a bank of lighted control panels in a studio. You are behind a mixing board, you are laying tracks inside a maze of soundproof panels, looking very satisfied surrounded by a group of people who are all smiling with you fondly. 

Music Education

Want to make your dream come true? You have some work to do first. Here’s where some real music education comes in. It’s not in some alternate universe where you were born to famous and wealthy producer parents. It’s not in some intimidating and expensive professional music school. It’s a dimension of practical industry education that you can access anywhere: Welcome to Vampr Academy. 

Module 1

Let’s look at the evolution of this new world and see what resonates with you. In the first module, Thinking About the Business of Music you’ll be introduced to your coursework, and the teaching philosophy that you’ll be interacting with while using the Vampr system of themed dynamic lessons. 

This first group of classes is a great place to start to gain a deeper understanding of music business roles and the unique fit and function of artists within it. You’ll gain insight into a rich range of options and learn to work your own magic with the guidance of solidly experienced professionals you deserve. This is where you learn about the music consumer, how to get inside the listener’s head and propel your sound to a wider audience.

Module 2

Legal Basis of the Music Business leads you with sure and steady steps through the complicated realm of intellectual property and copyright issues in music. You’ll learn how to think critically about copyright both domestic and international and spot the myths that throw many artists off. Knowledge is the surest defense against copyright infringement to protect your original work. You will also grasp an invaluable understanding of mechanical royalties, trademark, branding, domain names, social media and image rights. Assignment and licensing will be covered as well as the role of PROs.

Module 3

The third module Understanding Music Publishing tackles the development and fundamental business side of current music publishing including synchronization, working with publishers and sync agents and how you can turn your songwriting into a steady stream of income.

Module 4 

Recordings and Record Companies will explore the four pillars of the recording industry and measure the impact of the digital revolution. You’ll be guided on a deep dive of lessons covering the functions of the record music industry, record music income, digital distribution, label services and much more. This module spans across 7 lessons and is the perfect stepping stone to help you along your path of truly understanding the inner workings of the recording world.  You will be fully up to date on the recordings industry’s functions and terms. Also, one more little thing—collecting the money. 

Module 5

Contracts and the recorded Music Industry uncovers all the secrets to getting that elusive and lucrative deal as well as clear understanding of various types of recording and publishing agreements. You’ll gain insight on bargaining position and how to fine tune your internal compass for negotiation. You’ll be taught to reliably consider when you should “sign your life away” (or simply run away screaming), and you will know all you need to about the reversion of copyright and catalogs. We’ll show you why longer contracts or bigger money isn’t always better. We’ll cover advances, contracts for services and key clauses in recording and publishing agreements. You’ll learn the subtle martial art of defending yourself against any irrational or unjust behavior that you might confront on your journey.

Module 6

Here comes another jungle to conquer in Module 6, with our Overview of the Live Music Industry. This will bring you into the arena of economics within the live music industry and to contemplate the concept of music as a perishable good. You’ll also study the main players in the live game, such as venues, venue bookers, agents, promoters. You’ll consider the truth about promoters and music as its own reward. The goal here is to give you the tools to establish your own live team.

Module 7

Representation and Management is the core of Module 7, its legal basis and everything an artist looking for a manager needs to know. You’ll look at management business models, learn the role of a manager as well as the types of managers. Contracts of term, territory, commission and termination will be covered, as well as how to evaluate a management’s fee for service.

Module 8

Here we are at long last with the final module of this series, Bringing Together Your Music Business, and you should feel proud of all your hard work as you approach your moment of groundbreaking. You’ll be ready to consider what it is you actually want to market, your artistic brand, your plan and publicity. You will refine your design for sustainable success, learn financial planning, how to build a solid business team, as well as what to do when as they say the honeymoon is over. Don’t worry too much, though. By now you’ll be prepared. For anything.

VAMPR Academy is the future of music education. Are you ready to get started?