SYLLABUS AND CLASS SCHEDULE

MUS 307
CAREER MANAGEMENT IN THE MUSIC
INDUSTRY
Fall, 2021

Instructor: Dr. Ted Piechocinski

Office: FA 301
Phone: 237-3008
Email: tpiechocins@indstate.edu
Office hours: Monday, Friday 3:00 - 4:00, Wednesday 4:00 - 5:30 or by appointment

Required Text:
 THE MUSIC INDUSTRY, Where Creativity Meets Business, by Ted J. Piechocinski, pub.
Northeastern Music Publications (distributed by Theodore Presser/Carl Fischer), 2020;
ISBN: 978-0-9854912-2-2

 Zander, Rosamund and Benjamin, The Art of Possibility, Penguin Books, 2000; ISBN 0 14
20.0110 4
**special note: while there is an online, slightly less expensive, version of the text available for
digital purchase and usage, take note that you will not be allowed to make use of this laptop
version during class sessions as laptops are prohibited from the classroom

 Various Internet articles to be announced

 Materials from Cunningham Library

Meeting times:
M, W, F 9:00 – 9:50 a.m.
Fine Arts 310

MOST IMPORTANT HEALTH/SAFETY CONSIDERATIONS:

1. Masks will be worn at ALL TIMES in Fine Arts. Wearing means FULLY on the face, not under
the nose
2. You will be in assigned seating for every day of F2F meetings.
3. Eating in the classrooms (or in the building itself) will NOT be allowed.
4. Drinking water is acceptable BUT, if doing so, you must drink using a straw that will fit under
1
 your mask; masks are to stay on at all times.
5. Sadly, no handshakes, no hugs……….

Due to the challenging circumstances we’re all still dealing with for FA21, here is a group of
university-encouraged syllabus entries that we will also adopt:
  
Masks/Shields: Masks/Shields will be worn by all students and faculty in classrooms as well as in
buildings (unless you are alone in an office). What is said/printed on a mask will be held to the same
Student Code of Conduct standard as if it were printed on a shirt or hat. As a result, a political
statement such as MAGA, BIDEN2020, or BLM is not grounds for demanding that it be
removed/replaced. In judging what constitutes an offensive statement on a mask, the
determination will be made by Student Affairs using the Student Code of Conduct. If there is a
question about a mask, the faculty member will refer the matter to Student Affairs and only insist
upon its immediate removal if there is no doubt that it violates the Code. Medical waivers will be
made through Student Affairs and students with such a waiver are expected to carry the
documentation with them and present it when asked. 
 
Laptops/Technology: It is the responsibility of all students to have equipment sufficient to
participate in all their classes. All students must have a computer/tablet with audio and video
capability. Students will follow the appropriate instructions of their faculty regarding the muting
(or unmuting) of audio and video as they would in any classroom setting. 
  
In-class seating:  Faculty are asked to assign students seats in the classroom. The assigned
seating chart is to be used all semester and kept by faculty as to facilitate contact tracing and
help limit any secondary quarantines.  
  
Refusal: Refusal to comply with any appropriate request will be treated as would any classroom
disruption (request to change the behavior; request to leave the class; dismissal of the class and
referral to Student Affairs.) 

University COVID-19 Statement/Policy

COVID syllabus language: Revised 8/11/21 Students are expected to adhere to course attendance policies, as
stated in the course syllabus. Students must complete the Sycamore Symptom Assessment by email before
arriving on campus each day unless they have documented their COVID immunization and have been
exempted from the program. Documented COVID-related absences will be treated like any other serious
medical issue. Following University policy, students with a documented, serious medical issue must contact
the Office of the Dean of Students for assistance. The Office of the Dean of Students will supply
documentation for faculty. Students with a documented serious medical issue should not be penalized and will
be given a reasonable chance to complete exams or assignments. Once notification is made, faculty will make
reasonable efforts to accommodate the student’s absence and will communicate that accommodation directly
to the student. Please note that faculty are not required to accommodate a serious medical issue with virtual

8/18/21 version 2
content options, like streaming or recorded lectures. Students who have been notified by contact tracers of
a close contact who has tested positive for COVID must abide by their instructions, which will include a
mandatory period of quarantine, especially if the student is unvaccinated, and/or mandatory testing. To avoid
the potential of missing significant class time, students are strongly encouraged to receive the COVID
vaccination that has been made available on campus. For more information about the vaccines or to find a
vaccination site, go to: ourshot.in.gov. The ISU Health Center also administers COVID-19 vaccines by
appointment. Students should contact the Office of the Dean of Students with questions by calling 812-237-
3829. The information provided in this section of the syllabus is subject to modification based on guidance
by public health authorities. Please follow this link for updated information on ISU’s Fall 2021 requirements.

Course Description:
MUS 207 and 307 comprise the two core introductory courses for music business studies at ISU.
Therefore, 307 is, in large part, a continuation and development of study of topics relevant to the
music industry. This course is designed as a vehicle to further development of the ISU music
business, performance, liberal arts and music education students to prepare them to work
productively and successfully in the music, entertainment, performance, and education worlds.
Additionally, the course will give students an environment to explore the many facets of
professionalism and will include numerous opportunities for practical exercises in developing skills
for professional workplaces. Through self- and peer-assessments and the honing of skills in
resume-writing, interviewing, problem-solving, case-study, negotiating, and professional writing,
students will be better prepared for seeking internships, first jobs, and subsequent positions in
the educational and performance fields, and the music and entertainment industry, in general.
There are THREE distinct tracks in this course: Module (on music industry topics not yet covered),
Professionalism materials (resumes, cover letters, email communication in job searches, and more),
and an entire component dedicated to the Zander book, The Art of Possibility. Each class session
will touch on at least two of those three components.

This course is a true mix of knowledge regarding a group of specific areas of the music industry
with equally important work in the area of professionalism. This will entail very practical aspects of
professional pursuits, including resume development, various types of business correspondence
methods, and interviewing, among others.

Teaching Philosophy:
This course is approached in a variety of ways; while large portions of it do fall into a lecture
format, because of the amount of information to be conveyed and expanded upon, the lectures are
always interspersed with a Socratic method that necessitates participation and leads to discovery
through the discussions that result. The student is constantly encouraged to look at any/all
situations from multiple perspectives since the music/entertainment industry is so prone to broad
swaths of solutions depending upon one’s perspective at a given time.

8/18/21 version 3
Course requirements:
This is class is participatory; it is about interaction with you, the student/apprentice music
business professional. While there will certainly be plenty of material presented, your participation
in the process is critical to everyone in the class. Some of the elements described below should be
self-evident but, to be perfectly clear, they are listed as part of your class work and, eventually,
your evaluation.

1. Your attendance for every class and activity is mandatory. Period.

2. There are no “grace” days of absence for this course. You are expected to be present
at all class meetings.
3. Should a dire and/or unavoidable emergency situation arise (as determined solely at the
discretion of the instructor), necessitating an absence from class, the student must take
immediate steps to notify the instructor of the reason for such absence. When providing
such information, any available documentation substantiating such situation should also be
presented. The instructor will then make a determination, solely at his discretion,
whether to count such absence as excused or unexcused. When the instructor
determines that absences are so excessive (whether excused or unexcused) as to effect
the student’s overall ability to grasp enough of the course’s essence, or that disrupt the
flow of class discourse and progress, the instructor, at his sole discretion, may advise
the student of same and ask the student to withdraw from the class. This is in addition
to the directive found below concerning failing the course once the defined threshold of
unexcused absences is reached.
PLEASE REFER TO THE PREVIOUS ENTRY, ABOVE, CONCERNING PROTOCOLS IN
THE EVENT THAT A STUDENT SUSPECTS, OR DISPLAYS COVID-19-RELATED
CHARACTERISTICS
4. It is critically important that students appear for examinations. An unexcused absence will
result in a zero for that exam (considerably worse than a fail). In the case of an excused
absence (remember, this is dependent on notification before the class, if at all possible, and
sufficient documentation satisfactory to the instructor’s determination) on the day of an
examination, the exam must be made up within three weekdays of the student’s return to
campus.
5. Assignments are to be turned in at the beginning of the class period during which they are
due. Most of the assignments will be turned in digitally, through Blackboard. But, you need to
make sure that you keep digital copies of ALL assignments and place them in your personal
portfolio. Late assignments may be turned in, BUT must be turned in no later than 4:30 p.m.
on the date due (either turned in directly to Professor Piechocinski, or turned in to his mail
box in the Music Office of the Landini Center for Fine and Performing Arts to be placed
in his mail box). Such late turn-ins of assignments will also be penalized to the extent that
they will receive only 75% of any points they would have otherwise earned. Assignments turned
in later than herein described will receive little or no credit……..but they will be noted as
received. It is far better to turn in an assignment late, even for no credit, than it is to not
ever turn it in.
6. Be prepared for every class; this means have the required reading done and have all

8/18/21 version 4
 assignments completed when they are due.
7. Participate; questions will be regularly put to you and your participation is required. For much
of what we discuss, we want to know what you think about a particular topic or issue; often
there are no absolutely “right” or “wrong” answers but how you arrive at an opinion is the point
of much discussion.
8. You will be expected to write in this class; anything written and intended to be turned in for
evaluation or review should be composed, typed, and presented in a professional, grammatically
correct manner. Treat every written product for this class as if everything you turn in for
review or grading is being submitted to your employer.
9. Any assignment that is to be turned in (other than doing it in class) is to be typed and printed
on white paper; the completed paper must contain your name, MUS 307, and the date turned in;
[Again, most thing developed during this semester will be turned in digitally through Blackboard
or as directed by Dr. P.]
10. Coursework will include some outside reading and research; also included will be several
specific cyber-research assignments.
11. There will be class presentations made during the course of the semester.
12. Much of the substantive material you receive in this course will be through lecture and
discussion; therefore, it is critical that you take good notes. There is simply too much detail
to rely on just your memory.

Digital Portfolios
Instead of physical notebooks, you will compile materials presented, including class notes (legibly
written and, eventually, typed), hand-outs, and articles gathered during the course. The MUS 307
Portfolio website accounts for 20% of the grade for the course, based on two reviews of each
component (roughly at mid-term, and at the end of the semester). The platform for the personal
portfolio can be either wix.com or weebly.com. If you have previously built a personal portfolio
website for another class, you may certainly use that as the basis for this course’s effort as long
as the music business components we discuss are represented along with other professional
aspects of you.
A goal of this notebook is to give you a clear, useful, and relevant exercise in developing a
professional-looking package. Rather than make students guess as to the minimum requirements
I’m looking for, I offer the guidelines below as indicative of the minimum I’m looking for:
a. Include a designed opening page that includes: your name, MUS 307 Fall 2021 Career
Management in the Music Industry, Indiana State University, and a graphic design (it could
be an ISU logo or some other interesting graphic element); all typed information should be
in a font of no less than 28 points;
b. Neatly deigned buttons/tabs all sections;
c. A Table of Contents showing the order and organization of your tabbed sections;
d. Sections should include: 1), Syllabus, 2) Modules, (a section for each module we study
together), 3) Zander notes, 4) assignments, 5) MEI Glossary (Music/Entertainment
Industry) that includes “terms of art” encountered in your studies; each module we study
should yield at least 10 terms alphabetically included and arranged in your MEI Glossary;
therefore, the single MEI glossary should continue to grow throughout the semester; it

8/18/21 version 5
 should be arranged alphabetically.6) your Resume 7) other section(s) developed by you that
visually demonstrate who you are as a young professional (this could include appropriate
images or other demonstrations that show your professionalism.

Evaluation/Examinations
Exams and evaluations in MUS 307 will contain a combination of evaluative methods, but mostly
through traditional, written exams. Every exam or assignment will require you to write, to some
degree. Exams will primarily be on Blackboard but, if done as separate documents, exams are
to be written in pen, not pencil. There will be three (3) major exams (including Interim) and a
final, comprehensive exam. See the class schedule for tentative dates.

All coursework and participation will be weighted as follows:

Exams: 36%
Assignments/quizzes: 22%
Notebook/Website: 20%
Attendance/participation: 22%
*special note regarding attendance: the above-determined weighting as it regards
attendance/participation applies only until a student has less than ten unexcused absences.
With ten or more unexcused absences, a student will fail this course, regardless of any other
considerations, including exams, assignments/quizzes, or other work.

Grading Scale
The grading scale for exams and final grades will generally be as follows:
A 89-100 ( A- = 89 – 91; A = 92 – 97; A+ = 98 -100+)
B 78-88 (B- = 78 – 80; B = 81 – 85; B+ = 86 – 88)
C 67-77 (C- = 67 – 69; C = 70 – 74; C+ = 75 – 77)
D 57-66 (D- = 57 – 58; D = 59 – 63; D+ = 64 – 66)
F 0-56

The instructor reserves the right, at his sole discretion, to adjust the above scale downward, at
his discretion.
(To clarify, such adjustments would never be done to the detriment of a student’s ultimate grade;
it would only be used to improve it, not hinder.

Blackboard
Extensive usage of Blackboard will be made in order to help you keep track of your progress. The
Blackboard Grade Center will be used for housing all exam grading, quizzes, assignments,
attendance and the dissemination of announcements and other materials throughout the semester.
Blackboard will NOT be able to give you an exact, real-time, up-to-the-minute course grade, but, by
looking at each area of grading (i.e. exams, assignments, notebook/website) you will be able to glean
how you are doing overall in the course. During the semester, the instructor will make every
reasonable effort to make somewhat-real-time tallies of grades and/or points accumulated for
exams and/or assignments/quizzes, respectively. However, due to the exigencies of university

8/18/21 version 6
responsibilities, such postings may sometimes take longer than the student may like. But, in such
cases, the student is advised to be patient and cut the instructor some slack. If you are just
diligent in doing your work in a timely and effective manner, keeping such real-time tallies shouldn’t
be a high priority.

Return of graded assignments, quizzes, and examinations

Every effort will be made to return assignments, quizzes, and examinations in a timely manner.
Optimally, assignments and quizzes will be returned within the next two class meetings after the
work is due and submitted. Similarly, examinations should be returned and discussed (except for
the Final) by the third class meeting after the exam is given (or after any excused make-up exams
are given). Every effort will be made by the instructor to adhere to this standard, but exigent
circumstances might occasionally cause a delay.

Email
We are very fortunate at ISU to have the most sophisticated communications technologies
available to us. Access your Sycamore email daily to check for messages from Professor
Piechocinski. Please take note that, if you ask for any information about assignments, grades, or
any information that can be construed as private student information protected under federal
privacy laws, I will only respond through your official ISU email, not through any outside ISP or
other media delivery providers.

Civility
This should certainly be apparent as you begin your journey toward a profession in any aspect of
the music business but, to restate the obvious, this is a class where freedom of speech is honored.
With that also comes the responsibility of everyone in the classroom to treat each other, in
thought, speech, and actions, with respect and civility at all times. While we might vehemently
disagree on some issues or manners of presentation, we must always embrace discussions in a civil
manner. Rudeness or disrespect towards anyone in the classroom will not be tolerated.

Accommodation
ISU’s Student Affairs committee recommends the inclusion of a statement regarding
accommodations for students with particular needs. The adopted statement is as follows:
“Indiana State University seeks to provide effective services and accommodation for qualified
individuals with documented disabilities. If you need and accommodation because of a documented
disability, you are required to register with disability Support Services at the beginning of the
semester. Contact the Director of Student Support Services. The telephone number is 237-2301
and the office is located in Gillum Hall, Room 202A. The Director will ensure that you receive all
the additional help that Indiana State University offers.

If you require assistance during an emergency evacuation, notify your instructor immediately. Look
for evacuation procedures posted in your classroom.

8/18/21 version 7
Dress
Since this course is particularly geared towards preparing students for the professional world, it is
important to present ourselves as professionals. Unless constrained by the dictates of your
faith or ethnicity, hats/hoodies used to cover the head will not be allowed in class.

Laptops
We are all enamored of our laptop computers, tablets, iPods, iPads, brilliant phones, and
other media devices, but they will not be allowed in our class. The temptation to use campus
wireless capabilities is too great to permit this distraction. There will be times, such as in-class
exams, when laptops are allowed, but those exception will be determined only by Professor
Piechocinski. Failure to comply will be viewed as a violation of the Code of Student Conduct.

Cell Phones
While we all love our cell phones, they do not have a place in our classroom. Therefore, when you
come to class, make sure your phone is either in silent mode or is turned off and the phone is put
away. Texting during class is strictly prohibited; it is simply rude and unprofessional. Text
messaging, tweeting, email or other means of communication using your cell phone during may result
in confiscation of your device. Repeated violations of this policy be considered a violation of the
student code of conduct. Violations will also be reflected in the participation portion of the
evaluation process.

During quizzes and/or examinations, where a calculator is called for, cell phones may not be used as
calculators. They are to remain in silent/off mode and placed out of sight while you are in the
classroom.

MIA Membership/Responsibilities
All class members who are music business majors are required to be active and participating
members in the student-run Music Industry Association (MIA). Participation includes paying
membership dues, attending all meetings and all mandatory functions of the organization. This
group is an integral part of your growth as professionals in the music industry. Participation will be
reflected in the participation portion of your grade for MUS 307.

Academic Integrity Policy

As students and young professionals, you are expected to adhere to consistent ethical, moral, and
honorable behaviors with regard to all of your class activities and degree-related endeavors and
activities. Especially in class work, it is absolutely imperative that what you purport to be your
work is, indeed, your work. There are numerous facets that comprise what we, at ISU, label
academic integrity and these are described at great length in the ISU Code of Student Conduct.
This Code of Conduct relating to Academic Integrity has recently been revised and you are
encouraged to review it because, should a question of academic integrity arise, it is these
provisions that will determine the outcome. Not only does work need to be your work (i.e. not the

8/18/21 version 8
work of any other), it needs to be your original work, and not a recycled work that you have
previously used in another class or similar setting.

Instructor Integrity Policy

In the same way that you, as students, are held to standards of academic integrity, it is fair to
expect, and is here acknowledged, that students be assured that they will be treated in this
classroom with the utmost respect by their instructor. Ethics, fair-dealing, professionalism, and
due respect are concepts best taught and best absorbed by deed and by example. Therefore, I
pledge to do my utmost to fulfill my role in this important regard. Should you feel I have
compromised my self-imposed responsibility in this regard, I welcome and encourage you to discuss
such concerns with me. I further pledge that, by doing so, you would face no degree of
recriminations whatsoever.

Copyright Compliance Requirement

As you will become increasingly aware during this course and the rest of your ISU studies,
copyright protection and compliance are intensely important aspects of the music industry and,
therefore, your personal role in the industry. Therefore, while enrolled in music business courses,
it is required that you refrain from the use of unauthorized photocopies of print music in private
vocal/instrumental studies. If you believe the usage of any work for private study falls into
allowed uses under copyright law “Fair Use” exceptions, it is your responsibility to discuss the
situation with Dr. Piechocinski. On occasion, at my discretion, you will be asked to produce music
being used in private study to ensure compliance with this requirement. This prohibition
specifically includes multiple copies that may be needed for your juries at the end of the semester.
Given enough notice, this multiple copies aspect, especially, need not result in extra expense to you.
Together with your private studio instructor, we can make this work. Compliance with this course
requirement will be reflected in the “assignments” portion of the grade.

University Discrimination Statement; Statement on Discrimination, Sexual Harassment, and Sexual

Misconduct
Indiana State University Policy 923 strictly prohibits discrimination on the basis of: age, disability, genetic
information, national origin, pregnancy, race/color, religion, sex, gender identity or expression, sexual
orientation, veteran status, or any other class protected by federal and state statutes in ISU programs and
activities or that interferes with the educational or workplace environment.

Title IX of the Educational Amendments of 1972 prohibits discrimination based on sex, including sexual
harassment. Sexual harassment includes quid pro quo harassment, unwelcome verbal or physical conduct,
sexual assault, dating violence, domestic violence, and stalking.

If you witness or experience any forms of the above discrimination, you may report to:
Office: Equal Opportunity & Title IX; (812) 237-8954; Rankin Hall, Room 426
Email: ISU-equalopportunity-titleix@mail.indstate.edu
Online: https://cm.maxient.com/reportingform.php?IndianaStateUniv&layout_id=10

Disclosures made to the following confidential campus resources will not be reported to the Office of Equal
Opportunity and Title IX:
8/18/21 version 9
 ISU Student Counseling Center: (812) 237-3939; Gillum Hall, 2nd Floor
Victim Advocate: (812) 237-3829; HMSU 7th Floor
UAP Clinic/ISU Health Center: (812) 237-3883; 567 N. 5th Street.

Indiana Content Standards for Educators

MUS 307 addresses the following Indiana Content Standards for Educators
Fine Arts – Instrumental and General: 2.4; 4.3
Fine Arts – Vocal and General: 2.4; 4.3
MUS 307 Fall 2021
TENTATIVE CLASS SCHEDULE
(as of 8/16/21)
The instructor reserves the right to adjust this syllabus as course progress and conditions dictate.
The materials will be constantly supplemented with handouts and exercise; these will be
determined as we proceed in our discussions.
Other assignments and quizzes will be assigned/given as determined by the instructor.
AOP = The Art of Possibility
Module = The Music Industry

WEEK DATE Modules/Topic Professionalism Zander

1 8/18 Introduction/Syllabus
8/20 Module 5: The Record
Industry

2 8/23 Discuss Personal portfolio

development
8/25 Deal - Creation –
Delivery
8/27 AOP Introduction

3 8/30 Finance
9/1 Resumes: discussion
Module 11: p. 295 - 315
9/3 Royalties Assignment AOP Practice One
(due 9/3 midnight)

4 9/6 LABOR DAY; NO

CLASS
9/8 Module 6: Contracts Resume Draft #1 Due: Midnight AOP Practice Two
Components; Capacity 9/8, email to Dr. P.
9/10 Class review/critique resumes

5 9/13 Contract analysis

8/18/21 version 10
 9/15 Negotiation Revised resume Due: Midnight AOP Practice Three
(email)
9/17

6 9/20 Exam #1
9/232 Module 7: Music Cover letters: Discussion
Merchandising and Retail Module 11: p. 315 – 317
9/24 Store types First generation personal AOP Practice Four
portfolio review; the framework

7 9/27 Marketing
9/29
10/1 Merchandising AOP Practice Five

8 10/4 Service Cover letter #1 Due: Midnight

10/7
10/6 Correct Buying Review/critique cover letters AOP Practice Six

10/8 NO CLASS;
FALL BREAK

9 10/11 Module 8: Arts Revised cover letter due:

Administration Midnight 10/14
10/13 NFP status
Board of Directors
10/15 Planning/Decision-making AOP Practice Seven

10 10/18 Donors; Development Email communication: discussion

Module 11: 319-320
10/20 Exam #2
10/22 Module 9: Concert AOP Practice Eight
Promotion

11 10/25 Email job opening response due:

Midnight 10/28
10/27 AOP Practice Nine
10/29 CMF; No Class

12 11/1 Module 10: The Business Second generation personal

of Music Education website review: evaluation
11/3 AOP Practice Ten

8/18/21 version 11
 11/5

13 11/8 Interview discussions

Module 11: 321 – 327
11/10
11/12

14 11/15 Negotiation discussions AOP Practice Eleven

Professionalism
Module 11: p 327-329
11/17 Third generation personal
portfolio review: peer reviews
11/19 Exam # 3

15 11/22 – THANKSGIVING
26 BREAK; NO CLASS

16 11/29 AOP Practice Twelve

12/1
12/3 Negotiation assignment due
Final Portfolio Link Due

17 12/8 FINAL EXAM 8:00

(W) A.M.

8/18/21 version 12