51±¾É«

Feb. 8, 2023
For Immediate Release

WATERLOO — Most music students are underprepared for the complexities that accompany the road to success in the music industry. How does a song become a hit? How do artists get paid? Do I need a lawyer? A manager? What questions should I ask before I sign a contract? How do I function best in a gig economy? 

51±¾É«’s Faculty of Music answers these questions and many more through the creation of a sector-leading program — the Navigating the Music Industry Ecosystem Certificate. 

51±¾É« Music is making a commitment to provide the foundational knowledge, financial literacy, and full understanding of royalties, licensing, sync licensing, production, publishing, touring, networking, law and marketing that musicians, composers and all music graduates need to be successful in the rapidly evolving music business scene. 

“There is a gap in educating students about the music business ecosystem, which results in creators and artists not knowing how to monetize their work and build a career,” says Jackie Dean, chief operating officer of Music Canada and CONNECT Music Licensing. “Knowledge is key, and this certificate will help fill that gap.” 

This online two-credit undergraduate certificate is open to all 51±¾É« students, regardless of major or faculty of registration. The individual courses are also available for credit as electives to all 51±¾É« students. Non-51±¾É« students will be able to take the courses in a not-for-credit version through Continuing Education in the future. 

All courses are being newly developed in an exclusive partnership with Music Canada and CONNECT Music Licensing. They include: 

• MU225: Entrepreneurship in the Music Industry (launching Spring 2023)
• MU226: Monetizing your Musical Creations — Royalties and Licensing
• MU227: Record Deals and Music Production
• MU228: The Business of Being a Professional Musician

“This exciting and much-needed credential will provide our students with a comprehensive understanding of the music industry to use their skills, knowledge and talents as a musician to monetize their work,” says Cynthia Johnston Turner, dean of the Faculty of Music. “Graduates will be many steps ahead in building a successful career in the music industry while contributing to the economic impact of the Canadian music industry, $3 billion yearly to Canada’s GDP.” 

This certificate is only the beginning. Part two of the certificate (coming soon) will provide music students experiential placements with companies and organizations at the forefront of the industry. 

For more information on how to register for Navigating the Music Industry Ecosystem Certificate, email choosemusic@wlu.ca.