Young Producers Group - Music Industry 8-week Mini-Curriculum

Music Industry

A first of its kind K-12 curriculum that sheds light on the confusing and often fraught business side of music. Concepts like copyright, contracts, royalties, fees, what an artist’s team should look like, etc. are hardly discussed at the college level, much less in high-school.

Students that complete this curriculum will have the practical knowledge they need to start building a sustainable career and exploit their intellectual property, without getting exploited themselves! 

Interviews with GRAMMY-winning, multi-platinum professionals give students real, actionable insight into the music industry.

• Grades: 6-12

• Cost: $1000/year

Get FREE access to each unit with videos from each industry professional, glossaries, other learning tools now!

Curriculum Overview

This 8-week curriculum gives students a clear, accessible introduction to how the modern music industry works, and how artists and professionals build sustainable careers within it. Through interviews with GRAMMY-winning creatives and industry experts, students learn the essentials of copyright, music law, career development, and the creative process behind professional music-making.

The YPG Music Industry Curriculum can supplement any music, arts, or CTE course. It helps career-minded students understand the business forces shaping today’s industry and gives them a crucial head start as they build their own career paths

Key Concepts:

The Creative Process in the Industry

Students explore how music industry professionals approach the creative process, including collaboration, decision-making, and the roles different team members play in shaping a project.

The Recording Engineer

Students examine the interpersonal and professional responsibilities of a recording engineer, focusing on communication, trust-building, and collaboration with artists and producers to support strong performances.

Copyright

Students gain insight into how the music industry operates by studying the fundamentals of copyright, including ownership, usage rights, and how creative work is protected.

Introduction to Music Law

Students learn about the role of music lawyers and how legal professionals support artists, producers, and labels through contracts, negotiations, and rights management.

Careers in the Music Industry

Students discover career pathways in the industry, including behind-the-scenes roles that extend beyond performing and producing.