This Business of Music, 10th Edition This Business of Music

Customer Reviews

Music Book

2008-04-27
This book was in excellent condition and full of great information. Shipping was VERY slow on this item. It is pretty technical but probably a must for anyone who is in the music business. I would have given it more stars if it would have arrived sooner.

The bible

2008-03-02
This is the industry standard for substantive knowledge of the music business. Deal points, standard contract provisions, the often technical and confusing jargon, and the historical context for many industry practices are all covered here in comprehensive yet concise fashion. The book comes with a CD-ROM containing sample agreements, forms from the United States Copyright Office, and forms from the three performing rights societies. A must for those seeking to understand day-to-day business and legal operations in the music industry. The material can be a little daunting, and at first might seem impenetrable. Multiple reads of a particular chapter or paragraph are often necessary to fully grasp the relevant subject matter. But that's a testament to the complexity of the various segments of the music industry, not the skill of the authors, who are experienced music law practitioners.

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A popular pick.

2007-10-06
Now in its 10th edition, THIS BUSINESS OF MUSIC has been completely revised and updated to reflect the latest changes in the music business, and provides powerful survey which includes major changes in digital technology and how music has been distributed. Any who would keep making, promoting and successfully selling music needs THIS BUSINESS OF MUSIC: it provides musicians, agents, managers and music publishers with the latest industry insights, covering legal and business issues and covering contracts, royalties and much more. Both college-level collections strong in music studies and business and general-interest public lending libraries will find it a popular pick.

New and somewhat improved

2007-09-24
This warhorse of a textbook still gives you the information you need when you need it. My one complaint is that it's still written in a very user unfriendly language. It just seems to me that this book can explain things with a little simpler English.

There are some good additions/changes to reflect current changes in the industry.

However, if you are a novice trying to get a feel for the machinations of the music industry, there are better books out there.

A standard reference work for music professionals

2007-09-06
I have owned several editions of this book through the years. I am impressed with this tenth edition of a standard reference work that I point my students toward (I am a composer and a professor of music involved with production and recording).
Ever wonder about the potential legal issues involved in publishing a compilation? Or covering a famous song? The finer points of movie soundtrack copyright? Or perhaps you are confused about terms often used but poorly understood by most musicians, such as mechanical rights or what constitutes a work for hire.
As far as updates, I am pleased to see a discussion of digital downloads, the legal issues and battles involved, and their share of the music business pie. There are lists of labels distributed by the four majors-- I didn't know that Caroline and Astralwerks are both owned by EMI, for example-- as well as the inclusion of contemporary phenomena such as the South by Southwest Festival, ascendant in recent years.
But the most important aspect of this book to me is the authoritative voice of a seasoned New York City entertainment lawyer who has been around for a long time and manages to stay abreast of new trends and practices.
In short: highly recommended.

This Business of Music is fascinating!

2007-09-04

Now in its tenth edition, This Business of Music has been revised and completely updated to reflect the latest changes in the ever-evolving music business. Every chapter has been revised. An entirely new chapter has been added, asking and answering the question "Are there borders in cyberspace?" The answer is yes, and the book clearly and concisely explains what they are and how to maintain them. Commentary on recent legislation, a reader-friendly summary of the laws on copyright duration, and much more insightful analysis--plus fully updated lists of music organizations and important websites--make This Business of Music indispensable for musicians, agents, managers, marketers, music publishers and groups, colleges and universities, and everyone who wants to make music and make money.

A Worthless Investment

2007-08-18
This old chestnet has been revised so many times - and in this edition so badly - that I had to return my copy. No anecdotal or empiral information, no up to date examples, full of mistakes and outdated data. If they want this book to survive they need to start all over and not revise it based on other books and old files. Barely high school level - certainly not for anyone in the music business or wanting to enter it.
This from a professional writer, producer and publisher.