MUS 204—Music and Money

Is great music the product of inner genius, or divine inspiration? Whatever the answer may be, many of our most celebrated composers and songwriters also use their talents to earn a living. To discover how the basic principles of capitalism can influence both the creation and reception of music across a variety of genres, Music and Money takes an objective look at the historical circumstances that have shaped the development of the modern musical marketplace. Through a series of case studies, students will first evaluate the kinds of economic decisions faced not only by composers but also by performers, publishers, and audiences. Students will then explore the professional and artistic consequences of such decisions for musicians and for the music that they produce.