SAMRO, Wits offer music-publishing course
The University of the Witwatersrand, in partnership with the Southern African Music Rights Organisation (SAMRO), has developed a part-time course - titled Business Principles of Songwriting and Music Publishing to be offered at Wits from 17 February 2010. SAMRO accredits and moderates the classes.
This targeted music-publishing NQF Level 5 course is aimed at emerging South African music entrepreneurs who work or wish to work in music publishing, administration and marketing or who are looking to broaden their knowledge of creating, selling and promoting songs in a commercial environment.
It will benefit songwriters, aspirant independent music publishers and others seeking to enhance their understanding of some of the industry's complexities and technicalities. These include music copyright laws, music-publishing contracts, the financial and administrative aspects of the business, the promotion of musical works, the role of collective management organisations and essential life skills for those involved in the music industry.
Course details
- Evening classes at the Wits West Campus in Braamfontein, Johannesburg
- Start 17 February 2010 at 6pm for 14 consecutive weeks - a single semester
- One 2-3 hour lecture per week
- Registration for the first semester closes on 15 January 2010
- Course can accommodate 25 applicants per semester
- Prospective students who miss the first intake can enrol for July 2010 semester
- Cost of course is R5 120
- SAMRO is sponsoring five bursaries for SAMRO members or for people employed by SAMRO publisher members - these will be awarded at the discretion of Wits
- Students receive a certificate from Wits upon successful competition of course and final exam
According to course facilitator Jonathan Shaw, who successfully run a related short course on music management and marketing through Wits Plus for the past five years, he and SAMRO identified a need to develop intellectual capital on the business side of the South African music industry, a specialised area that is neglected by most academic business qualifications.
For more information and to obtain an application form, visit www.witsplus.wits.ac.za, or e-mail , tel +27 (0) 11 717-9500/3 or visit the Wits Plus office.
