Program Reflection Assignment

Media Literacy and Research Methodologies

This class was the where I learn about the beginning stages of team management, how to create a professional learning network, and a research paper. The team management assignment was a collective effort by the team I was working with. The assignment was great due to it being simple in the approach. It was my favorite assignment because it forced us as students to communicate with one another, especially since we were online students and did not have to communicate with each other in person like most campus students. We were required to do a simple keynote presentation where each participant was required to bring information to complete the assignment. The research paper was a way to tell the instructors about the field of choice that I was interested in as a student. I chose music publishing and licensing as the area of interest.

Executive Leadership

I read the books “48 Laws of Power” and “Developing the LeaderWithin You”. I had read the 48 Laws of Power book some years ago and it was refreshing to reread a book that essentially breaks down different areas of life to attain power from people. I can say that the book maybe an old text, but it is so relevant in today’s time. The greatest lesson that I learned from this book is law #1 “Never Outshine The Master”.

In the book by John Maxwell “Developing the Leader From Within”, I learned how to be a better leader by learning to seek, pursue, and help others pursue the desires that they maybe passionate about. I learned that I could learn to be a great leader by practicing principle that will make me a better leader. I have to learn how to dig deep in myself and become the leader that I know that I already am. This book made me question myself and if I was being a good leader in my personal life.

Project and Team Management

Project and Team Management really required that all team members participate in making a proposal for a potential client. The experience left me feeling like I understood the different levels of project management. I notice right off the back that all of us wanted to be the leader in the beginning of the project. As time passed the group began to form and people started to accept the roles and responsibilities involved with the project. We were a group of 5 and all have a fair amount of the responsibilities. The final stages were interesting as deadlines were due and time management was a great factor in completing the assignment. All team members were required to complete there part of the project in order to complete the assignment. The project was named “Coca- Cola Free Style”

Business Storytelling and Brand Development

In this class, I worked on a company overview of Milan Music Publishing. It required that I research the music publishing industry. In this assignment I worked on showing that I understood the market, how to make a SWOT analysis, market research, target market, competitive analysis, and a positing statement.

Here is a link if you are interested in reading it:
https://docs.google.com/open?id=0B6D7N1hVJW2VcEJoX1h1N3VZZXM 

I also learned how to build a personal brand strategy. This assignment helped realized that I am brand just like any other brand. The only difference in it is, I am the person that is responsible for building my brand via social media and other formats. I also was able to see that this class was instrumental in me communicating to the world that I am and what skill sets I offer. I really like this class and constantly update my brand identity. I have left a link below for those that are interested in viewing a keynote of my brand strategy.

Entertainment Finance

This class was great in regards to learning how to understand the importance of business finance. This showed me how to read financial data that will enable me the opportunity to make whatever changes I need to make concerning financial data for my company. I learned that I have to make sound financial decisions based on the information that the financials represent. I learned about startup costs, sales, payroll taxes, depreciation, Interest expenses, funding sources, performance measurement, sales projections, and analysis. I absolutely loved this class and wish I could have taken it twice. It did not really click until after the class was over, however it just shows that when you learn something it is there forever.

Negotiation and Deal Making

Negotiating is one of the most important assets a business owner will need in order to be successful in business. This class showed me how to negotiate is different roles such as manager vs. artist and actor vs. producer. The main thing that I got from this class is how to go into a situation to negotiate. Being prepared and being ready for negotiation and having rebuttals for anything that you think that opposition may throw at you during negotiations. I learned about confidentiality, non-competition, and non-solicitation agreements. These are all thing that can help a business owner succeed.

Product and Artist Management

Product and Artist management required us to read the book “The Business of Artist Management”. This book talked about the ins and outs of the of artists management from an artists point of view and the manager. Some topics in this book were music publishing, live performances, merchandising, and getting a record deal. This book will stay close to me as music publishing is all about management of the artist and managers best asset, which is their music. It talks about music publishing in great detail. I must say that this is a must read for all that are interested in learning about artist management.

Advanced Entertainment Law

I did not know anything about entertainment law and how to read a case of any kind until I was in this class. I can say with certainty that I now know how to research a case with just the case number and find out any information I need about the case. I learned how to break that case down and explain to someone else the key points of a case. I learned about intellectual property as it pertains to the business and industry of music publishing. I learned that a copyright is the intellectual property for a music licensing and publishing company. I reviewed a case by the name of Unpaid Digital Royalties: F.B.T. Productions, LLC vs Aftermath Entertainment. Learned every of this case, which was a case of copyright infringement. This case was ruled in favor of F.B.T. Productions, and it was a landmark case for recording arts and composers in the music industry. Here is a link to the research paper if you would like to read it.

https://docs.google.com/open?id=0B6D7N1hVJW2VdUlDSUR4RFNta00

Entertainment Media Publishing and Distribution

We worked on a press kit, press kit bio, and query letter. I really enjoyed this class as it gave me a sense of empowment when seeing the vision of my company come to life. This also let me know that when releasing a press release, you are ready to do business and it is time to “put your money where your mouth is”. We were to write a paper on the business strategy of the company that included the executive summary of the music publishing company. It also covers the distribution strategy for the music publishing industry. Here is a link to the research paper if you are interested in reading it. https://docs.google.com/open?id=0B6D7N1hVJW2Vb3RmVUI4cHB5aHM

Digital Marketing

This class was an eye opener. I learned that in order to have a successful website or blog, you must understand Search Engine Optimization and digital marketing. SEO is the most important element a website has at its disposal. This helps a website reach a large audience and brings awareness to a site and attract more followers. I learned how to make a digital marketing plan. I was taken back on this subject. I am still amazed that digital marketing has become the marketing tool of choice for today’s entrepreneurs. I wonder where will digital marketing will be in 5-10 years.

Business Plan Development

I was ready for this class. That is all I can say. I was mentally prepared for this class because I had just completed it the year before working on my bachelors. I like how the instructors were more laid back and I was able to work with a clear mind to complete the business plan. There was nothing really to learn in this class because we as students had to take all that we learned before this class an implement it in this one class. The most important thing that I got from this class is being prepared. Preparedness started in the other classes that we took throughout the year to complete the business plan.

Final Project: Business Plan

This has been a great accomplishment for me in completing a master’s degree. My goal is to walk away from this situation ready to become the businessman that I know I can become and be the best at what I do. I want to thank those teachers before this class for preparing me for this last class. I learned how to finish what I started. I want to thank all the staff for their professionalism. I learned that this school produces some of the best talent on the world.