Explore part-time, self-paced online courses designed by the industry professionals at Metalworks Institute—Canada’s premiere school for music and entertainment. Whether you’re diving into audio production, recording, music business, or songwriting, earn a recognized certificate and gain real-world skills from the comfort of your own home.
Course Evaluations:
5 Quizzes & 1 Final Exam
Music Marketing & Distribution is a comprehensive course designed to equip artists, producers, and music professionals with the knowledge and tools needed to successfully market and distribute music in the modern industry. Covering everything from the evolution of digital distribution and global DSP strategies to branding, social media, and monetization, this course provides a step-by-step guide to building a music career in today’s digital landscape. Students will learn how to define their artistic identity, plan strategic releases, pitch to playlists, run effective PR campaigns, and analyze audience data to drive engagement and revenue. Whether navigating independent releases or working with distributors and labels, this course prepares learners to make informed, impactful decisions in a fast-paced and ever-evolving industry.
In this module, we explore the modern music industry, emphasizing its digital-driven landscape and the pivotal role of streaming platforms like Spotify and Apple Music, which dominate 80% of Canadian music consumption. You’ll learn about the industry’s evolution from physical to digital distribution, key players like major and independent labels, and the importance of CanCon compliance for radio airplay and funding. The module covers distribution models (major labels, independent distributors, aggregators), key terms like ISRC codes and royalties, and strategies for leveraging Canadian opportunities like FACTOR grants and YANGAROO’s DMDS to reach global and local audiences.
In this module, we focus on crafting a compelling artist identity and strategic release planning to stand out in a saturated market. You’ll learn how to define your Unique Selling Point (USP), create a cohesive sonic and visual brand, and develop promotional assets like bios, logos, and EPKs. The module provides an 8-week pre-release timeline, emphasizing CanCon-compliant strategies to maximize radio play and playlist visibility. You’ll also explore fan engagement through teasers, pre-saves, and consistent branding across platforms like Spotify and TikTok, tailored to Canadian audiences.
In this module, we dive into digital distribution platforms, the backbone of modern music dissemination. You’ll explore major DSPs like Spotify, Apple Music, and YouTube Music, which drive 80% of Canadian music consumption, and learn how to optimize for CanCon playlists. The module covers aggregators (e.g., DistroKid, TuneCore), direct-to-fan platforms (e.g., Bandcamp), and essential upload requirements like metadata and ISRCs. You’ll also discover how to pitch to editorial, algorithmic, and user-generated playlists to boost discoverability, with a focus on Canadian market strategies.
In this module, we examine social media and PR strategies to amplify your music’s reach and engagement. You’ll learn platform-specific tactics for Instagram, TikTok, YouTube, X, and others, tailored to Canadian audiences and CanCon opportunities. The module covers building an engaged fanbase, creating content calendars, and analyzing metrics with tools like Instagram Insights and Spotify for Artists. You’ll also explore press release writing, media outreach to Canadian outlets like CBC Music, and the pros and cons of hiring versus DIY publicists, leveraging FACTOR funding for campaigns.
In this module, we focus on monetizing your music and leveraging analytics to drive success. You’ll explore streaming royalties (e.g., CAD 0.003–0.015 per stream), sync licensing for film/TV, merchandising, and emerging Web3 opportunities like NFTs. The module emphasizes Canadian-specific revenue streams, such as SOCAN royalties and CanCon-driven sync placements. You’ll also learn how to use analytics tools like Chartmetric and Spotify for Artists to understand fan demographics, optimize marketing, and target Canadian markets effectively, supported by FACTOR funding.
Required Hardware (minimum):
Laptop Computer (PC or Mac)
Specifications:
Minimum 3.0 GHz Processor
16GB RAM (64 Bit)
256GB SSD
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