Exam Task

Final Exam Task: Making Plans

Imagine that you have just submitted your cover song and original composition. You have been added to a popular playlist, and now people all over the world want to see you perform!

To capitalize on this success, you are going to plan the final stop of your world tour and record a showcase set list. You will document all parts of this assignment in a single portfolio document.

Part 1: Community Connections (Resource Mapping)

To get to this point, you have had to be highly resourceful in assembling your own learning tools and network.

Compile a recommended list of resources for someone in your community who wants to learn your instrument. Describe how each item is useful to a developing musician. Include examples of:

• Learning opportunities: These can be formal (e.g., local private lessons, music academies) or informal (e.g., a recurring local open mic night).
• Musical community involvement: Opportunities to engage with local music (e.g., volunteering at a local music festival or community band/choir).
• Work-related opportunities: Local music stores, recording studios, or gig opportunities.

Part 2: Avoiding Pitfalls (Legal Case Study)

Once you start getting some success, you might find yourself the target of people who want to share in your success uninvited. Lawsuits are extremely common in creative industries, and music is no exception.

Research a major music industry lawsuit and write an analysis addressing the following:

1. Case Facts (250–400 words): Review and summarize the facts, the parties involved, and the core arguments of the case.
2. Legal Opinion (150–250 words): Give your opinion on who is legally and ethically in the right based on current copyright or contract laws.
3. Reform and Fairness (150–200 words): Explain whether you believe current laws are fair to artists and society, or if you think there should be changes in how intellectual property is governed in music.

[!TIP] You can choose to research one of the following famous cases, or select another music industry lawsuit:

• Robin Thicke vs. Marvin Gaye Estate ("Blurred Lines")
• Ed Sheeran vs. Marvin Gaye Estate ("Thinking Out Loud")
• Turtles vs. De La Soul (sampling rights)
• Taylor Swift (re-recording masters / catalog ownership rights)

Part 3: Your Concert Plan

1. Venue Selection

Find a real-world venue where you would like to perform the final stop of your world tour. Write a short description (200–250 words) explaining why this specific venue is the perfect place to present your artistic vision and connect with your audience.

2. Performance Rider & Safety Checklist

One of the most famous stories about concert safety is Van Halen's legendary "brown M&M clause" in their technical rider. This clause was not a diva demand, but a rapid safety check: if brown M&Ms were in the bowl, they knew the venue technicians had not read all electrical and structural specifications in the rider, warning them to double-check the entire setup.

There are many things that can go wrong at a live concert—from physical injuries like repetitive strain and staging accidents to crowdsourcing tragedies. Create a detailed safety checklist of items, protocols, and measures that must be present at your venue to ensure your fans, crew, and you stay safe.

3. Audience Guidelines

Depending on your genre, different behaviors are appropriate (e.g., a mosh pit might be expected at a punk rock show, but highly unusual at a quiet chamber jazz concert).

• Outline your expectations for your audience’s behavior.
• Create a specific checklist of guidelines for your security staff to look out for during the show.

4. Concert Crew & Interview Prep

Identify two critical crew positions required to pull off your concert (e.g., Front of House Sound Engineer, Lighting Director, Stage Manager, Tour Manager). For each of the two selected jobs, write 10 target interview questions you would ask candidates to ensure they are qualified and security-conscious.

Part 4: Your Set List Performance Showcase

Choose 2–3 songs (covers, original compositions, or even well-known riffs/sections if you cannot play a whole song) that you want to perform at your concert.

Record yourself performing these pieces in a video showcase, keeping in mind how you want to visually and musically connect with your target audience.