Music Business at BCIT

3, The Career Incubator
(Level 1 is a prerequisite for Levels 2 & 3)

The music business has shifted dramatically in recent years and artists are now empowered to manage their own careers. The new model reduces the need to rely on the old machine of labels, promoters, and publishing companies and puts all the tools into the artist’s hands. This course is designed for those interested in the music business, whether as an artist or simply interested in helping develop talent. Classes are held at the downtown Vancouver campus. Each course is 12 weeks, on Wednesday nights from 6-9pm. Credits are transferable to other BCIT diploma and degree programs. The instructor is the Executive Director at Music Heals, and utilizes the same techniques in class that he uses on the job every day. He has 10 years of experience at a major label, ran his own indie label, managed bands, was a college radio DJ for over a decade, was the music editor of a local magazine, and spent 3 years as the president of the board of directors at Music BC. Graduate testimonials:

Joel Cottingham, founder of Groundwerk
The BCIT Music Business Program gave me the confidence to find a team and launch groundwerkvancouver.com. The program de-mystified the aspects of the industry that were holding me back: contracts, release schedules, bios, press & marketing, everything that isn't the music and performing. Everything the artist would like to have someone else handle. That was the biggest takeaway - create your own power and authenticity by doing it yourself. Then, connect with others on the same mission. Since taking this program I've moved my DJ career forward, found the collaboration partner I've been looking for years for, and brought together the team that launched the Groundwerk producers monthly meet ups, showcase events, and the Groundwerk label. The confidence to do so and the motivation to take continual action came from this program. It has allowed me to create something that is of value not only to myself, but to the team that produces it and the artist community it fosters. Chris Brandt helped me unlock a major missing piece in my artistic life, and I will pay him back by paying it forward." Sadie Campbell, artist
The Essentials of The Music Business course at BCIT with Chris Brandt was the motivation and education I needed to take the next step in my career. Not only were the classes informative, but it was awesome to be surrounded with like-minded individuals every week, all striving for similar goals and encouraging each other. I would highly recommend to any artist looking to further their career. Elle Wolf, artist, feature voice of Diane Boss, founder of High Tides
I started Chris Brandt’s Music Business course at BCIT a few years ago as a closet songwriter. In my teens I had played the occasion gig and open mic, but to have my own band or headline a show seemed like an impossible dream. Throughout the first semester I gained the confidence, not only from Chris, but from the 'tribe' that was my class mates, and I created 'Elle Wolf'. During the second semester I was not only fronting an indie alt band 'Elle Wolf' but we were now headlining shows. During this time I was introduced to people through Chris that would help guide me into the career of my dreams. By the third semester of Chris's course I became a business adviser for most of my friends’ bands. I started running a band community, 'The High Tides', to help teach others what I had learnt about marketing, grants, social media, touring, labels and basically anything surrounding the business of being in a band. I am doing more than I ever imagined I could do and I give all credit to the knowledge, confidence, courage, guidance, and contacts that Chris's course has given me. I went from 'the world can't beat you down if it doesn't know you exist', to 'I'm going to make the world know I exist' in 3 semesters. Stefan Berrill, producer at Brass Tacks Films (Hedley, Mother Mother, The Harpoonist & The Axe Murderer)
I give the BCIT Music Business course a lot of credit. Chris Brandt's instruction and curriculum gave me exactly the knowledge and understanding of the industry I was looking for to more effectively run my video production company. I'd highly recommend the course to all who are hungry to strive in their field. Michael Averill, artist
The Music Business program at BCIT with Chris Brandt is the most practical, interesting, empowering, entertaining, and useful class I have ever taken. Anyone in the field looking to step up their game and be a part of a likeminded community of doers should start there.