Mia Estelle

Music Publishing

Gained a strong working knowledge of music publishing and copyright as the economic foundation of songwriting, including mechanical, public performance, and synchronization rights. Learned how royalties are generated, licensed, collected, and split between writers and publishers, with hands-on understanding of PROs (ASCAP, BMI, SESAC, GMR), the MLC, and publishing deal structures such as administration, co-publishing, and full publishing agreements. Developed practical skills in song pitching strategy, creative evaluation, and licensing negotiations, as well as how publishing functions as long-term, passive income and a core asset in the music industry.

Follow The Money

Developed practical skills in live music finance and tour accounting, including analyzing ticket and merchandise settlements, calculating gross and net box office receipts, and applying artist, manager, agent, promoter, and venue revenue splits. Gained hands-on experience using Excel to build and interpret financial models, apply formulas, and track expenses, guarantees, commissions, deposits, and deductions. Learned how industry contracts such as controlled composition clauses, audit rights, versus deals, and merchandising agreements affect artist earnings, and how to evaluate financial outcomes across touring, merchandising, and label service deals.

Royalty Analysis 

Completed advanced coursework in music industry financial literacy, developing practical skills in analyzing music royalty statements, performing basic and advanced royalty calculations, and evaluating historical royalty earnings for copyright asset sales and acquisitions. Created a comprehensive financial management portfolio in accordance with U.S. Small Business Administration guidelines, including Profit and Loss statements, Cash Flow statements, Balance Sheets, and monthly breakeven analyses. Gained additional knowledge in industry-specific finance, taxation, management science, and long-term financial and retirement planning tailored to the unique economic structures of the music industry.