Industry Expert Blog

My business works primarily with the classical entertainment industry. I asked attorney David Bercuson, specialized entertainment law attorney, in Miami, Fl several questions in reference to how he felt with the classical music industry today. I am in agreement with the attorney that the industry is a dying but new age industry. Without classical music you wouldn’t have new age music, rock, and 20^th century music. Many musicians start with classical training and find their way from there.

Classical musicians are not credited, as they should. On the other hand classical musicians really are out dated with marketing themselves as musicians. Classical musicians are usually educated as musicians but not from the business point of view. With this said my business would be a stepping stool for these musicians to start their path as a musician. The attorney stated that many problems that musicians come across are when musicians try to manage themselves. He also commented that musicians should always come to an attorney before they sign any type of contract for a proper review of the document. He stated, “ Musicians need to be careful what they sign;” lets not forget it is important for a musician to know what he/she is signing.

In addition, I asked attorney Bercuson how the music industry is being affected and he stated that the classical music industry did fall behind but they are coming into plays. Nowadays the classical industry is going to be more commercial. For example, classical singers are getting more modern songs and performing them because it is more commercial. The attorney stated that one of the things that I might have issues with is copyright infringement. It is always important to make sure what the laws state about the right to use other’s work. For instance, it is imperative to get permission to use someone’s original work. Without this, one can find oneself in a difficult legal situation. Mr. Bercuson was a great pleasure to speak with. His experience and kind words really opened my eyes towards my business goals. 

Law

“Lawsuit Targets Facebook Privacy Issues”

Facebook is one of the largest social media networking sites in the world. If you have a Facebook account does that mean all your information is broadcasted? Well if you don’t have the right privacy buttons pressed you might be open for everyone to see. There was a lawsuit with different people stating that their information had been stolen from Facebook and used in different websites. The victims stated that prior to these actions, they felt that Facebook was a safe environment and that their information was kept private.

This lawsuit is rather interesting. It is true that if information is placed on the web, you will always be at risk of someone taking and using the information. For example, people have had their credit cards stolen and used. The Internet is a power full source and it’s taking over. In my opinion, the lawsuit is difficult to fight against because the plaintiff should know that there is only so much privacy that you can through the Internet.

 “Social Networking Controversy in Missouri Schools”

Missouri has confronted a major controversy with the school board and social networks. They are passing a law stating that teachers of administrators can’t be involved with any kind of social network if they are part of the school board. However, teachers and administrators do have the right to maintain a social life outside of the school board.

I understand that they are trying to prevent communication with students outside of school grounds, but if they are going to maintain contact it can also be done in person or via text messaging. In my opinion, if the teacher is going to do something inappropriate, it will be done with or without social networking. Teachers are already underpaid; there shouldn’t be restrictions on their social lives as well.

 “Universal to sue online music site Grooveshark for copyright infringement”

Universal is suing Grooveshark which is a website used to download music and upload music. Universal states that they have been pirating music and they have proof. The Grooveshark website states that they have no control over what their fans post. They are protected through the digital millennium copyright act.

I feel that Universal did the right thing in suing Grooveshark. I don’t think it’s fair for musicians to be cheated on their work. Music is an art; without it life would have a sense of emptiness. Websites like Grooveshark allows people to steal from artists around the world regardless of the way that the music gets uploaded and downloaded.

Links:

http://communications-media.lawyers.com/privacy-law/Lawsuit-Target-Facebook-Privacy-Issues.html

http://wjlta.wordpress.com/2011/11/06/social-networking-controversy-in-missouri-schools/

http://www.nme.com/news/various-artists/60499