A&R: Past, Present & Future

Catalog description

This 14-week course examines how the role of Artists & Repertoire (A&R) has evolved from its early 20th-century roots to the modern music industry. Through historical case studies, students will explore how pioneers like Ralph Peer, John Hammond, and Berry Gordy helped shape the fundamental practices of identifying and developing talent, often inventing the job with little precedent. The class then transitions into the present day, focusing on how technology, streaming, and social media continue to transform A&R strategies and best practices. Throughout the semester, students will study the ethical and business dimensions of A&R—how it has been done both ethically and unethically—and learn how issues like artist discovery, music publishing, and production have shaped (and continue to shape) popular music. In the latter portion of the course, students will become "adjunct A&R representatives" for Pure Tone Records, integrating historical lessons into real-world scouting, research, and pitching of emerging artists. By the end of the term, each student will present an A&R pitch, applying both practical and theoretical insights to discover and propose an artist for potential signing.