A&R: Past, Present & Future -- a Deep Dive into the Recording Industry
MUSC 270
Fall 2026
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01
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Have you ever wondered how the recording industry really works and how hits become hits? This course will teach you everything you've ever wanted to know about A&R (Artists & Repertoire) as the engine that has driven the music business since the 19th century. Beginning with the invention of recorded sound, we'll trace the evolution of the business -- musically and technologically -- through current day. We'll study the formats of recorded music (both physical and digital) alongside of the colorful characters who brought them and the songs within to the public. The second half of the course transitions from theory to practice, with students taking on the role of adjunct A&R representatives for Pure Tone Records, studying contemporary A&R methods and applying lessons from the past. The course culminates in students discovering and pitching new artists for potential signing. Course taught by two-time Grammy award-winning music producer and A&R executive Pete Ganbarg (Wes class of '88). |
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| Credit: 1 |
Gen Ed Area Dept:
HA MUSC |
| Course Format: Lecture / Discussion | Grading Mode: Graded |
| Level: UGRD |
Prerequisites: None |
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Fulfills a Requirement for: (Music) |
| SECTION 01 |
Major Readings: Wesleyan RJ Julia Bookstore
Readings will come from a selection of the below titles: 1. The Producer: John Hammond and the Soul of American Music - Dunstan Prial 2. Ralph Peer and the Making of Popular Roots Music - Barry Mazor 3. Morris Levy: Godfather Of The Music Business - Richard Carlin 4. The Soundtrack of My Life - Clive Davis 5. Rhythm and the Blues: A Life in American Music - Jerry Wexler and David Ritz 6. Hit Men: Power Brokers and Fast Money Inside the Music Business - Fredric Dannen
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Examinations and Assignments:
There will be multiple quizzes as well as multiple papers on 1) A&R pioneers and 2) issues focused on A&R in the modern-day. Students will also scout and present A&R pitches to Prof. Ganbarg's record label, Pure Tone Music as final projects. |
Additional Requirements and/or Comments:
A fanatical interest in 1) the history of contemporary music and 2) why and how songs become hits and artists become superstars is essential for students enrolling in this class. |
| Instructor(s): Ganbarg,Pete Times: ...W... 11:50AM-02:40PM; Location: RINGHALL; |
| Total Enrollment Limit: 40 | | SR major: 7 | JR major: 7 | | |
| | GRAD: X | SR non-major: 7 | JR non-major: 7 | SO: 6 | FR: 6 |
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