Part-Time Instructor – Entertainment Law & Music Contracts

Description

The San Francisco Conservatory of Music (SFCM) seeks an experienced and engaging Part-Time Instructor to teach Entertainment Law & Music Contracts, a Professional Development (PDV) and Technology and Applied Composition (TAC) cross-listed course designed for performing musicians, composers, media scorers, producers, and emerging arts entrepreneurs.

The ideal candidate will possess a strong background in entertainment law, intellectual property law, music business, artist representation, music contracting, or related professional practice. This instructor will help students develop a practical understanding of the legal, contractual, and business issues they will encounter throughout their careers in music and media.

The course is designed to provide students with an overview of entertainment and music copyright law, contract fundamentals, labor law considerations, artist representation, licensing, negotiation strategies, and emerging legal trends impacting the music industry. While the course does not provide legal advice, it equips students with the knowledge necessary to identify common legal issues and confidently engage with attorneys, agents, managers, contractors, and employers.

Primary Responsibilities

• Teach and facilitate weekly course sessions on entertainment law, copyright, contracts, licensing, labor law, and negotiation.
• Develop engaging lectures, discussions, case studies, and practical exercises relevant to contemporary music careers.
• Guide students through real-world examples involving musicians, composers, media scorers, recording artists, independent contractors, and arts organizations.
• Evaluate written assignments and provide constructive feedback.
• Prepare and administer assessments and final evaluations.
• Maintain regular communication with students and respond promptly to questions and concerns.
• Foster an inclusive, supportive, and professional learning environment.
• Collaborate with PDV and TAC faculty and staff to ensure course alignment with student career development goals.
• Stay current on emerging issues and trends in entertainment law, copyright, licensing, labor relations, technology, AI, and digital media.

Course Topics

The instructor will cover areas including:

• Common contract terms and contract fundamentals
• Copyright law and intellectual property protection
• Music-specific copyright considerations
• Licensing, permissions, and rights management
• Enforcement and protection of intellectual property
• Attorneys, agents, managers, and artist representation
• Labor law and union considerations within the performing arts industry
• Contract negotiation principles and deal points
• Emerging trends in entertainment and music law
• Ethical and professional considerations for musicians and creative professionals

Requirements

• Demonstrated knowledge of U.S. copyright law and entertainment industry contracting, management, and agency practices.
• Experience working with musicians, composers, media composers, recording artists, performing arts organizations, production companies, or arts institutions.
• Strong presentation, communication, and teaching skills.
• Ability to translate complex legal concepts into practical, accessible guidance for students.
• Strong organizational skills and responsiveness.

Preferred

• Juris Doctor (J.D.) degree from an accredited law school or significant professional experience in entertainment law, music business affairs, music contracting, licensing, artist representation, or intellectual property management.
• Licensed attorney with a concentration in Entertainment Law, Intellectual Property Law, Media Law, or related practice areas.
• Experience representing musicians, composers, songwriters, producers, media composers, or arts organizations.
• Knowledge of union and labor considerations affecting musicians, including recording, touring, orchestral, theater, and media industries.
• Previous teaching, guest lecturing, mentoring, or professional training experience.
• Familiarity with contracts and licensing related to film, television, gaming, streaming platforms, and digital media.
• Active professional network within the entertainment, music, media, or legal communities.

Ideal Candidate Attributes

• Passionate about supporting the next generation of musicians and creative professionals.
• Practical, solutions-oriented educator with strong industry knowledge.
• Collaborative and student-centered.
• Professional, ethical, and approachable.
• Organized and dependable.
• Able to connect classroom concepts to current industry realities and career pathways.

Position Details

• Part-Time Position
• Hourly rate:  $152.10 per classroom hour

How to Apply

We prefer to receive applications through our website. This position will be posted until filled.

About SFCM

The San Francisco Conservatory of Music is one of the nation's leading music institutions, committed to preparing students for successful and sustainable careers in the evolving music industry. Through the Professional Development Department (PDV), students gain access to innovative coursework, experiential learning opportunities, and industry engagement that bridges artistic excellence with professional success.

Equal Opportunity Employer

SFCM is a fully committed equal employment opportunity institution and welcomes applications from all qualified persons, including those who consider themselves to be of a race, national origin or ancestry that is not fully represented in musical arts programs in the United States.  Personnel decisions regarding applicants for employment are made without regard to race, color, religion, marital status, national origin, ancestry, sex, sexual orientation, physical or mental disability, medical condition (including cancer and genetic characteristics), status as a Vietnam-era veteran or special disabled veteran, age, citizenship, or any other consideration made unlawful by federal, state and local laws.