A self-study course on the law behind the music — copyright, contracts and the commercial questions that decide what your work pays back.
The music industry is a complicated place, and the law governs how your works are used. The course gives you an overview of the principles so you can identify, protect and actually earn from what you create.
The aim
To give you an overview of music law and the contracts that concern you as a practitioner — in language you can use in a real negotiation, not just in theory.
What the course covers
FOUNDATIONS — assets and value, who the players in the industry are and how they relate to each other, basic copyright, trademark law, and running an artist business.
MAIN CONTRACTS — record deals, publishing deals, management agreements, 360 deals and producer agreements.
OTHER CONTRACTS — merchandise, sponsorship, guest artist and live performance agreements.
What you take away
- A clear view of what copyright protects — and what it does not
- The common contract types in the industry and what to look for in them
- An understanding of how the players make money, and where you sit in that chain
- The questions to ask before you sign
Who is it for?
Practitioners in the music industry — producers, composers, musicians and the like — who want to know more about copyright and contracts.
Course leaders
Emil Winkler is an entertainment lawyer and the founder of Crown Entertainment Law, an experienced and widely used adviser representing clients both in Sweden and internationally.
Hampus Ekström is a lawyer at Crown Entertainment Law, representing clients in music and film.
How self-study works
The course is entirely web-based. Once accepted you get an account in Kulturakademin’s learning platform Learnster, where all the material sits together — video, text, exercises and links. You work through it when, where and at the pace you like, and you can pause and come back. Finish it and you get a certificate automatically.
Practical details
- Format: self-study online, at your own pace
- Course period: 20 April – 31 December 2026
- Language: Swedish
- Kostnadsfritt if you are registered in Västra Götaland or Region Halland. Otherwise SEK 1,900, paid before the course starts.
- Rolling admission — apply by 31 December 2026
Produced by Kulturakademin with support from Kulturrådet, Västra Götalandsregionen, Region Halland and Förvaltningen för kulturutveckling.
How to apply
Applications go to Kulturakademin through the link on this page. Applications are accepted on a rolling basis if you meet the basic criteria. Questions about the course? Contact Erik Bergstrand at Kulturakademin, erik@kulturakademin.com.
