Enter HighBand

Music, Money, and Success at the LA Recording School

Students of The Los Angeles Recording School were recently treated to an informative visit from music industry experts Jeff and Todd Brabec - twin brothers who are also co-authors of the best-selling book MUSIC, MONEY, AND SUCCESS: The Insider's Guide to Making Money in the Music Industry. Currently, Jeff is Vice President of Business Affairs at Chrysalis Music Group, while Todd serves as Executive Vice President and Director of Membership for ASCAP (American Society of Composers, Authors and Publishers).

During their highly interactive class, Jeff and Todd gave students a “crash course” in music publishing and answered questions on a variety of topics, including copyright law, licensing, artist and songwriter royalties for all forms of media – from film, television and theatre, to video games, toys and ringtones.

“No matter what choice of career you pursue in this industry, you have to know how every part of the business works,” Todd said to the class. His brother Jeff added, “Music is not only a creative asset, it is an economic asset.”

A former recording artist, songwriter and legal services attorney, Jeff previously served as V.P. of Business Affairs for The PolyGram Music Group and Director of Business Affairs for both The Welk Music Group and Arista-Interworld Music Group. In his current position at the Chrysalis Music Group, he evaluates, analyzes and negotiates music publishing acquisitions and advertising commercial licensing agreements for chart writers/recording artists. He has represented the catalogues of several artists including, Elvis, Billy Idol, David Lee Roth and OutKast.

Also a former recording artist and entertainment law attorney, Todd has served on the Boards of the L.A. Chapter of NARAS, the Academy of Country Music and the California Copyright Conference. In his current position with ASCAP, Todd is in charge of the Society's membership operations throughout the world.

Graduates of the New York University School of Law, the Brabecs also teach at the USC Thornton School of Music. Their book recently received the Deems Taylor Award for excellence in music journalism.

“It is extremely satisfying to tell people what really happens in the music world,” Jeff said. “To have someone appreciate the information we offer means a lot.”

For more information on Jeff and Todd Brabec and their best-selling book, click here.