My Rights as a Music Creator
Understanding and Negotiating Contracts in the Music Business


Whether it is a concert contract, a composition commission, a publishing contract, or collaboration with agencies and labels – musicians and composers sign numerous contracts over the course of their careers. But what should you pay attention to before you sign?

This workshop conveys the most important basics of contract law in the music field and shows which clauses deserve particular attention. You will learn to understand typical types of contracts, identify risks at an early stage, and negotiate contract terms with confidence.

Using real-life examples from the music industry, we will discuss questions relating to fees, usage rights, concert cancellations, liability, exclusivity, and contract amendments. The aim is not merely to sign contracts, but to be able to assess their legal and financial consequences.


Objectives

  • Distinguish between the most important types of contracts in the music field using sample contracts (mica)
  • Understand the rights and obligations of contracting parties, as well as the "Code of Ethics"
  • Understand usage rights and the transfer of rights
  • Make sense of fees, expenses, and payment terms
  • Understand provisions on cancellation, non-performance, and liability
  • Apply practical tips for negotiating contracts
     

An offer from the University of Music and Performing Arts Graz in collaboration with mica - music austria.
 

Markus Deisenberger © Maria Frodl


Course lecturer Markus Deisenberger

Markus Deisenberger is a lawyer and specialist at mica for legal and career counseling, and, among other things, an expert in contract law, copyright law, and collecting societies.

 

Nuri Nurbachsch © Maria Frodl


Course lecturer Nuri Nurbachsch

Since 1999, Nuri Nurbachsch has pursued his professional path in the diverse world of music. In 2024, he founded his management and publishing agency, Am Leben, after stepping down from his role as Head of A&R at Sony Music. Before that, he was responsible for marketing repertoire from the United Kingdom, Scandinavia, France, and other parts of Europe at Warner Music. In addition, he provides consulting services at mica – music austria, gives talks on topics in the music business, is a founding member of two DJ collectives, and has organized live concerts, to name just a few examples. There is one common denominator running through this brief excerpt from his career: music.

Webinar

 


Date
FR, 13.11.2026
09:30 am – 11 am 

Location
online via Zoom

ECTS
The workshop, including preparation and follow-up, counts as 2h of 60 minutes each for the Career Center elective

Registration 
From September 2026 at careercenter@mdw.ac.at