This textbook investigates the transformation of the global music industry from its early analog roots to the modern digital marketplace. It examines the industry's shift from tangible products like compact discs to digital downloads and streaming, demonstrating how strategies to curb piracy and technological advancements have shaped music distribution and consumption. The book also examines the cultural and business implications of music creation in a digital age, where traditional roles have been displaced by accessible technology.

This text provides readers with an exploration of the music publishing industry, detailing its history, business practices, and legal considerations. Beginning by detailing the impact of the printing press on the distribution of music, the book then progresses through the development of copyright laws and the advent of new technologies influencing the preservation and dissemination of creative works.