The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame + Museum


“Takin’ Care of Business:” An Introduction to Financial Literacy

Suggested Grade Level:  7-12

Students know exactly what music is on their iPods, but they rarely understand that the artistry and glitter of superstardom depends upon a complex business network that must remain financially stable. This class will take students behind the scenes with a real-world simulation that puts them in the shoes of a rock band’s tour manager. In the class activity, students will apply mathematical and financial concepts to help manage a fictional band through a cross-country tour.  This will involve weighing some serious financial concerns about profit and loss: What expenses might they have to budget for? Where will the money come from? How will they respond as managers when ticket sales are lower than expected? Any number of scenarios might affect the tour budget and thus their company’s bottom line.

Related Standards:  Mathematics, Social Studies, Fine Arts-Music

Interested?  Click here to book this program!

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Video Resources

Videos are offered as supplemental content to classes.

Director of Curatorial Affairs Howard Kramer talks about the marketing strategy of rock and roll pioneer, Elvis Presley.

See below for additional video resources related to this class.

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Selected Song List

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Class Resources



Additional Resources


Documents


Students were able to realize the value of setting financial goals and making financial decisions
- A high school marketing teacher in McMurray, PA
I teach a financial management class and the material covered in this video conference strongly aligns with the material we are covering in class. I like that the students had to keep a running ledger to see how their band was doing financially.
- A high school finance teacher in Batavia, NY
Well planned program, gave a complete overview of music business with practical applications of basic economic skills
- A 6th grade Economics teacher in Oak Hill, OH