TOWARDS A CODE OF ETHICS IN MUSIC: ISSUES IN EDUCATION, MUSIC BUSINESS AND INDUSTRIAL PRACTICE

Issues of professional responsibility within the music industry is not a new phenomenon but industry events to date point to a lack of understanding in relation to rights and duties between contractor and contracted, between participant and performer, and between producer and distributor. A way to negotiate increasing misunderstandings is urgently needed. This article approaches the question of ethical behavior in music as a general urgent need to redress the apparent imbalance within individual working environments, specifically between consumers and customers. Contractual bases of protection may not adequately meet this need and the transmission, reception, dissemination and delivery of music in all its forms may require a code of ethics which is lacking in Malaysia. At minimum, policy considerations should be enshrined in a universal document for the understanding of all to ensure the secure workings of the music industry.