Music Publishing

Music Publishing covers the basics of how a composition is copyrighted, published, and promoted. When we think of publishing, we often think of the printed, physical form-- sheet music-- that a composition may take. However, publishing in the music business goes far beyond the physical sheet--it includes live performance and mechanical (recording) rights, and income streams from licensing deals of various kinds. A single song can generated over 30 different royalty streams, and a writer must know how these royalties are calculated and who controls the flow of the money.Taking a practical approach, the authors--one a successful music publisher and attorney, the other a songwriter and music business professor--explain in simple terms the basic concept of copyright law as it pertains to compositions. They examine the sources of income, the typical music publishing agreements, and explore some "e;myths"e; about music publishing, offering advice as to when to sign with a publisher. Throughout, they give practical examples from "e;real world"e; situations that illuminate both potential pitfalls and possible upsides for the working composers.Music Publishing is a must-read for anyone who composes music and wants to reach a broader audience, as well as to students taking course in music business.