What is music publishing?

Music publishing is one of the crucial aspects of the music industry, responsible for managing the rights of songwriters and composers. It involves the creation, protection, and promotion of musical works. The process ensures that creators receive fair compensation for their work and that their music is used legally and properly. In this article, we'll delve into the details of what music publishing entails, and explore the various opportunities for jobs within the Music Publishers Association.

The Basics of Music Publishing

Music publishing involves several key steps:

• Songwriting and Composition: It all begins with the creation of a musical work, whether it's a song, soundtrack, or instrumental piece. This is the raw product that will be managed and distributed.
• Copyright Registration: To protect their work, songwriters and composers register their compositions with a copyright office, ensuring they have legal rights over their creations.
• Licensing: This involves granting permissions for others to use the music. There are different types of licenses, including mechanical, synchronization, and performance licenses, each allowing various uses of the music.
• Royalty Collection: Music publishers collect and distribute royalties to creators whenever their music is used, ensuring they get paid for their work. This can include performance royalties from live performances and broadcast, mechanical royalties from sales and streams, and synchronization royalties from TV, film, and commercials.
• Promotion: Publishers actively promote their catalogs, pitching songs to artists, producers, and advertising agencies to generate more opportunities for their use.

Understanding Music Copyright

Copyright is at the heart of music publishing. It gives legal control to the creators over how their compositions are used and ensures they are compensated for the use of their work. A music copyright typically includes the rights to:

• Reproduce: Making copies of the work.
• Distribute: Selling and distributing copies to the public.
• Publicly Perform: Playing the work in a public setting.
• Create Derivative Works: Introducing adaptations or alterations.
• Display: Presenting sheet music to the public.

Roles in Music Publishing

Music publishing is a collaborative effort involving various professional roles, including:

• Songwriters and Composers: The creators of the music who generate new works.
• Music Publishers: Companies or individuals who administer, promote, and protect the rights of creators.
• Publishing Administrators: Professionals responsible for managing the day-to-day administrative tasks, including licensing and royalty collection.
• Sync Agents: Specialists who focus on securing synchronization licenses for music to be used in film, TV, ads, and video games.
• A&R (Artists and Repertoire): These executives identify and develop new songwriting talent and help shape the creative direction of a publisher’s catalog.

Music Publishers Association Jobs

The Music Publishers Association (MPA) is a significant organization within the industry, representing the interests of music publishers and their wider community. It offers a variety of career opportunities for those interested in the business side of music publishing.

Here are some notable job roles within the Music Publishers Association:

• Membership Coordinator: Provides support to members of the association, facilitating communication and managing membership services.
• Events Manager: Organizes events for networking, education, and promotion, ensuring successful execution and engagement from members.
• Policy Advisor: Works on developing and communicating policies that affect music publishing and copyright law, advocating for the interests of members.
• Communications Officer: Manages public relations and communication strategies, handling media relations and promoting the association’s initiatives.
• Education Coordinator: Develops and oversees educational programs and resources for members, helping to advance knowledge and skills within the industry.

Working with the Music Publishers Association can be a rewarding experience, offering insight into the business side of music publishing and contributing to the development and protection of musical works globally.

Conclusion

Understanding music publishing is essential for anyone involved in the music industry, from songwriters and composers to industry professionals. Music publishing ensures that creators are compensated and their works are protected, allowing them to focus on their artistry. Additionally, organizations like the Music Publishers Association provide valuable support and opportunities for those looking to build a career in music publishing.

If you're a musician looking to distribute your music and expand your reach, consider registering as a SoundOn artist. With SoundOn, you can leverage platforms like TikTok and other digital streaming services to grow your audience and career.

By grasping the core functions of music publishing and exploring the various career opportunities available, you can better navigate the music industry and contribute to its dynamic landscape.