Music Publisher

Music that is played and recorded is also published. Songs and musical compositions are managed by music publishers who focus on building a catalogue of songs or musical compositions by discovering new writers or by acquiring the rights to existing songs or compositions.

A music publisher pays the songwriter or composer a percentage of the earnings resulting from a variety of uses of their songs or compositions, including recordings, public performance, production of printed music and the use of music by other users, including filmmakers and advertisers.

Those working in music publishing may be concerned with:

• artists and repertoire (A&R), finding new writing talent and pitching (promoting) songs to people that use music commercially, including recording companies, filmmakers, broadcasters and advertisers
• rights administration, covering the contract and legal side of publishing, including registering copyright and taking action when copyright is infringed
• production and editorial, commissioning new music, editing, proofreading and converting edited manuscripts into printed music
• sales and marketing, including planning and implementing marketing campaigns, liaising with music dealers and organising promotional events
• accounts and royalties, dealing with the financial aspects of the business, tracking the use of music and collecting royalties and fees.

Music publishers typically work office hours, Monday to Friday. Publishers seeking out new talent may work much longer hours, attending evening events and travelling.

Salaries range from between £12,000 to more than £60,000 for the most experienced music publishers.

A music publisher should have:

• an excellent ear for music
• thorough knowledge of musical notation
• good judgment and understanding of what might appeal to particular audiences
• negotiating skills and a head for business
• a good grasp of copyright law
• an interest in the changing trends in new music.

Many publisher positions are in London. Employers range from major publishers to independent and specialist publishers.

There is no one route into this type of work. BTEC Higher National Diplomas (HNDs), foundation degrees and degrees related to the music industry are available. Creative Apprenticeships can provide a route into music publishing. Experience in a related field like event organisation can be helpful.

The Diploma in creative and media may be relevant.

Training is mostly on the job and involves building up knowledge, experience and contacts. Experienced music publishers can move into managerial roles or self-employment.

Further details