This Business of Songwriting

by Jason Blume

Book Overview

To make money, song-writers need a firm, realistic grasp of how songs generate income. This volume demystifies the process of doing business as a songwriter. It walks the reader step-by-step through... This description may be from another edition of this product.

• Format: Hardcover
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0823077594
• ISBN13: 9780823077595
• Release Date: May 2006
• Publisher: Billboard Books
• Length: 288 Pages
• Weight: 1.42 lbs.
• Dimensions: 9.3" x 1.2" x 6.3"

Customer Reviews

excellent service and condition

Thank you to alternate providers of items. Though I have yet to thoroughly read this book, my songwriting instructor highly recommends is as THE book to have in the field. Thank you again. SJ Mackenzie

Songwriting in the Music Industry

This is the litmus test of all other books I own on songwriting. Much more than the creative prose of lyric writing; It is the rubber meets the road text for a career in music. If you're serious about business and songwriting this is an exceptional guiding investment.

If you're serious about songwriting this is for you

Having composed songs for all sorts of pop and country stars and written a number of other songwriting-related books, Jason Blume is already one of better known names in the industry. Personally, I think this is the most useful of his books. It is a very well written, extremely informative book about exactly what it says on the cover. Having read Donald Passman's music industry text, I felt reasonably informed before reading it, but this takes the issue of publishing to another level. Obviously, it's aimed at songwriters (those of us who have a desire to write for others or perform our own songs) rather than bands who want to "get a record deal". So much the better, in my opinion, as the numbers of books that get to the nuts and bolts of this side of the industry are scarce. Totally and utterly essential for any songwriter who wants to make a living from writing songs.

A complete, 288-page instruction manual for the aspiring songwriter

This Business Of Songwriting: A Practical Guide To Doing Business As A Songwriter is a complete, 288-page instruction manual for the aspiring songwriter. Author Jason Blume has logged twenty plus years of professional experience in song writing and publishing, and he shares that experience in This Business Of Songwriting from first page to last. It is crucial for the songwriter to understand that it is not enough to be able to write great songs, or even to learn to write great songs. There are a plethora of practical business skills and music publishing details that can make the difference between success and failure as a songwriter. This Business Of Songwriting steps up to the plate and fully delivers. It has whole chapters dedicated to grasping the basics of music publishing, choosing (and being chosen by) a publisher, staff writing, understanding music publishing agreements (which can be quite complex), self publishing your work, exploiting your copyrights, co-publishing your work, operating as a performing songwriter, and understanding copyright administration agreements. Three additional sections deal with how songs generate income, how to protect your songs,, and maximizing your chances for success. Each section contains two to five chapters detailing information that is crucial to the songwriter who is "in the business." As in many other fields, the key is a combination of organization, persistence, realistic expectations, and determined follow-through on good ideas. A Final Note from Blume contains valuable nuggets of encouragement to students of songwriting: "In the years that I've taught songwriting I've been privileged to watch some of my students attain their goals and live their dreams - but I've not seen it accomplished without dedication and hard work...I know that success is possible, despite how it might sometimes feel. Take advantage of the educational and networking opportunities provided by classes, workshops, camps, and other music industry events; hone your skills by seeking professional feedback, studying the craft, and rewriting your work; learn about the business of songwriting; and most importantly, enjoy the ride (p. 310)."

EXCELLENT RESOURCE!!!!!

I've been writing songs (without a lot of success) for more years than I'd like to admit. But I never really understood how to do the business without getting scammed. After reading this book, I finally understand about so many things: song publishing, being my own publisher, how to be a staff-writer, how to make money from TV and films, and what I need to do. This book is excellent. It explains so many things in plain English. This book gives the facts and the figures. It includes the actual contracts and licenses you would sign and explains them a paragraph at a time in a way that I wish I had understood before. It tells how much money you can earn from hit songs and from getting your songs in movies and TV shows. This is also the first time I've understood how ASCAP, BMI, and SESAC work and how to join them and how songs earn money. I highly recommend this book. It is well organized and easy to understand, and is a good reference guide.