Publishing

The business of music publishing is concerned with developing, protecting and valuing music. The business is diverse and demands a variety of skills. Music publishers play a vital role in the development of new music and in taking care of the business side, allowing composers and songwriters to concentrate on their creative work.

 
The role of a music publisher involves :

– Finding new and talented songwriters and composers and encouraging and supporting them as they develop their skills, whether through helping with their living expenses, providing them with the facilities they need to produce music or offering advice and guidance in writing for particular markets

 
– Securing commissions for new works and helping to coordinate work flow

 
– Registering the works of songwriters and composers with all appropriate collecting societies and agencies

 
– Producing demo recordings and, in the case of contemporary classical music, performance materials (score and parts etc);

 
– Producing and licensing the production of printed music

 
– Producing promotional materials, including sampler CDs, study scores, brochures etc

 
– Promoting composers and songwriters and their music to performers, broadcasters, record companies and others who use music on a commercial basis, both nationally and internationally

 
– Licensing the use of music, whether directly in the case of individual and special usages (eg synchronisation deals) or via the collecting society network

 
– Responding to new licensing opportunities that flow from technological developments
Monitoring and tracking the use of the music they own and ensuring that proper payment is made for all licensed uses

 
– Making royalty payments to songwriters and composers in respect of the usage of their music
Taking appropriate action against anyone using music without the necessary licence