Music Publisher

Music publishers 'discover' new songwriters and composers, and encourage them to develop their talent by offering various forms of support. This can include helping with living expenses, providing facilities to enable them to produce their music and giving advice about writing for particular markets. By taking care of the business side of songwriting, music publishers allow composers to focus on the creative side of their work.

Music publishers generally specialise in one of five fields:

Artists and repertoire (A&R): promoting the careers of songwriters and composers. Publishers:

• attend concerts and gigs on talent-spotting expeditions
• listen to demo CDs sent in by artists and agents, and make recommendations on whether or not to publish the work
• pair up composers, who create the melodies, with lyricists/librettists, who write the words for songs, to allow them to collaborate
• produce promotional materials such as flyers and sample CDs
• network, to persuade people who use music on a commercial basis, for example broadcasters, record companies, performers and the press, to use particular music.

Rights administration: covering the legal side of publishing. They:

• negotiate publishing agreements and contracts with composers and songwriters
• license the use of music
• register new works with copyright protection agencies
• monitor the copyright and take action against anyone who breaches it.

Production and editorial: commissioning and publishing new music. They:

• read manuscript scores which have been sent in and decide whether editing or rewriting is required
• convert the edited manuscripts into printed music using notational programs
• liaise with the designers and printers to decide on style and design
• proofread and edit the text and the music
• develop a catalogue of published music.

Sales and marketing: covering the distribution, sale and hire of music. They:

• plan and implement marketing campaigns for new printed music products
• liaise with music dealers
• organise promotional events
• circulate information to the media
• manage a hire library and its loan to performing organisations
• process orders and organise the physical distribution of the product from publisher to customer
• draw up invoices and take responsibility for stock control.

Accounts and royalties: dealing with the financial aspects of the business. Publishers:

• track the performance, or other use, of the music and monitor the collection of royalties and fees
• distribute the royalties to writers whenever their music is used
• prepare and analyse profit and loss statements, and balance sheets
• administer the payroll
• provide various statistics as required.

Starting salaries may be between £18,000 and £20,000 a year.

Hours and environment

Music publishers typically work regular office hours, although they sometimes have to attend evening events. They may have to travel throughout the UK and possibly abroad to assess new works.

Salary and other benefits

These figures are only a guide, as actual rates of pay may vary, depending on the employer and where people live.

• A graduate trainee starting off in music publishing may earn from £18,000 to £20,000 a year.
• After a few years' experience, publishers may earn £35,000 to £45,000.
• Some music publishers can earn more than £60,000 a year.

Skills and personal qualities

A music publisher should have:

• an excellent ear for music
• thorough knowledge of musical notation
• good judgement
• negotiating skills and a head for business
• the ability to meet deadlines
• computing knowledge
• the ability to network with people of all backgrounds
• a good grasp of copyright law.

Interests

It helps to have an interest in:

• changing trends in new music
• a specialist kind of music.

Getting in

Around 125,000 people work in the UK music industry, many, but not all, in London. Competition is severe.

Jobs are often advertised by word of mouth. The Music Publishers' Association (MPA) operates a job-seeker service and also circulates a list for those seeking unpaid work experience.

Entry for young people

There is no one route into this type of work. Formal musical training is advisable. Networking to make contacts with people in the industry is also important.

Relevant qualifications include an HNC/HND or a degree in a music-related subject. Courses are available in colleges and universities throughout the UK.

For entry to a degree course applicants normally require at least two A levels/three H grades plus five GCSEs/S grades (A-C/1-3) or equivalent qualifications, plus formal musical training in singing or playing a musical instrument. The entry requirements for an HNC/HND are usually one A level/two H grades or equivalent.

The MPA runs three induction courses each year for those new to, or seeking to enter, the business of music publishing. The courses are spaced over one and a half days and are designed to provide an overview of the music publishing industry.

Entry for adults

Some people enter music publishing after working in another field within the music industry.

Training

Training is mostly on the job and involves building on knowledge, experience and contacts which have already been acquired.

The British Phonographic Industry runs a series of one-day seminars called 'Music... it's the Business'. The seminars explore the structure of the recording industry, distribution issues, and marketing and promotion techniques.

The MPA, with the Music Managers Forum, runs a programme of professional development for music publishers. This consists of five modules, each run over two evenings a week, focusing on a particular aspect of the business of music publishing.

The MPA also runs three specialist seminars each year, covering subjects such as royalties, contract law, negotiating, copyright and strategic planning.

Getting on

With experience, a music publisher could move into a managerial role. It is possible for music publishers with enough contacts and experience to become self-employed.

Overseas employment may be possible.

Further information

British Phonographic Industry (BPI), Riverside Building, County Hall, Westminster Bridge Road, London SE1 7JA. 020 7803 1300. Website: www.bpi.co.uk

Creative & Cultural Skills, 4^th Floor, Lafone House, The Leathermarket, Weston Street, London, SE1 3HN. 020 7015 1847. Website: www.ccskills.org.uk

MCPS-PRS Alliance, Copyright House, 29-33 Berners Street, London W1T 3AB. 020 7580 5544. Website: www.mcps-prs-alliance.co.uk

Music Education Council (MEC), 54 Elm Road, Hale, Altrincham, Cheshire WA15 9QP. 0161 928 3085. Website: www.mec.org.uk

Music Industries Association, Ivy Cottage Offices, Finch's Yard, Eastwick Road, Great Bookham, Surrey KT23 4BA. 01372 750600. Website: www.mia.org.uk

Music Publishers' Association (MPA), 6th Floor, British Music House, 26 Berners Street, London W1T 3LR. 020 7580 0126. Website: www.mpaonline.org.uk

Crown Copyright www.connexions-direct.com/jobs4u

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