Here are some of the questions we're most frequently asked about songwriting along with our answers. Hope you find what you're looking for in the list below.

1.  I’m new to songwriting, where do I start?
There are a variety of magazines, books and websites devoted to the craft and business of songwriting. Taking time to educate yourself on the ins and outs of songwriting is a worthwhile investment that can help you reach your goals as a songwriter.  You can take a look at the extensive list of books in our bookstore (opening Spring 2004).  There are also many websites that offer informative articles, tips and discussions.  Some of our partner websites include Just Plain Folks (www.jpfolks.com) and MusesMuse (www.musesmuse.com).  In addition, there are many songwriting organizations that have local chapters, such as Just Plain Folks and NSAI among others.  Naturally, you can also take courses at your local college or online at SongU.com.

2.  I only write lyrics. Should I hire someone to write music to my words?
Generally speaking, no. It is not a good practice to have someone write music to your lyric for a fee only (also known as a "work-for-hire").  It is better to find a collaborator (co-writer) who will have an equal stake and interest in the success of the song.  Instead of a one-time payment, your co-writer would be entitled to a share in copyright ownership of the song. You can find potential co-writers locally in clubs, restaurants, college pubs or bookstores where live music is played. You can also meet co-writers on songwriting discussion boards or online during events like the SongU Series.

3. Can I "sell" my songs?
In most cases, a reputable music publisher will not purchase a song outright for a one-time fee. If a publisher is interested in your song, he may offer you a single-song contract. You should always have a qualified music attorney review any contract before you sign it. When you sign a contract you typically agree to transfer your copyright ownership to the music publisher and give him the power to decide how the song will be used. If the copyright (song) generates royalty income, the contract will stipulate how and when the songwriter will be paid as well as the division of royalties between the publisher and songwriter. Often a songwriter can and should negotiate a reversion clause in the contract. This is a provision stating that, unless the publisher is able to secure a commercial recording of your song in an agreed upon time (such as two or three years) under agreed upon conditions (such as by a major label recording artist), the contract is terminated and the copyright ownership reverts back to the songwriter.

4. How do I get my songs heard by publishers and other industry professionals?
It can be frustrating to feel like you have written a great song, but find closed doors and “no unsolicited material” responses when you try to get an industry professional to listen. Having a well-crafted, professional sounding song is only the first step. The music business is the same as any other industry in that you must be willing to take the time to network and build relationships. A good place to start is by meeting and talking to other songwriters by joining a local songwriting group or an online songwriting community. Your peers often know which publishers may be willing to listen to new material.  Also, familiarize yourself with names and current events through industry sources such as Billboard, R&R and CCM Magazine.  These magazines can help you locate the names of publishers actively getting songs recorded and on the charts.  Initially, it may be easier to get heard by a smaller company since larger publishers often have paid staff songwriters and little time to listen to outside material.  There are also other on-line resources that can assist you in pitching your songs such as TAXI or our SongU partner SongCatalog.com.   A word to the wise, it's good practice to wait until you have strong material before pitching to a publisher.  In this way, you make the most of the opportunity by putting your best foot forward and presenting your best material.

5. How much money does a songwriter earn from a hit song?
A songwriter can earn anywhere from quite a small amount of money to as much as half a million dollars or more for a hit song.  Why such a large disparity?  In the United States, a songwriter earns money based upon two types of royalties: (a) Performance Royalties and (b) Mechanical Royalties

Performance Royalties are the monies collected and distributed by performing rights organizations (PRO's) for radio airplay, concert performances, commercials, etc. This amount can vary tremendously from a few dollars to thousands of dollars based on a song's genre (e.g., Pop, R&B, Country, Christian, etc.), how high the song gets on the charts and how long it remains there.  Many songs that are recorded on albums never become radio singles and therefore earn very little or no performance royalties. 

Mechanical Royalties are the monies collected and distributed for every "hard copy" sold (e.g., CD's, sheet music, etc.) and can also vary tremendously based on how many albums are sold.  The current statutory rate for mechanical royalties is about eight cents per song, split between the songwriter(s) and publisher(s) of the song.  So a million selling album could conceivably earn the songwriter and publisher approximately $80,000 in mechanicals to share.  A hit single, however, does not necessarily land on a million-selling album.   Songwriter royalties, the split and distribution of royalties between publishers and co-writers in addition to the songwriter’s recoupable earnings are all factors involved in a songwriter's earnings or lack thereof.  New computer technologies, the Internet and the legal (and illegal) downloading of music are areas that have also begun to affect songwriter earnings.

6. Why do I need to study songwriting?
Listen to one of the SongU.com hit songwriter instructors Sara Light, answer this question in an entertaining animated Flash presentation. Click here to begin the presentation (best viewed with a 56K modem or better).  Note: This presentation requires the Flash plug-in. If you're not sure if you have the Flash player plug-in, click here to test your browser.

7. Do I need to copyright my songs?
Copyright protects "original works of authorship" that are fixed in a tangible form of expression. This includes music and lyrics. In effect, your song is “copyrighted” as soon as you create it. You cannot, however, copyright a title or an idea.  This is why there are so many songs written with the same title. Registering your copyright with the U.S. Copyright Office is voluntary. Many choose to register their songs just to have them on file. More importantly, if there is ever a question as to infringement, your song must be registered to stand up in court. To register a work, you simply need to submit a completed application form, a non-refundable filing fee of $30, and a non-returnable copy of the work to be registered. You can download the application form and get all the necessary information from the U.S. Copyright Office website at http://lcweb.loc.gov/copyright/

8.  How much does a demo cost?
A demo (or demonstration tape) is a recording of your song that can be played for industry professionals such as publishers, A&R people and recording artists. In essence, a demo is a sample recording of your song. Demo prices vary considerably depending upon where and how they are produced. A simple piano/vocal or guitar/vocal demo is relatively inexpensive costing approximately $100-$200. Full-band demos obviously cost more. In Nashville, TN, for example, you can get a professional full-band demo for anywhere from $300-$1500. With the rising popularity of computerized home studios, sequencing and sampling, it is possible to find someone who can "do it all" and therefore, the fees may be less. You can find the names of recording studios  in your area by simply looking in the Yellow Pages under "recording studios." Music centers such as NY, Los Angeles and Nashville also have studios that can provide mail-in demo services for out-of-town clients.   Before investing money in a demo, you should always make sure your song is ready to be demoed by having one or more industry professionals critique your song.  Organizations like SongU.com and NSAI provide free professional critiques for members. For more information about about how to make the most of your demo dollar can take the TECH 110 Demo Essentials course at SongU.com. 

9. Do I need to join ASCAP, BMI or SESAC?
ASCAP, BMI and SESAC are all performing rights organizations (PRO’s) whose main function is to collect and distribute performance royalties to composers and publishers.  Many countries around the world have equivalent organizations, such as SOCAN in Canada and ALCS in the United Kingdom. You must be affiliated with one of these organizations if you are a songwriter or publisher who is being paid Performance Royalties.  Since each PRO has a different method of tracking performances, as well as different philosophies and guidelines, it would be wise to do research before making a decision about where or when to affiliate. You can learn more by contacting each organization directly or visiting their websites.

10.  How do I get a record deal?
The record industry is a competitive one. There is no such thing as an “overnight success.” If you are an independent artist looking for a major label record deal, you need talent, time, perseverance and contacts (not to mention luck). A good place to start is by creating a local “buzz.” Don't underestimate the experience and exposure you can get in your own hometown. Take the time to hone your skills and find your own style. Network with other songwriters, musicians and artists by attending seminars, festivals and visiting larger music industry cities like NY, Los Angeles, Nashville, Austin, Atlanta, etc. Finally, educate yourself about the business through courses, books and articles, so you can steer clear of false promises and instead recognize legitimate opportunities when they present themselves.