The title says it all. This revised, updated and expanded edition offers savvy dealmaking techniques, methods to protect musical works, and career-building and money-saving tips for musicians. It is an invaluable primer for artists and songwriters who feel like they are at the mercy of industry pros. Among the topics covered are: choosing agents, managers and attorneys, sending out material, record company deals, distribution, streaming, royalty rates, copyrights, music publishing contracts, creating one's own publishing company, trademarks, music videos, issues between band members, touring, and music for film, television and multimedia.

Enhance your chance for success as a recording artist by following the real-world advice found within the pages of the book. Step-by-step suggestions for: Setting career goals Developing your songs and stage presence Recording your first demo and full-length album Designing your promotional materials Knowing where to hire an attorney, manager, booking agent, and producer And, of course, getting a record deal! Success depends on talent, hard work, and a little luck. This handbook will help you prepare and increase you opportunities in the music business.

Music exec offers an affordable, no-nonsense guide to the basics and beyond. Music publishing is one of the most complex parts of the music business and yet it can be the most lucrative area of income for musicians. Expert and industry veteran Randall Wixen presents a clear, concise approach on how music publishing works today. It is written for the lay musician/songwriter but contains enough substance to be worthwhile for those already holding positions within the business. Topics covered include everything from mechanical, performing and synch rights to sub-publishing, foreign rights, copyright basics, types of publishing deals, advice on representation, and more. Get a view from the top, in plain English. * All aspiring musicians desire to know this side of the business * Famous artists lend quotes and personal stories to illustrate concept * Author is a guest lecturer so the book is organized for classroom use as well

Start your music career off right with this fun guide to the music industry Music Business For Dummies explains the ins and outs of the music industry for artists and business people just starting out. You'll learn how file-sharing, streaming, and iTunes have transformed the industry, and how to navigate your way through the new distribution models to capitalize on your work. It all begins with the right team, and this practical guide explains who you need to have on your side as you begin to grow and get more exposure. Coverage includes rehearsing, performing, recording, publishing, copyrights, royalties, and much more, giving you the information you need to start your career off smart. Music industry success has never been easy to achieve, and recent transformations and disruptions to the business side have made the whole idea even more daunting than before. This guide gives you a roadmap around the landmines, and provides expert advice for starting out on the right foot. Find the right players, agents, and business managers Make more money from your work with smart distribution Build your brand and get people talking about you Get gigs, go on tour, and keep on growing If music is your calling, you need to plan your career in a way that sets you up for success from the very beginning. Put the right people in place, get the most out of your investments, and learn how to work the crowd both virtually and in person. Music Business For Dummies is your companion on your journey to the music career you want.

Start your music career off right with this fun guide to the music industry Music Business For Dummies explains the ins and outs of the music industry for artists and business people just starting out. You'll learn how file-sharing, streaming, and iTunes have transformed the industry, and how to navigate your way through the new distribution models to capitalize on your work. It all begins with the right team, and this practical guide explains who you need to have on your side as you begin to grow and get more exposure. Coverage includes rehearsing, performing, recording, publishing, copyrights, royalties, and much more, giving you the information you need to start your career off smart. Music industry success has never been easy to achieve, and recent transformations and disruptions to the business side have made the whole idea even more daunting than before. This guide gives you a roadmap around the landmines, and provides expert advice for starting out on the right foot. Find the right players, agents, and business managers Make more money from your work with smart distribution Build your brand and get people talking about you Get gigs, go on tour, and keep on growing If music is your calling, you need to plan your career in a way that sets you up for success from the very beginning. Put the right people in place, get the most out of your investments, and learn how to work the crowd both virtually and in person. Music Business For Dummies is your companion on your journey to the music career you want.

Understanding the Music Business offers students a current overview of the music business. Going beyond what most music business texts offer, Weismann delivers a contemporary approach that addresses the unanswered questions for today's music students, such as, "Is it really possible to make a living as musician?" Understanding the Music Business covers the basics in the first part of the text. This first section deals with the fundamentals of the industry, including recording, music publishing, agents, managers, radio and television, unions, the internet and new technology, and regional and international music markets. However, it is the second half of the text that breaks new ground by covering the career paths of new artists in the industry, the development and need for entrepreneurial skills, and the ways that individuals forge careers in the industry.