An introduction to the business of songwriting

Get the inside track on the craft of songwriting and how the business works

If you want to share your music with the world, an understanding of both the creative and commercial aspects of songwriting will help you get ahead. This course, led by Ann Harrison, author of definitive industry guide Music, The Business, and former major label senior executive Ian Ramage, offers a comprehensive introduction to both subjects.

Using their vast reserves of experience and enthusiasm, Ann and Ian will explain the craft and business of great songwriting, and show how these moving parts work and interconnect. The course also includes sessions from acclaimed songwriter and author Daniel Rachel, who will discuss how successful songwriters – from Ray Davies to Laura Marling – have approached their craft.

During the masterclass, you’ll learn about the inspiration and techniques behind some of the most celebrated songs in British history, and get to grips with how the music publishing industry actually works. You’ll learn about the process of monetising songs, as well as the legal aspects of sampling, copyright and ownership. You’ll also learn about the relationship between music publishing and record labels, and the differences and similarities between the two. The day is interspersed with musical recordings to demonstrate the various characteristics of great British songs, how they work, and why they become successful. Perfect for songwriters and music fans who want the inside track on the industry.

This course is for you if…

• You’re a songwriter – or an aspiring one – keen to learn about the creative and commercial elements of music publishing
• You’re a music fan interested in the history, practice and business of songwriting
• You’re keen to make your music available for sale, and want a thorough introduction to the process of creating and publishing your own songs

Course description

This comprehensive seminar offers an overview of the creative and commercial aspects of songwriting. The day will be interspersed with audio recordings and analysis of great examples of British songwriting over the past 50 years. Topics covered include:

• History of publishing, from Tin Pan Alley to the present day
• The principles and practices of copyright, as it applies to songwriting
• Sampling – the creative, business and legal essentials
• What sources of income are available for songwriters?
• How does music publishing relate to record labels? What are the differences and similarities?
• Contracts, licensing and ownership
• What are the basic rights and who owns them?
• Where does songwriting end and production start?
• Advice on how to make contacts in the music industry
• The inspiration and technique behind examples of British songwriting over the last fifty years
• Extensive Q&A with all tutors

Tutor profiles

Ann Harrison is the author of Music, The Business, the definitive UK book on the subject. Ann is a qualified lawyer and has been advising clients in the music business for over 25 years, the last 10 as part of her legal consultancy, Harrisons Entertainment Law Limited. Ann regularly presents classes to students around the UK and was recently seen appearing on the BBC4 documentary The World’s Richest Songs on which she was also script consultant. Ann’s clients include household names as well as those just starting out in the business. Read more about Ann on her website.

Ian Ramage has worked through the ranks from office junior to hold senior executive positions in marketing and publishing/A&R at Polydor, Warners, EMI, BMG and Sony/ATV. Since 2011 he has worked freelance, managing artists and lecturing about the music business at several leading institutions. He remains an incurable music fan as well as a fascinated and experienced observer of the business.

Daniel Rachel is the author of Isle of Noises: Conversations with Great British Songwriters (Picador) which was a Guardian and NME Book of the Year. He has 20 years’ experience of performing and writing as a singer/songwriter, as well as experience in producing and promoting. Daniel has also managed, marketed and administered tours for himself and other artists.

Full course and returns information on the Masterclasses website