How to self-release your own music

Everything the budding record mogul needs to know, from recording to promotion

It's one thing putting a few of your demos up on SoundCloud, but once money gets involved, things get a lot more complicated. Whether you want to self-publish your own music or start your own indie label, you need the technical, legal and business knowledge to make sure your music sounds great, reaches the right ears and doesn't drain your bank account.

This intensive evening course covers all the bases, from drawing up split sheets to dealing with recording studios, distributors and the press. Ann Harrison, author of definitive industry guide Music, The Business, and former major label senior executive Ian Ramage, introduce the essentials of manufacturing and distributing physical products to make sure they get into the same shops as your audience. You'll also learn how to market your music, to give it the best possible chance at success.

This course is for you if...

• You want to make your own music available for sale, either to retain artistic control or a higher share of royalties (or simply out of frustration with record labels)
• You're interested in starting an indie label of your own but need the skills to back up your talent-spotting abilities

Course description

This evening seminar offers a step-by-step introduction to the practicalities of putting out recorded music. From contractual considerations to the basics of booking studio time, hiring recording crew, arranging manufacturing and distribution, and promoting the finished product. Topics covered on the evening include:

• Overview of recording and publishing rights
• The truth about setting up your own business
• What consents and licenses you'll need
• Producer, mixer and session musician agreements
• Production and manufacturing – getting your music recorded and manufactured
• Digital and physical distribution deals
• Marketing – traditional and online methods, and label services

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. Click here to visit Ann's 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.

Full course and returns information on the Masterclasses website