How to self-release your own music

Whether you want to self-publish your own music or start your own indie label, you need the technical, legal and business knowhow to make sure your music sounds great, and that it reaches the right ears.

Led by Ann Harrison, author of definitive industry guide Music, The Business, and former major label senior executive Ian Ramage, this intensive evening course covers all the bases, from contractual considerations to the basics of booking studio time, hiring recording crew, and arranging manufacturing and distribution. You’ll also learn how to market your music to give it the best possible chance at success.

Course content

• 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
• Q&A and group discussion

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
• You’re interested in starting an indie label of your own but need the skills to back up your talent-spotting abilities

Tutor profiles

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.

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.

Full course and returns information on the Masterclasses website