Songwriter Resources
The content listed here will be periodically updated when additional opportunities become available.
Sections below include:
1. Copyright Forms
2. Copywriting Help
3. Music Publishing
4. Studio Recording
5. Songwriting Help
Copyright Forms
The U.S. Copyright Office website provides all the necessary information, instructions and forms to properly copyright your songs. Form PA is the basic form to copyright your songs, whether it be in an “unpublished” or “published” form. (“Unpublished” generally means that the song has not been released and distributed for sale to the public).
Form PA PDF
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Use Form PA for registration of published or unpublished works of the performing arts. This class includes works prepared for the purpose of being “performed” directly before an audience or indirectly “by means of any device or process.” Works of the performing arts include: (1) musical works, including any accompanying words; (2) dramatic works, including any accompanying music; (3) pantomimes and choreographic works; and (4) motion pictures and other audiovisual works.
Form SR PDF
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Use Form SR for registration of published or unpublished sound recordings. Form SR should be used when the copyright claim is limited to the sound recording itself, and it may also be used where the same copyright claimant is seeking simultaneous registration of the underlying musical, dramatic, or literary work embodied in the phonorecord. With one exception, “sound recordings” are works that result from the fixation of a series of musical, spoken, or other sounds. The exception is for the audio portions of audiovisual works, such as a motion picture soundtrack or an audio cassette accompanying a filmstrip. These are considered a part of the audiovisual work as a whole.
On Line Registration
For general questions about copyright, please see Copyright Basics (Circular 1) and the Frequently Asked Questions section of the Copyright Office website. For general questions about copyright registration, please see Copyright Registration (Circular 2). For eCO updates, visit the what’s new in eCO page.
Copyright Help
What is Copyright?
Copyright is a type of intellectual property that protects original works of authorship as soon as an author fixes the work in a tangible form of expression. In copyright law, there are a lot of different types of works, including paintings, photographs, illustrations, musical compositions, sound recordings, computer programs, books, poems, blog posts, movies, architectural works, plays, and so much more!
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Music Publishing
What is music publishing?
In short, music publishing is the business of making sure that music makers get money for the music they create. The business began well over a century ago, when printed sheet music was a huge market in the music industry, hence the term “publishing.”
Today, music publishers help artists license their music for all sorts of usage. Publishers can help make sure any musical work is properly registered and royalties are properly collected. They can advocate on behalf of their songwriter clients if there are conflicts or issues, and they can even try to find great opportunities for their songwriters’ works (getting a song you write recorded by a major artist, for example). Remember that music publishers aren’t record labels, though some of their practices can certainly overlap. Before signing up with any music publishing company (or record label, for that matter), make sure you understand clearly what they will and will not do on your behalf. Also, remember that music publishing isn’t just for major acts. Independent artists of all genres can gain income, visibility, and opportunities from working with music publishers. When it comes to publishing your music, make sure you’re working with reputable folks who are looking out for your best interest, not just trying to make a buck off of your work. It’s easy to fall into the trap of too-good-to-be-true deals in the music industry. Remember that if a company promises you something that sounds too good to be true, it probably is.
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Publishing Companies
Company Directory
Pitch your songs and find a publisher.
Studio Recording
Cinderella Sound Studio
https://cinderellasoundstudio.com
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Studio’s client list included Linda Ronstadt, the Steve Miller Band, Tony Joe White, Kiss, Chet Atkins, the Whites (of Brother Where Art Thou fame), Billy Swan, Memphis Slim, and many more. Wayne Moss, the original Nashville Cat on 1000’s of hits, sessions, and master recordings since the beginning in Nashville will organize your session personally. Nashville’s oldest working studio can be where you record your next masterpiece just call 615-865-0891 today to book a session!
Tunedly
https://tunedly.com/music-production/
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Record your song at studio quality – without having to step into a physical studio! You can choose from several packages, ranging from single instrument productions, all the way to full band productions, either using live or synth instruments. We currently boast a roster of around 100 musicians and singers. With such a versatile roster, we can handle any genre and style, from Country to Pop, Hip Hop, Rock and Folk.
Pro Nashville Tracking Sessions
https://buddyhyatt.com/home
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Producer Buddy Hyatt is a former member of TOTO the rock group from the 80’s with such hits as Rosanna, Hold the Line, Africa. He’s worked with Lee Greenwood, Randy Travis, Mickey Gilley, Lynn Anderson, Jessica Andrews, JoDee Messina, Tracey Lawrence, and many others. Buddy has been recording in Nashville on music row for 30 years as a session piano player, producer, and songwriter.
He will help you understand the process of bringing your songs and your project to life from it’s very beginning stages until completion. You will never be left “high and dry” wondering what happens next. You will learn the business of music as well as experience your songs blossom right before your eyes (and ears!)
More Recording Studios
Studio Directory
Songwriting Help
SongTown
https://songtown.com
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Whether you are a newbie wanting to know how to write a song or an experienced writer asking how to get a publishing deal, SongTown has the answer. We’re not one-hit or no-hit wonders. Our mentors are proven hitmakers with successful track records in songwriting, publishing, and production.
Songpreneurs
https://www.songpreneurs.com
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Songpreneurs is an online resource for songwriter entrepreneurs. Our philosophy is that everyone can be a songwriter with the right materials, support and practice. Developed by multiplatinum awarded songwriter and music publisher Amanda Colleen Williams, Songpreneurs.com provides high quality educational materials, including innovative workbooks, classes, and video course modules. Our proprietary curriculum is proven effective, and is used in conjunction with the United Stated Department of State in the Arts Envoy Intellectual Property Rights pilot program.
Songu
https://songu.com
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Songu.com is an online school run by pro writers with a variety of excellent teachers and mentors. Once you sign up you can take as many classes as you want for no extra charge. There is no long-term commitment. They also create opportunities for songwriters to network with each other online.
Verse-Chorus
https://www.verse-chorus.com
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Verse-Chorus is the go-to place for anyone interested in songwriting to meet and connect with like-minded people, improve their songwriting skills and grow a career in music. For beginners, hobbyists and professionals. We are a lively community of songwriters, musicians, singers, lyricists and producers.