IGNITE LESSON SUMMARIES
Lesson 1: Introduction to Music Licensing
In our first lesson, I'll explain what music licensing is, discuss the various media that utilize licensed music, and talk about who licenses music and why they do, and how it can be an important part of your music career.
Lesson 2: PROs and Entrepreneurship
Welcome to Lesson 2! In this lesson, I'll focus on performing rights organizations. I’ll explain what they are, what they do, how they can help you earn more money, and how they can benefit you in other ways. We will also begin to look at the business side of being a musician.
Lesson 3: Anatomy of a TV Cue
In this lesson, I'll talk about the anatomy of a television cue. There are many ways to write a track for television, depending on the genre. I'll discuss layering, hit points, buttons, stings, and ring out endings, all ways to maximize a cue's appeal to music editors.
Lesson 4: Introduction to Licensing Songs
In this lesson, I’ll talk about various ways in which to write your songs and lyrics to maximize their potential! In order to get the most placements (and the most money) out of your songs, there are things that you can do, as well as things that, in my opinion, you should not do, as I discuss in the video.
Lesson 5: The Scoop on Music Supes
In this lesson, I discuss music supervisors. I talk about who they are, what they do, how to find them, how they will help you have your music placed in television shows, advertising, films, and games. I also discuss the appropriate way to communicate with them.
Lesson 6: Writing Effective Metadata
In this lesson I discuss writing metadata. I talk about what it is, why it is so important to understand how it works, and how to write it effectively. Creating effective metadata will greatly increase your chances of having your music heard by music supervisors, editors, game audio people, and ad agencies, and of having it used in television shows, films, ads, and games.
Lesson 7: Embedded Metadata
In this lesson, I discuss what embedded meta data is, why it is important to use, how to effectively write it, and I’ll show you how I do it. Metadata helps music libraries, music editors, music supervisors, and streaming services find your music more easily. It also helps to get you paid in a timely and accurate manner for streams, television and film placements, and enables them to contact you quickly if they need to do so.
Lesson 8: Boutique Music Libraries
In this lesson, I discuss boutique music libraries. I talk about what they are, what they do, and why your music should be in as many as possible in order to increase your revenue streams with placements in television shows, films, advertising, video games, and other forms of media that require music. I also discuss the submission process you will go through in order to successfully have your music as a part of a boutique music library catalog.
Lesson 9: Non-Exclusive Agreements
In this lesson, I discuss what happens when a music library wants to add your music or songs to their catalog. I discuss the process, the questions that I ask, the amount of metadata you may need to do, file formats, and delivery methods. I also discuss non-exclusive agreements and the benefits of these types of contracts.
Lesson 10: Re-Titling and Payment
In this lesson, I discuss the re-titling of your music by non-exclusive music libraries, the payment process for non-exclusive agreements, writer’s shares, and publisher’s shares.
I’ve also included a tip on re-titling and re-registering your songs or tracks when sending them out to multiple non-exclusive libraries. There is a spreadsheet to keep track of your titles if you decide to use this method. I find it helps lessen confusion when a lot of libraries have the same track.
Lesson 11: Exclusive Agreements
In this lesson, I discuss the importance of placing your music in exclusive music libraries, how submissions work, how exclusive agreements work, and financial splits in upfront sync fees and back-end royalties.
Lesson 12: Gratis Music Licences
In this lesson I discuss gratis music licences, what they are, why you will see a lot of them in the music business, who uses them, when and why they are used, and how you get paid when your music is signed to a gratis licence.
Lesson 13: Blanket License Agreements
In this lesson I discuss blanket music licences, what they are, why you will see a lot of them in the music business, who uses them, when and why they are used, and how you get paid when your music is signed to a blanket licence.
Lesson 14: Inspiration, Creation, & When to Let Go!
In this lesson I focus on inspiration, creation, and knowing when to let go of your song or track. I’ve included an 8-step checklist from Hyperbits that you can use to tick all of the boxes and move on to your next creation.
Lesson 15: Production Music Warehouse Libraries
In this lesson I discuss what I call production music warehouse libraries. I talk about what they are, who uses them, how you get paid, why I use them, and how they are different from boutique libraries.
Lesson 16: Step Licencing Agreements
In this lesson I discuss step licencing agreements. I talk about what they are, who uses them, how you get paid, what to be aware of before signing one, and how they can be great negotiation tools to have your music placed in films and video games.
Lesson 17: Hold and Option Licences
In this lesson I discuss hold and option licencing agreements. I talk about what they are, how they work, who uses them, and how you get paid.
Lesson 18: Briefs and Pointed Writing
In this lesson I discuss music briefs and pointed writing. I talk about what they are, how they work, who uses them, and why you need to always be receiving them in order to utilize the pointed writing concept.
Lesson 19: Amplify Your Songs’ Sales
In this lesson I discuss methods to amplify your sales, grow your catalogue, increase opportunities, and appeal to new markets. Download and enjoy the free samples as well.
Lesson 20: Working with Exclusive Libraries
In this lesson I discuss four different workflow scenarios you may encounter when working with exclusive music libraries. I’ll explain why they are a valuable source of income, and how you can streamline the development and submission process to ensure that you make the most of these types of opportunities.
Lesson 21: How to Overcome Writer’s Block
In this lesson I discuss the dreaded writer’s block and strategies that I use to overcome it and avoid slumps. I’ve also included a project management worksheet that I use to track my projects, meet deadlines, and finish projects in a timely manner.
Lesson 22: 5 Music Libraries You Should Be In
In this lesson I discuss some of the top music libraries that you need to get your music into. I’ve also included their links to make it easy for you to submit your music to them.
Lesson 23: Process Music Part 1
In this lesson I discuss process music. I talk about what it is, why it is currently in demand, why it will continue to be in demand for a long time, and why you should start writing it. I break down a cybercrime-style process cue, as well.
Lesson 24: Process Music Part 2 - Neutral & Positive Process Music
In this lesson I discuss neutral and positive process music. I talk about what it is, why it is currently in demand, why it will continue to be in demand for a long time, and why you should start writing it. I also discuss the style and characteristics of the two types.
Lesson 25: Getting Your Songs and Music into Video Games Part 1
In this lesson I discuss getting your songs and music placed in the lucrative market of video games. I talk about the different areas that game developers use your music in, and who to contact to get your songs and music out there to earn more money.
Lesson 26: Getting Your Songs and Music into Video Games Part 2
In this lesson I discuss linear and non-linear music, and how it is used in video games, and I also talk about video game engines. I’ve included links to video game engines for you to check out, and links to additional videos about video game engines to help you familiarize yourself with engines and how they function.
Lesson 27: Work for Hire Agreements
In this lesson I discuss Work for Hire agreements. I talk about what they are, when they are used, who uses them, and why you need to use them to protect yourself and your music. They are important!
Lesson 28: Anatomy of a Song: Golden Days by Kinley
In this lesson I look at the anatomy of a great song for licensing. Kinley’s “Golden Days” from her album Letters Never Sent. I look at the structure of the song, the song’s stems, the amazing vocal track, and the lyrics and imagery that make it perfect for licensing in films, games, ads, and television shows.
Lesson 29: Goal Setting Part 1
In this lesson I discuss the importance of setting goals in order to help you increase your successes in the music business. I talk about using short, medium, and long-term goals as a roadmap for your music career.
Lesson 30: Goal Setting Part 2 – Setting S.M.A.R.T. Goals
In this lesson I discuss the S.M.A.R.T. concept of goal setting in order to help you increase your successes in the music business. I lay out the questions that you need to ask and answer about your goals to maximize your ability to achieve them.
Lesson 31: Writing Dark Country Music
In this lesson I discuss writing dark country songs and music. This genre is in high demand with music supervisors, editors and libraries. I discuss form, instrumentation, lyrics, and production techniques to help you have your music placed in television shows, films, and video games.
Lesson 32: Member FAQs
In this lesson I answer some of the questions submitted by our IGNITE members. This is a great way to reinforce knowledge, so if you have any questions that you need answered, drop them to us via our website, our Facebook page, or email me directly. We will do FAQs from time to time, as the music business changes rapidly.
Lesson 33: W-8 BEN and W-9 Forms
In this lesson I discuss W-8 BEN and W-9 Forms. I talk about what they are, why they are used, why you may need to sign one after you are contracted by a music library, publisher, or production music warehouse.
Lesson 34: Writing Diegetic Songs & Music
In this lesson I discuss writing diegetic songs and music. I discuss what diegetic music is, where and how it is used, and why it is in such demand for placements in films, television shows, advertising, and video games. I also give you tips on how to create diegetic songs and music.
Lesson 35: Film Festival Music Licences
In this lesson I discuss film festival licences – what they are, how they work, and why they are used. I also show you how to have your music placed in films, animated films, and other creative projects that are submitted to film festivals. This lesson will add another revenue stream to your music career, earn you more money, gain exposure for your music, and grow your fan base.
Lesson 36: Pitching Albums to Music Libraries
In this lesson I discuss pitching albums of your songs and music to music libraries in order to receive more placements in film, television, video games, and advertising. By doing this you will also make more sync money upfront, and more royalties on the backend. I show you the three most common pitching techniques that are used for all genres of music.
Lesson 37: Clearance and Deal Memos
In this lesson I discuss clearance and deal memos – what they are, who uses them, why they are used, why it is important for you to understand how they work, and how to complete one properly.
Lesson 38: Stings That Earn Bling!
In this lesson I discuss writing stings and identifiers (idents) as yet another valuable and significant way to earn money with your music. I’ll discuss what they are, where and why they are used, and how songwriters, beat makers, composers, and musicians in all genres can add this important revenue stream to their music career!
Lesson 39: Perfecting Your Library Pitch
In this lesson I discuss perfecting your music library pitch by using your secret weapon: your bio! I’ll discuss the elements of two of the most common pitch types in the music library world and show you how to make the most of these pitch opportunities to help you get your music listened to and accepted.
Lesson 40: Pitching a TV Theme
In this lesson I discuss pitching your songs and music for television theme opportunities. I’ll explain to you where these opportunities come from, how to read the associated briefs accurately, and we’ll examine a clip of a typical television theme opportunity. I also discuss how your songs and music can land one of these spots, which are not only financially lucrative, but great career builders as well!
Lesson 41: Starting Your Own Music Library?
In this lesson I discuss the pros and cons of starting your own music library. It’s a question that I am often asked by musicians. I talk about some of the opportunities, pitfalls, and questions that you should ask yourself, and discuss two possible scenarios.
Lesson 42: Sub-Publishing Agreements
In this lesson I discuss sub-publishing agreements – what they are, how they work, why they are used, and how they can earn you more money with your music.
Lesson 43: How to Find Libraries for Your Music
In this lesson I show you how to find the best music libraries to submit your music to in order to earn more money with your music. I’ll show you some of the techniques that I use to find the right libraries – the libraries that will earn you more!
Lesson 44: 15 Reasons Music Doesn't Get Licensed
In this lesson I discuss ways to avoid having your music rejected prematurely by music libraries and supervisors. I talk about rejections based on the music side as well as the business side, and offer tips on how to avoid rejections and increase your successes.
Lesson 45: Morphing One Tune into Many
In this lesson I show you how to take your songs and music cues and morph them into completely new pieces of music and sound design to earn money in television shows, films, and video games. By using this simple technique, you will be able to transform your entire catalog into something new, and it will also help you create new music in the future. You’ll be amazed at what you can come up with!
Lesson 46: When NOT to promote your music
In this lesson I discuss when NOT to promote yourself, your talents, or your music. It sounds counterintuitive, but there are times where you need to hold back and be measured about your promotional activities, especially on social media. If you understand your audience and think before posting, you can avoid alienating your fan base.
Lesson 47: Royalty-Free Revenue Streams Part 1
In this lesson I discuss creating solid revenue streams with royalty-free libraries. I talk about pricing philosophies, market testing your songs, music, and sound effects, and I give you an overview of how I approach the royalty-free model to earn more money with all of my audio assets.
Lesson 48: Royalty-Free Revenue Streams Part 2
In this lesson I discuss a few things that you should be aware of when selling/licensing your music in royalty-free music libraries. I also offer a bunch of tips and tricks that I use to increase royalty-free sales.
Lesson 49: Creating Video Game Albums for Profit Part 1
In this lesson we begin the process of preparing your back catalog and new songs and music for the lucrative world of video game sales and licensing. By the end of this series of lessons you will have the ability to create full albums of your music geared toward the needs of game developers, podcasters, app developers, and audio book creators – all markets that are booming and require vast amounts of sound and music in all genres.
Lesson 50: Creating Video Game Albums for Profit Part 2 – Thinking in Loops
In this lesson I continue to show you the process that I use to create many pieces of music from an original track using looping and layering techniques. These techniques allow me to provide a lot of options to music supervisors, editors, game audio and game developers, podcast creators, music libraries, and film and television people, and increase my opportunities for placements, sync fees, and recurring royalties.
Lesson 51: Creating Video Game Albums for Profit Part 3 – Effective Packaging
In this lesson we step out of the studio and into the world of marketing to see how to appeal to game developers and increase the sales and licensing potential of your game music album. I discuss your audience, the importance of graphics, and how to create a strong visual and descriptive package.
Lesson 52: Creating Video Game Albums for Profit Part 4 – Finalizing Your Submission
In this lesson I talk about how to add the finishing touches to your video game music album package so you can start earning more passive revenue with your music! I show you how a final package looks, how to add .ogg and .flac files to your package (they are important in the video game audio world), and also give you a run through of what you may expect during the submission process.
Lesson 53: Creating Effective Audition and Sales Samplers
In this lesson I discuss the importance of audition and sales samplers for artists, freelance musicians, composers, and sound designers. I show you the process that I use to maximize exposure of my music to fans and music industry professionals using metadata and graphics. Creating effective music samplers will increase licensing and royalty revenue streams, attract new music industry clients and connections, help you sell more merch, and grow your fan base.
Lesson 54: Working with Large Networks & the “New” Music Licensing Deal
In this lesson I discuss working directly with major networks on television shows to earn upfront money and royalties. I talk about how to get the gigs and give a few tips on professionalism. I also discuss a new licensing model that you should be aware of.
Lesson 55: Simplifying Stemming
In this lesson I show you stemming techniques. By stemming out your music, you will increase your placements in television, film, and video games, and earn more money.
Lesson 56: Watermarking – When, Why, and How
In this lesson I discuss watermarking your music and sound effects: what it is, when, and why you need to do it, and how to do it quickly and efficiently.
Lesson 57: Compilation Albums Part 1 ~ Getting Your Music on Compilation Albums
In this lesson I discuss getting your songs, music, and beats placed on compilation albums. Compilation albums, which are available in all genres of music, are a great source of recurring revenue as they are used everywhere and distributed all over the world.
Lesson 58: Compilation Albums Part 2 ~ Creating Your Own Compilation Albums
In Lesson 57 I showed you how to submit your music for inclusion on compilation albums. In this lesson, I’ll show you how to create your own. Compilation albums are a great way to add new streams of revenue. Your compilation albums can increase your opportunities to have your music licensed in films, television, and video games, and will build your credibility in the music industry.
Lesson 59: How to Pitch to Shows on Netflix, Amazon, and Other Streaming Networks - Part 1
In this lesson, I show you how to pitch songs and music to shows and films airing on Netflix, Amazon, and other streaming providers using non-exclusive and exclusive music libraries. I discuss how to research prospective shows and talk about upfront sync payments and back-end royalties. I’ve provided you with a list of libraries that you should contact today to successfully have your music used on these platforms.
Lesson 60: How to Pitch to Shows on Netflix, Amazon, and Other Streaming Networks - Part 2
In this lesson, I show you how to find and contact the music supervisors who work on shows and films airing on Netflix, Amazon, and other streaming providers so you can approach them directly. I’ve provided you with a few names and links that you should contact today to pitch your music for these platforms.
Lesson 61: Writing Songs and Music to Picture ~ Advertising Opportunities
In this lesson I show you how to write songs and music for the lucrative world of advertising by writing directly to picture. Understanding a few simple techniques such as establishing hit points, form, marker placement, video editing rhythms, and creating appropriate sound palettes will make writing to picture easier. I also discuss where to find advertising opportunities for your music. They can be creatively and financially rewarding.
Lesson 62: Build Your Career Using the 30-Minute/Day Strategy
In this lesson I show you how to build momentum and increase opportunities and revenue for your songs and music so that you can develop a sustainable music career. The 30-Minute/Day Business Development Strategy will help you create new sales opportunities and gain valuable insight into your music business. It takes discipline, but if you can commit just 30 minutes a day to these activities, you’ll see results!
Lesson 63: Get More Paid Gigs for Your Songs and Music
In this lesson I show you online tools to find paying gigs for your songs and music in film, television, and video games. Using these sites creates more opportunities for your musical talents, earns you more money, and provides a host of other benefits. I also offer up strategies to maximize your success obtaining business.
Lesson 64: Effective Negotiation Strategies
In this lesson I discuss how to handle negotiations with clients. I show you how to employ the proper attitude, the “Win-Win” approach, and the preparations that you should make prior to a negotiation. I’ll also give you negotiation tips and strategies that will help you sign more deals for your music and talents – deals that are financially and artistically rewarding and will help further your music career.
Lesson 65: Tracking Your IP (Songs & Music)
In this lesson I discuss the importance of keeping track of your intellectual property (IP), in this case, your songs and music. As a music business owner, it is important to track the inventory of music that you have created or co-written. You should know where it is registered across the world, who is registering it and using it, what libraries or publishers are working best for you, and, most importantly, ensure that you are being paid for it!
I’ll show you a process that I use every few weeks using performing rights organization’s (PROs) websites to make sure that all of my work is being captured correctly and with the proper information.
Lesson 66: Simple, Successful Social Media & the 33⅓ Rule
In this lesson I discuss strategies to use on social media. Music is about sharing, so you need to tell people what you do and why you are great at it! These tips will help you more clearly define your audience and messaging, and grow your reach, all of which will help you sell more downloads of your singles and albums, attract more fans to your social media accounts and live shows, and gain more valuable contacts and opportunities within the music business. The 33⅓ Rule helps you map out a social media strategy that works specifically for you, helps you focus your messaging, and takes the pain out of social media marketing.
Lesson 67: Song Naming Conventions and Registrations
In this lesson I discuss how to use intelligent naming conventions to organize your song’s files and its variations and alt versions. This will help you with submissions to music libraries, supervisors, and editors.
I also discuss the proper way to register your music with your performing rights organization to minimize cue sheet mistakes (human error does occur) and maximize your earnings and royalties!
Lesson 68: Collaboration Part 1 – Collaborative Songwriter Agreements
In this lesson I discuss the importance of using Collaborative Songwriting Agreements when co-writing with other artists. Having every member of your writing team in agreement on share percentages, the decision-making process, and where the piece will be pitched is essential. An agreement will ensure that everyone understands their role in the project and is assured that their rights are protected and that they are receiving equitable reimbursement for their work. I’ll walk through the clauses in a simple agreement and explain their significance.
Lesson 69: Collaboration Part 2 – Collaborating with Producers and Engineers
Welcome to Lesson 69 of IGNITE! In this lesson I discuss three scenarios that you may encounter when planning to collaborate with a producer or engineer. It is important to negotiate all collaboration details before you record a single note. Knowing that all parties are clear on the terms of the project will clear the path for creativity. I will talk about the most important items to discuss before you lock into a collaborative arrangement.
Lesson 70: Sound Design Revenue Streams
In this lesson I discuss creating sound design elements to earn more money. Working with sound design is not only fun, but the great thing is, you already may have assets to work with in your songs and music! Anyone with a digital audio workstation can do sound design, and it can be a sweet little source of revenue.
Lesson 71: Government Music Contracts
In this lesson I discuss writing music for, and licensing your music to, governments. Government music contracts are a lesser known but lucrative revenue source for musicians. I talk about the opportunities in this market and suggest some strategies to use to find projects that fit you and your talents!
Lesson 72: How to Handle Under-Performing Publishers and Libraries
In this lesson I discuss the dilemma that many artists face when they have their music in libraries that earn them little or no money. I’ll discuss how to reclaim your music, as well as tips and strategies on how to avoid this situation in the first place. There are important questions you need to ask before you sign agreements with libraries and publishers to help avoid this problem.
Lesson 73: Advances Paid by Music Libraries
In this lesson I discuss recoupable paid advances from music libraries. You may see this type of agreement used by not only libraries, but also sound design companies and other publishing entities. It’s important that you understand why these arrangements are used and how they benefit you, as well as the importance of positive communication with the client and the tracking of monies earned by your music.
Lesson 74: Choosing the Gigs That Are Right for You
In this lesson I discuss the questions and criteria that I use to determine if gig opportunities are really a good fit. Not every opportunity is a good opportunity in the music business, and there are financial, time management, credibility, and other factors that you should consider when you are deciding whether to take on a new project.
It’s always good to branch out in new areas and learn new skills, and these guidelines will help you select projects that are compatible with your workload and career goals.
Lesson 75: Music & Sound Design Placements in Podcasts
In this lesson I discuss the potential of podcasts for music and sound design placements and give you some strategies that will help you get your work placed in them. The podcast market is massive and includes a vast array of genres, all of which need music and sound elements. These are great opportunities to license your stuff and on top of that, they give you exposure to podcast followers and subscribers to help you grow your fan base.
Lesson 76: The Benefits of Multiple Brands
In this lesson I discuss the benefits of using multiple brands for your music career. With so many new areas of the music business in which to earn money, sometimes it makes sense to use multiple brands to distinguish between vastly different products and services. Multiple brands can make branching out into additional genres, music industries, and clientele easier, and protects your relationship with your current fans or client base.
Lesson 77: Creating Speculative Demos to Get More Placements for Your Music
In this lesson I discuss the use of speculative demos to gain more music licensing placements, and to get more work as a composer and sound designer in the film, television, advertising, and video game worlds. These demos not only show off your skills as a musician, they also demonstrate how compatible your music is in different forms of media.
Lesson 78: Earning Income as a Ghostwriter
In this lesson I talk about earning income as a ghostwriter. There are many reasons why composers, songwriters, and sound designers use ghost writers to help their music business. Being a ghostwriter will help you financially and be a solid career builder! I also discuss what you need to know when you are hiring a ghostwriter. I give you tips on how to handle your clients, negotiations, and how to pick the right person for the job to help build your business.
Lesson 79: Build Your Business Using Push Sites
In this lesson I discuss using the push site marketing concept. Push sites are a great way to drive traffic to your destination page (Bandcamp, your website, etc.), to achieve a certain goal such as selling more downloads of your latest song, growing your mailing list, or getting more opportunities to compose for indie films. Having a goal is very important, and pushing traffic to your page is a must to achieve that goal.
Lesson 80: Using Spotify for Sales, NOT Just Streams
Hi everybody! Welcome to Lesson 80 of IGNITE! In this lesson I show you how to use Spotify and other streaming services to sell more downloads of your songs and albums while still earning from streams. Many artists are so eager to get their music out they miss the opportunity to use Spotify as a push tool to sell their albums. Rather than putting your entire album on Spotify, I’ll show you how to use a few songs strategically on Spotify to drive sales.
Lesson 81: Maximizing Income with Spotify by Releasing One Song at a Time
In this lesson I discuss how to earn more money with streams and sales on Spotify and other streaming platforms by releasing your songs and music one track at a time. I show you a 12-month release strategy, discuss the importance of documenting the creation of each of your songs, and outline the steps involved to successfully release music over a 12-month period. This approach will not only earn you more streaming income and sales, it will also capture new fans.
Lesson 82: Creating an Effective Peer Review Network
In this lesson I discuss the importance of having a solid peer review network. You cannot do everything yourself, and a peer review network can help you accomplish your goals. A peer review group includes people with an array of skill sets who provide you with honest, valuable information that will help you develop every aspect of your music career. Peer reviewers are people involved in audio production, graphics, business, and other areas who can give you a professional critique of your work and will offer you advice and guidance. I use my peer review network every week! I’ll also show you how to create your peer review network.
Lesson 83: The Proper Use of Samples and VSTs in Your Music
In this lesson I discuss the use of samples and virtual instruments (VSTs) in your music. Using sounds and samples are great ways to inspire creativity, but there are important things that you need to know about the proper use and presentation of these sounds in your compositions.
Lesson 84: The Collage Composition Technique Part 1
In this lesson I discuss the collage composition technique. This is a different approach to not only writing new music, but also a technique that will add another revenue stream for you. There is homework involved, so view the lesson and start creating! You will need this material for the next lesson. I’ve added a link to download some of the sounds that I have created using this approach. As you will hear, they are varied, but will help form the foundation of many compositions.
Lesson 85: The Collage Composition Technique Part 2
In this lesson I use a walkthrough to show you how you can use the collage technique to create music compositions with the sound pack you developed in Lesson 84. This is a different approach to writing new music and is also a technique that will give you another revenue stream.
Lesson 86: Creating Quick & Easy Riser Transitions
In this lesson I use a walk through to show you how you can use your previously recorded sounds to create interesting riser transitions. It’s a simple two-step process that I use to create transitions for new music, and by re-purposing these into new sounds you can sell or license them online to various video game marketplaces (Unity Engine, Unreal Engine, etc.) and royalty-free music warehouse libraries (AudioSparx, Pond5, Audio Jungle, etc.). All music/sound revenue is good revenue, so here is another way to earn money on a monthly basis with your talents.
Lesson 87: Creating Ambients from Recycled Music to Generate Revenue
In this lesson I use a walk through to show you how to create quick and fun ambients with your older songs and stems. Ambients are used in all television shows, films, video games, podcasts, and other markets. You can sell or license your ambients via the various online video game marketplaces (Unreal Engine, Unity Engine, etc.) and royalty-free music warehouse libraries (AudioSparx, Pond5, Audio Jungle, etc.). It’s easy, and it’s a great revenue source to tap into to earn monthly revenue.
Lesson 88: Spotting Film, TV, & Video Games - Part 1
In this lesson I give you an introduction to spotting techniques. Spotting is an important skill for a composer, songwriter, and sound designer to learn and practice for writing to picture projects. Writing to picture is different from licensing your music. It requires different musical skills and techniques to help you create music that will elevate and support picture. Spotting forms the road map that will guide your writing and will increase the likelihood of success when you are writing songs and music for films, television shows, video games, and other media.
Lesson 89: Spotting Film, TV, & Video Games - Part 2
In this lesson I show you how to develop a precise and accurate spotting sheet for your film projects. Completing a detailed spotting sheet will make it easier to see where your windows are for sound and music in the project and will help later when you need to register the cues with your PRO for performance royalties. I also discuss a few common terms that you need to be aware of when working in film music.
Lesson 90: Registering Your Film Music
In this lesson I show you a naming convention technique that I use to register all the songs and music that I write for films. Whether they are short films, indie, or full-length features, naming your cues and songs correctly will help keep your P.R.O. repertoire organized, make it easier to collect royalties, and, most importantly, make it easier for music supervisors and editors to accurately log your music on their cue sheets.
Lesson 91: Completing Film Cue Sheets
In this lesson I show you how to complete accurate cue sheets and submit them to your P.R.O. If you have composed songs and music for any type of visual project, your job is not done until you complete the cue sheets and submit them (if the filmmakers are not taking care of this for you) so you can earn broadcast royalties from them in the future. If you need any help or clarification, your P.R.O. will help you.
Lesson 92: Clean Your Audio for Better Tracks
In this lesson I show you how to use automation to clean audio files before you stem and mix. Keeping your files clean and free of any amp noise or hum, string or finger slides, and other noise, is important when writing music for television, film, and games. When recording real instruments like drums, bass, guitars, vocals, etc. noise will creep in. Too much noise will add up, affecting your overall mix. By using simple automation, you can keep your tracks clean and improve the sound of your finished mix.
Lesson 93: Adaptive Composition ~ Vertical Remixing
In this lesson I show you how to use vertical remixing to create more versions of your music. Vertical remixing is an adaptive composition technique that is utilized in video games, but I use it for all of the music that I create for television shows, films, and advertising, as well. Music libraries and editors love it, as it makes their jobs so much easier. It also increases the amount of money you can earn from your music, as each version is registered with your PRO and can be placed to earn upfront and back-end royalties.
Lesson 94: Marketing & Motivation Tools – TuneSat
In this lesson I walk you through TuneSat, a tool that I use to keep track of where my music is being placed around most of the world. It helps me stay motivated, track royalties from various countries, see the effectiveness of certain libraries and publishers, and keeps me on top of which genres of my music are performing the best, and in what types of shows.
Lesson 95: The A-Side/B-Side Song Release Strategy
In this lesson I introduce you to the A Side/B Side song release strategy. This concept was designed to help you gain more fans, streams, and sales with your music, and it reduces stresses on time and finances. It is a record label strategy that was used in the 1950s and 1960s which has been adapted by artists and labels of all sizes to release their music and maximize earnings and fan growth.
Lesson 96: Five Things to Consider Before Signing
I am frequently asked about signing contracts and agreements with publishers, music libraries, record companies, managers, indie labels, producers etc. Sometimes artists are overwhelmed and flattered by opportunities that arise. It is best to keep a clear head and take a deep breath before signing anything. In this lesson I discuss five things to consider before you sign any agreement. I use this approach with all negotiations and opportunities.
Lesson 97: Plagiarism & Creating Sound Alikes
In this lesson I discuss creating sound alike songs and music, as well as plagiarism. If you are working with music libraries, chances are that you already have or will see briefs come in that ask for submissions that “sound like” another song or piece of music. These opportunities can be quite lucrative; but you must be cautious, as you can easily infringe on other artists’ copyrights. I also discuss the two tests a song has to meet before a case of plagiarism can proceed to the courts.
Lesson 98: License Your Music Globally
In this lesson I discuss getting your music licensed worldwide. There are many markets all over the world that utilize licensed music, many of which we don’t think about that much. Almost every country worldwide has music libraries and an ongoing need for your music. I’ll talk about how you should think about and approach music licensing on a global level, and how to research these markets and start submitting your music to keep adding to your royalties.
Lesson 99: Overcoming Common Music Licensing Obstacles
In this lesson I discuss how to overcome some of the obstacles that you may face as an artist licensing your songs and music for film, television, advertising, and games. These four scenarios are common, and I receive emails about them all frequently, so I wanted to discuss how I handle them. Everyone will face these situations, so it is a good idea to understand how to approach them and hopefully find a successful resolution.
Lesson 100: Growing A Stable of Upfront Paying Clients
Upfront paying, return clients are a must in any business. The music business is no different! In this lesson I discuss how you can cultivate a list of clients who will utilize your music skills in an ongoing basis. It all starts with knowing what your skills are and researching where to find the gigs. I’ll also give you a couple of names of companies to contact immediately.
Lesson 101: Using ISRCs for Music & Videos
In this lesson I discuss using International Standard Recording Codes (ISRCs) for your music and videos. It is important to use these codes and embed them in your music and video files. You may be missing out on potential royalties without them.
Lesson 102: Starting Out or Starting Over
In this lesson I discuss two questions that I am asked about a lot. How do I start out getting my music licensed, and how do I start over? I start over a lot, trying to broaden my scope of clients, libraries, genres, and new specializations. I use the same approach to both scenarios. There is no need to reinvent the wheel, use what is effective and works best!
Lesson 103: Selling Your Publishing & Masters for Profit
In this lesson I discuss selling your publishing and masters. I know this seems to go against everything that you have heard, however, a lot of songwriters, composers, and beat makers of all types and in all stages in their careers sell the rights to their work. Your IP (music) is valuable – there is a monetary value that can be attached to it. I’ll talk about why you would want to sell the rights to your music, who would buy your rights, and how the process works.
Lesson 104: Avoiding Mediocrity by Staying Positive
In this lesson I discuss how to avoid mediocrity and stay inspired throughout your music career. It’s a long journey with many twists and turns and ups and downs. So it’s important to stay positive and create the best music that you are capable of. I talk about some strategies that I use to maintain a positive outlook, avoid pitfalls, and keep an overall good state of mind.