Songwriter

$1,500 to $1,000,000+

Composer, Lyricist, Writer

Writes lyrics, music, or both. Written material is sold and/or pitched to established musical groups or performers.

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As the name suggests, a Songwriter writes songs. This includes penning lyrics, coming up the melody or both. When a songwriter works with another songwriter, it is called collaboration. Songwriters go about their work in different ways. Some sound songwriters work out a routine with their schedule, and we'll sit down the same time every day in an attempt to write a winning song. Others will wait for inspiration before they write their songs. Its inspiration comes from an idea, a person, a thought, or an occasion. There are even those who may write the music first and then tried to find the perfect lyrics to match. Others write lyrics and then the music.

Songwriters sometimes go by the name of composers, writers, or there's sense. Once years she has finished writing a song, they must find a way to get it picked up by an artist. The main goal the songwriter is not only getting the song recorded, but to have it recorded by artist, or even an unknown artist who can turn the record into a hit. With that said, before the songwriter does anything with another artist or another songwriter (in terms of marketing the song), he or she must ensure the song is protected by copyright. This is not always necessary, but it's best to be safe rather than sorry.

In order to find someone to record the song, the songwriter should use any contacts he or she has – this is the time to reach out to anyone who might be able to help. This includes contacting publishers, musical acts, producers, A&R people, managers and more. These contacts will be listening to the demo recording that the songwriter creates. The demo should sound as professional as possible, and multiple copies of that demo should be made. Then, after the demo is made, it can be sent out to various contacts. Regardless of whether or not the songwriter is sending to known contacts or strangers, it is always best to send a letter to the person prior to sending the demo. This is because many music publishers' don't accept unsolicited material due to the volume of demos received.

If a Songwriter is lucky enough to have their demo selected by a Music Publisher or A&R person, he or she can sell the song outright, or they can just sell the rights to the song. Either way, it is at this time that the Songwriter seeks the advice of their attorney before moving forward. And, even though they are the master behind the song, and will receive credit on the record, he or she does not receive much further recognition.

In terms of work hours, the Songwriter might work long and hard, or they might get inspired by something at an odd time which will require them to sit down and start writing.

Salaries
Songwriters will earn different amounts depending on a number of factors, including the number of songs published or sold, the number of times the song is played or used, the type of agreement made for each song, and more. As mentioned, Songwriter might just write the tune, or might also write lyrics, or both. Also, if the Songwriter collaborates with another Songwriter, they will have to split fees and royalties.

A Songwriter may write for years and never sell a hit song, only to wake up the next morning and write a song that earns multimillions of dollars – that is just the business, so one should expect unpredictable working climates.

Employment
While most people can write songs, it is tough to sell and publish. Songs can be written for studio albums, live performances, radio or TV jingles, and more. Individuals can write fulltime or part-time, and they might even be a musician themselves who likes to write their own music.

Advancement
The main, and pretty much only way a Songwriter can advance their career is to write songs that will turn into hit record – this can happen at any point in the Songwriter's career.

Education and Training
The Songwriter doesn't need a formal education, but he or she might study music theory, orchestration, or harmony, while studying instruments as well. There are available courses in lyric writing, but as mentioned, this is not a requirement.

Experience, Skills, and Personality
To write songs, one should be creative and talented, with knowledge of the music business (which will help in marketing and selling a song). Sometimes, playing an instrument is helpful in songwriting. Due to the unpredictability of the profession, Songwriters should be persistent and patient, and must realize that their success has a lot to do with luck.

Unions and Associations
Available organizations for the Songwriter include the American Society of Composers, Authors, and Publishers (ASCAP), Broadcast Music, Inc. (BMI), and/or SESAC. An individual might also be a member of the Songwriters Guild of America (SGA), which is the association that represents composers and lyricists. In addition, there is the Nashville Songwriters Association International, the Country Music Association (CMA), the Gospel Music Association (GMA), or the National Academy of Recording Arts and Sciences (NARAS).

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