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Music Publishing Essentials

LEARNING PLAN

Music Publishing Essentials

Music publishing represents the business side of songwriting, controlling billions in annual royalties that many creators leave unclaimed. This learning plan is essential for songwriters, composers, artists, managers, and anyone seeking to understand how musical compositions generate income and build long-term value. Whether you're protecting your own work or building a career in music business, mastering publishing fundamentals is critical to financial success in the industry.

ByCommunity User
1 h 49 m
9 coursesUpdated 5 days ago
How To Make It in the New Music BusinessCopyright Releases: Your Product Launch Legal ToolkitInformation Doesn’t Want to Be Free9 sources

How This Learning Plan Was Made

This plan was crafted by BeFreed’s proprietary AI to help you learn Music Publishing Essentials with ease. It is curated from in-depth research on the topic and structured around the most effective learning journeys proven by BeFreed users.

Each episode delivers bite-sized, high-impact lessons distilled from world-class sources — bestselling books, research papers, and expert insights. Together, they form a sophisticated yet accessible path to mastering Music Publishing Essentials.

What You'll Learn

  • Master copyright fundamentals and understand how music publishing generates revenue through multiple royalty streams
  • Navigate performance rights organizations (PROs) and learn to maximize income from mechanical, performance, and sync licenses
  • Develop strategies for digital distribution, sync licensing, and direct-to-fan monetization in today's music ecosystem
  • Gain expertise in catalog management, publishing administration, and negotiating industry-standard deals
  • Apply real-world case studies to understand industry challenges and build practical skills for managing compositions professionally

Master the fundamentals of how music publishing works, including copyright basics, royalty types, and the business infrastructure that powers the industry.

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Copyright Licenses and Transfers | Digital Media Law ProjectHow to Write a Copyright Release: 12 Steps (with Pictures)Chapter 2 - Copyright Ownership and TransferA complete framework for planning and executing your next product launch.
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Copyright Releases: Your Product Launch Legal Toolkit

Master the strategic intersection of copyright law and product launches. Learn how to craft effective copyright releases, protect your IP while enabling partnerships, and turn legal frameworks into competitive advantages for creative entrepreneurs.

9 m

Dive deep into the mechanics of music licensing, performance rights organizations, and the multiple revenue streams publishers manage to monetize compositions.

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Information Doesn’t Want to Be Free

A thought-provoking exploration of copyright, creativity, and digital freedom in the Internet age by tech activist Cory Doctorow.

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Deciding Whether and How to License Your ContentA practical guide to using CC licensesReleasing Software | Research & Innovation Officesource 4
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Strategic Content Release and IP Protection

Lena and Eli explore how creators can balance sharing their work openly with protecting their ability to monetize it, covering Creative Commons, traditional licensing, and building sustainable creative careers.

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Creative Revenue Revolution: Monetization Strategies That Work

Transform your creative passion into sustainable profit with proven strategies from successful entrepreneurs. Learn to build multiple revenue streams, price your work properly, and create scalable systems that honor your artistic integrity.

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Navigate the evolving landscape of digital distribution, sync licensing, and direct-to-fan monetization strategies that define today's publishing ecosystem.

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How To Make It in the New Music BusinessThe Ultimate Guide to Music Marketing in 2025The Ultimate Music Release Strategy for 2025 | DIY MusicianThe New Rules of Marketing and PR
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Music Release Mastery: 2025 Strategies That Work

Discover the game-changing strategies independent artists need to succeed in 2025's saturated music market. From the 50/50 rule to waterfall releases and building direct fan relationships.

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Music Production Revolution: DIY Success Stories

Explore how bedroom producers are earning millions while major labels fail. Discover practical techniques for songwriting, home studio setup, and building sustainable music careers in the democratized digital age.

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Explore real-world case studies, industry challenges, and advanced publishing administration to build expertise in catalog management and deal-making.

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Ta-Ra-Ra-Boom-De-Ay: The Dodgy Business of Popular Music

A revealing exposé of the music industry's dark underbelly, chronicling scandals, scams, and shady dealings throughout pop history.

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Hit Men

Explosive exposé of music industry corruption, revealing the dark underbelly of power, greed, and ruthless ambition behind hit songs.

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