The Three Reasons Most Musicians Don't Make More Money With Their Music
Published: Thu, 11/27/08
Hi ,
Over the last few years of figuring out how to make money with my music through music licensing I've made some important realizations about why most musicians I know don't seem to make that much money with their music. There are three primary reasons most musicians seem to struggle so much when it comes to making money with their music. Hence the whole "struggling artist" stereotype. The three reasons are:
1) They don't have access to the right people or right information.
2) They do have access to the right people and the right information but they fail to implement what they learn.
3) They implement what they learn in the short term but they fail to follow through in the long term and simply quit before they get their desired results.
My goal with my products and services are to help you address all three of these areas and learn how to MAKE MONEY with your music.The music business is not exactly the easiest business to break into, although with a solid understanding of how the business really works it becomes a LOT easier. I've often said that getting into music licensing is a lot easier than getting a record deal, and this is definitely true. But there still is an incredible amount of competition when it comes to getting licensing deals. As record labels continue to flounder and fall by the wayside, more and more musicians and industry executives are turning to licensing and publishing as an alternative and/or supplemental revenue stream. They do this for the simple reason that it's a GREAT source of revenue for music. There IS a lot of money to be made and those who understand how the business works are making a lot of money.
Songwriting is an art and a craft. It's a craft that I have a tremendous amount of love and appreciation for. Licensing music is a business. It's the business of taking your art and turning it into something that can potentially sustain you so that you can continue to make music and pursue your passion. If you're only focusing on the Songwriting part of your career you're going to be missing out on some huge opportunities!
On my path to where I am now I've discovered a lot of things about the music business that a lot of musicians simply never learn from playing in bars and clubs. It was during my time at Berklee College of Music that I first learned about music licensing from a couple of my teachers who were actively licensing their own songs. It took me a few years before I really appreciated the information I learned there. My goal is to impart what I've learned so that other musicians can take the information I've learned and apply it in their own lives.
I currently offer two different versions of The A-Z Of Music Licensing as well as a directory of contact information for the music licensing industry. The directory is included with both versions of The A-Z Of Music Licensing or can be purchased separately:
1) The A-Z Of Music Licensing Online Edition With Email Coaching This is my newest package and I´m currently offering this package for close to twenty dollars off of the regular price. It features my program, The A-Z Of Music Licensing in an online format bundled with additional coaching via email. The A-Z Of Music Licensing is a comprehensive program that covers in detail EVERYTHING you need to know to start successfully licensing your music. This package also includes additional email support. After you review the material I'll work with you via email to go over any questions you have and help you implement a strategy for going forward that is tailored to your own unique situation. $68.00 I reccomend this program if you´re new to the business and would like additional support in getting started. Only $49.99 (This Week Only)
Get the online version with email coaching here!
2) The A-Z Of Music Licensing Online Edition - I also offer the A-Z Of Music Licensing in an online format by itself. Access the program immediately online. Only $40.00 Get the online version here!
Over the last few years of figuring out how to make money with my music through music licensing I've made some important realizations about why most musicians I know don't seem to make that much money with their music. There are three primary reasons most musicians seem to struggle so much when it comes to making money with their music. Hence the whole "struggling artist" stereotype. The three reasons are:
1) They don't have access to the right people or right information.
2) They do have access to the right people and the right information but they fail to implement what they learn.
3) They implement what they learn in the short term but they fail to follow through in the long term and simply quit before they get their desired results.
My goal with my products and services are to help you address all three of these areas and learn how to MAKE MONEY with your music.The music business is not exactly the easiest business to break into, although with a solid understanding of how the business really works it becomes a LOT easier. I've often said that getting into music licensing is a lot easier than getting a record deal, and this is definitely true. But there still is an incredible amount of competition when it comes to getting licensing deals. As record labels continue to flounder and fall by the wayside, more and more musicians and industry executives are turning to licensing and publishing as an alternative and/or supplemental revenue stream. They do this for the simple reason that it's a GREAT source of revenue for music. There IS a lot of money to be made and those who understand how the business works are making a lot of money.
Songwriting is an art and a craft. It's a craft that I have a tremendous amount of love and appreciation for. Licensing music is a business. It's the business of taking your art and turning it into something that can potentially sustain you so that you can continue to make music and pursue your passion. If you're only focusing on the Songwriting part of your career you're going to be missing out on some huge opportunities!
On my path to where I am now I've discovered a lot of things about the music business that a lot of musicians simply never learn from playing in bars and clubs. It was during my time at Berklee College of Music that I first learned about music licensing from a couple of my teachers who were actively licensing their own songs. It took me a few years before I really appreciated the information I learned there. My goal is to impart what I've learned so that other musicians can take the information I've learned and apply it in their own lives.
If you're interested in licensing your own music and making money from your songs I offer a program on the music licensing business called "The A-Z Of Music Licensing". I created this program about a year ago based on everything I've learned about the music licensing and music publishing business. I walk you through the exact steps I took to get started and I show you how you can do the same. I also cover the technical side of the industry, I go over things like how you get paid, how copyrighting works, how to present yourself professionally, how to record music on a budget and much, much more! The program also comes with an updated directory of WHO to send your music to. There are over 130 listings for publishers, supervisors, music libraries, etc... I've heard nothing but good things about my program. Here are just a few of the actual emails I've received from people who purchased "The A-Z Of Music Licensing":
Aaron,How are you? My name is Tim Byrd and I purchased your online version of your program. It's great.
Hello Aaron,
I thought I would pass on to you the fact that I also got my whole catalogue (47 tunes) signed to one of the libraries in your directory.
Thanks for your help!
Colin
I did purchase your 'A-Z of music licensing and the directory. I think they are great!
Mike
Hello Aaron.
I just ordered and downloaded your audio files and .pdf files and though I haven't put in effect any of your ideas, I see where you are headed.
I think this is some wonderful information and will soon be using it.Hello Aaron,
I sent you an email a few weeks ago asking about your thoughts of pitching my music ( Mostly Blues & Jazz ....But also Guitar instrumentals, folk, French cabaret, Christmas and some Traditional Country )and actually making any money at the library thing. Your reply was that these genres were not yours and you couldn't really comment on that domain .
I appreciated your honest answer and went ahead and bought your repertoire of libraries, publishers etc...
Well here's the lowdown after 3 weeks of hard work sending emails and submitting songs online and via CD by mail.
I've signed deals for 27 songs and there's another 60 or so that are being screened as I write this email....
Out of all the addresses I've checked so far there wasn't ONE library that I knew ( that's good ), because through the other independent company I was a member of I had made connections with about 10 libraries and have signed in less than a year about 100 songs with companies in L.A., Texas, U.K. etc.and had one placement on The Everybody Hates Chris TV Show....So a total of 127 + songs...And 60 + in waiting...
Mike
Hey Aaron,Mike
I thought I would pass on to you the fact that I also got my whole catalogue (47 tunes) signed to one of the libraries in your directory.
Thanks for your help!
Colin
Hey Aaron,
I'm in the process of signing two songs to a publishers thanks to your info! Thank you!!
Stacy
hi aaron,
thanks for all your info and directory. such a great help!
Tracy
Thank YOU!!!
I must say I find your products extremely helpful....keep it up!!!
Tammy Hunt
Great, inspiring information....exactly what I was looking for in regards to publishing and the like. Much appreciated!!
Brian Thunberg
Yesterday I purchased your Film/TV directory and I must say it is a whole lot different from "Song Writers Market" book. It's great!
Mark
I did purchase your 'A-Z of music licensing and the directory. I think they are great!
Mike
I currently offer two different versions of The A-Z Of Music Licensing as well as a directory of contact information for the music licensing industry. The directory is included with both versions of The A-Z Of Music Licensing or can be purchased separately:
1) The A-Z Of Music Licensing Online Edition With Email Coaching This is my newest package and I´m currently offering this package for close to twenty dollars off of the regular price. It features my program, The A-Z Of Music Licensing in an online format bundled with additional coaching via email. The A-Z Of Music Licensing is a comprehensive program that covers in detail EVERYTHING you need to know to start successfully licensing your music. This package also includes additional email support. After you review the material I'll work with you via email to go over any questions you have and help you implement a strategy for going forward that is tailored to your own unique situation.
2) The A-Z Of Music Licensing Online Edition - I also offer the A-Z Of Music Licensing in an online format by itself. Access the program immediately online. Only $40.00 Get the online version here!
3) The 2008 TV/Film Music Industry Directory- And finally I also offer the comprehensive 2008 TV/Film Music Industry Directory by itself. This directory includes a list of over 130 Music Supervisor, Music Publisher, Music Libraries and more all in the business of licensing music for use in TV, Film and Video Games. Get the directory here. Only $24.99! Includes free updates for life!!
Good luck And Happy Songwriting!
Aaron Davison
Aaron Davison
PS - You can now follow me on Twitter - visit www.twitter.com/musiclicensing to sign up!