The music industry is full of complex jargon and technical terms that can be confusing for newcomers. To help you navigate this world, we’ve compiled a comprehensive glossary of music business terms. Whether you’re an aspiring artist, a music industry professional, or simply a curious fan, this guide will provide you with a solid foundation of knowledge.
A&R (Artists and Repertoire)
A&R is the department in a record label that is responsible for scouting and signing new talent, as well as overseeing the creative direction and production of their music.
ASCAP (American Society of Composers, Authors, and Publishers)
ASCAP is a performance rights organization that collects and distributes royalties on behalf of songwriters, composers, and music publishers.
BMI (Broadcast Music, Inc.)
BMI is another performance rights organization that represents songwriters, composers, and music publishers and collects and distributes royalties for the public performance of their music.
Copyright
Copyright is a legal concept that grants exclusive rights to the creators of original works, including music, to control the use and distribution of their work.
Distribution
Distribution refers to the process of making music available for purchase or streaming through various channels, including physical media (CDs, vinyl, etc.) and digital platforms (Spotify, Apple Music, etc.).
Mechanical Royalties
Mechanical royalties are paid to songwriters and music publishers for the reproduction and distribution of their music, including physical copies and digital downloads.
Master Recording
The master recording is the original recording of a song, typically owned by the record label, that is used to create copies for distribution.
Performance Royalties
Performance royalties are paid to songwriters, composers, and music publishers for the public performance of their music, including on radio, TV, and in live performances.
Publishing
Publishing refers to the ownership and management of the rights to a song, including the right to collect royalties and license the song for use in various media.
Sync Licensing
Sync licensing refers to the process of licensing music for use in film, TV, commercials, and other media. This can be a lucrative revenue stream for songwriters and music publishers.
Tour Support
Tour support is financial assistance provided by a record label or other entity to help cover the costs of touring, including travel, lodging, and production expenses.
Work for Hire
Work for hire refers to a contractual arrangement in which a songwriter or producer is paid a flat fee to create music for a specific project and does not retain ownership or control over the resulting work.
These are just a few of the many music business terms you’ll encounter in the industry. By familiarizing yourself with these concepts, you’ll be better equipped to navigate the complex world of the music business.
In terms of education and career opportunities, there are many paths you can take in the music industry. Whether you’re interested in artist management, music production, or music business law, there are programs and courses available to help you achieve your goals.
One such program is the NYU x Billboard | Music Industry Essentials online course and certificate program. This program, offered by New York University in partnership with Billboard, provides a comprehensive overview of the music industry, including topics such as artist management, marketing, and music publishing. By completing this program, you’ll gain valuable knowledge and skills that can help you succeed in a variety of music industry careers.
Key Takeaways:
- The music industry is full of complex jargon and technical terms.
- Familiarizing yourself with music business terms can help you navigate the industry.
- There are many paths to a career in the music industry, including the NYU x Billboard | Music Industry Essentials online course and certificate program.
