Introduction

About the authors: Todd Brabec, Executive Vice President and Director of Membership for ASCAP, and Jeff Brabec, Vice President Business Affairs for the Chrysalis Music Group, are graduates of NYU School of Law, Deems Taylor Award-winning writers for excellence in music journalism, adjunct professors at the USC Thornton School of Music/ Music Industry Department and authors of the book, MUSIC, MONEY AND SUCCESS: THE INSIDER’S GUIDE TO MAKING MONEY IN THE MUSIC BUSINESS (Schirmer Trade Books/Music Sales) from which much of the information contained in this article is taken.

MUSIC and MONEY

The songwriter/publisher income chart below shows some of the many ways a songwriter, recording artist or publisher can generate income.

A songwriter makes money when songs are downloaded or when a CD or cassette containing one of his or her songs is sold, when the songs are played on the radio, or performed in a TV show or concert hall, or broadcast in a foreign country. Royalties can also be generated from the sale of sheet music, a ringtone or from the use of a song in a commercial, a motion picture, Broadway musical, subscription service or video game.

Since each source of income has its own distinct payment structure, figuring out exactly how a songwriter, artist or music publisher makes money and where that money comes from can be a major challenge.

But it’s not that difficult! The money that can be made is yours if you know the business, have the talent, have good representation, are willing to work, and have the requisite amount of luck necessary for success in any endeavor in life.

Songwriter / Music Publisher 2007 Income Chart
$9,100	U.S. singles sales (100,000 copies)
45,500	U.S. album sales (500,000 copies)
18,200	U.S. downloads (200,000)
700,000	U.S. radio and TV performances
110,000	Foreign single/Album sales
600,000	Foreign radio and TV performances
25,000	Sheet music and folios
175,000	Advertising commercial
15,000	Song in a television series
40,000	Song in a motion picture
4,000	Foreign theatrical performances
110,000	Broadway show use
20,000	Dolls and toys
10,000	Video Games
65,000	Ringtones
75,000	Miscellaneous royalties

© 2008 Todd Brabec, Jeff Brabec
For more information, check out the book Music, Money and Success: The Insider's Guide To Making Money In The Music Business (Schirmer Trade Books/Music Sales/502 pages) available for sale at Amazon.com, Barnes & Noble, Borders, Music Sales Group and www.musicandmoney.com.


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