LibGuides: Music: Music Business

Subject Guide

Cynthia de León

Links to the Library

Ask a Librarian
Ask questions, report problems, or just send comments and suggestions.
SAPL on Facebook
SAPL on Twitter
SAPL on YouTube

Today's Events

All SAPL Events

Music Copyright and Licensing

United States Copyright Office
Contact this government office to get copyright protection for your music.
Music Copyright in the Digital Age
The digital age has brought multiple venues through which musicians' work may be distributed. This study by ASCAP is a detailed look at how musicians may best protect their copyright in these numerous venues.

Welcome to ...

Music Business

Interested in learning more about the business side of music? Well, here you can search our catalog, check out our databases, and take a look at some of our favorite online resources.

Favorite Books

Here are just a few of our favorite books about the music business. Here you will find information on how the music industry works and on how to best promote your music.

Web Sites about the Music Business

Music Business Rules -- How to Get Ahead in the Music Industry
A good general overview of the music business. Covers such topics as steps to take for recording a demo, a step-by-step guide to booking gigs, and tips on how to self-promote your music.
Music Industry
Describes the structure of the music industry, with links to detailed explanations of the components comprising the industry. For instance, the link to "record labels" explains major, independent, and sublabels, and includes links to major labels.
The Savvy Musician
Useful tips for the professional musician.

Music Organizations

ASCAP (American Society of Composers, Authors, and Publishers
A performing rights organization of over 320,000 composers, songwriters, lyricists, and music publishers of all kinds of music. Join ASCAP to collect royalties on airplay and other performances of your musical works. Many other benefits available.
BMI (Broadcast Music, Inc.)
A performing rights organization of over 375,000 songwriters, lyricists and music publishers of all kinds of music. Join BMI to collect royalties on airplyay and other performances of your musical works. Many other benefits available.