No one concept in the music industry is as satisfying, confusing, and potentially income generating as songwriting and music publishing. As the music industry continues to undergo once-in-a-lifetime changes, music publishing remains one of the most important means of making money over the long term.

This workshop will focus on the core elements of copyright law as it applies to sound recordings and musical compositions, the sources of income for both, and how to monetize them effectively. Speaker Dean Sheldon Serwin will discuss what copyright is and is not, how to protect your own copyrights, and how to go about using someone else’s copyright, including when you need to secure a license.

We will discuss not only the types of publishing agreements that exist, but the importance of timing relating to when to enter into one, and how to protect yourself when you do. Then we'll also go in-depth into the meaning of the major provisions and clauses in publishing agreements.

Additional topics include how to determine and confirm songwriter splits, the mysterious role of the performance rights organization, the impact of the 360 deal, how to collect money from other countries, how to approach licensing your music to TV & film, “alternative titles” and as other topics, as time permits.