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How do I get a job as a songwriter
I'm a songwriter/music producer/artist based in Chile, I just graduated college and I want to get a songwriting job. How and where do I start? How many songs do I need for a portfolio? Are portfolios needed or is Spotify enough? These and many more are my questions but I felt like it was better to start here.
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6 answers
Chinyere Okafor
Educationist and Counseling Psychologist
1205
Answers
Updated
Chinyere’s Answer
Hello Siena,
That's fantastic, and it's great to hear you're passionate about pursuing a career in songwriting! Here are some steps and tips to help you get started:
1. Build a Strong Portfolio
A portfolio is essential for showcasing your work to potential clients and collaborators. Aim to include:
- Demo Tracks: High-quality recordings of your best songs.
- Lyrics: Include the lyrics to your songs.
- Sheet Music: If applicable, include sheet music or chord charts.
- Professional Photos: A few high-quality photos of yourself.
- Bio: A brief bio that highlights your background, achievements, and unique selling points.
- Contact Information: Make it easy for people to reach out to you.
2. Create an Online Presence
Having an online presence is crucial. Consider:
- Website: Create a personal website to host your portfolio and share updates.
- Social Media: Use platforms like Instagram, TikTok, and YouTube to share your music and connect with fans.
- Spotify and Other Streaming Platforms: Upload your songs to Spotify, Apple Music, and other streaming services to increase visibility.
3. Network and Collaborate
Networking is key in the music industry](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XmN151Ulijg). Attend industry events, join songwriter groups, and collaborate with other musicians and producers. Building relationships can open doors to new opportunities.
4. Submit Your Work
Look for opportunities to submit your songs to music publishers, record labels, and songwriting contests. Many contests offer exposure and networking opportunities.
5. Consider Licensing and Sync
Explore opportunities in music licensing and sync placements. Your songs can be used in TV shows, movies, commercials, and video games, providing another revenue stream.
6. Stay Persistent and Patient
The music industry can be tough, and success often takes time](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XmN151Ulijg). Keep honing your craft, stay persistent, and don't get discouraged by setbacks.
7. Seek Feedback and Improve
Get feedback from trusted sources and use it to improve your songwriting skills. Constructive criticism can help you grow as an artist.
8. Consider Professional Development
Take courses or workshops to further develop your skills. There are many online resources and programs available for aspiring songwriters.
9. Stay Informed
Keep up with industry trends, new technologies, and changes in the music business. Staying informed can give you a competitive edge.
10. Be Open to Different Opportunities
Be open to various roles in the music industry, such as working as a staff writer, a freelance songwriter, or even a music teacher. Diversifying your opportunities can help you build a sustainable career.
Best wishes!
That's fantastic, and it's great to hear you're passionate about pursuing a career in songwriting! Here are some steps and tips to help you get started:
1. Build a Strong Portfolio
A portfolio is essential for showcasing your work to potential clients and collaborators. Aim to include:
- Demo Tracks: High-quality recordings of your best songs.
- Lyrics: Include the lyrics to your songs.
- Sheet Music: If applicable, include sheet music or chord charts.
- Professional Photos: A few high-quality photos of yourself.
- Bio: A brief bio that highlights your background, achievements, and unique selling points.
- Contact Information: Make it easy for people to reach out to you.
2. Create an Online Presence
Having an online presence is crucial. Consider:
- Website: Create a personal website to host your portfolio and share updates.
- Social Media: Use platforms like Instagram, TikTok, and YouTube to share your music and connect with fans.
- Spotify and Other Streaming Platforms: Upload your songs to Spotify, Apple Music, and other streaming services to increase visibility.
3. Network and Collaborate
Networking is key in the music industry](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XmN151Ulijg). Attend industry events, join songwriter groups, and collaborate with other musicians and producers. Building relationships can open doors to new opportunities.
4. Submit Your Work
Look for opportunities to submit your songs to music publishers, record labels, and songwriting contests. Many contests offer exposure and networking opportunities.
5. Consider Licensing and Sync
Explore opportunities in music licensing and sync placements. Your songs can be used in TV shows, movies, commercials, and video games, providing another revenue stream.
6. Stay Persistent and Patient
The music industry can be tough, and success often takes time](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XmN151Ulijg). Keep honing your craft, stay persistent, and don't get discouraged by setbacks.
7. Seek Feedback and Improve
Get feedback from trusted sources and use it to improve your songwriting skills. Constructive criticism can help you grow as an artist.
8. Consider Professional Development
Take courses or workshops to further develop your skills. There are many online resources and programs available for aspiring songwriters.
9. Stay Informed
Keep up with industry trends, new technologies, and changes in the music business. Staying informed can give you a competitive edge.
10. Be Open to Different Opportunities
Be open to various roles in the music industry, such as working as a staff writer, a freelance songwriter, or even a music teacher. Diversifying your opportunities can help you build a sustainable career.
Best wishes!
Updated
Jose Carlos’s Answer
Hola Siena!
It depends on what you want kind of job you are looking for in the music industry. Your portfolio should reflect the kind of work you do or want to do. I write music for advertising and visual media so my portfolio is a collection of my work which I showcase on my website.
To start working in this industry I made a portfolio re-scoring existing commercials to show my ability. Once you have a portfolio you can start contacting audio production companies and try to get in. It's not easy but not impossible.
Regardless of what kind of job you are aiming for your music production/ songwriting portfolio should:
- Showcase your best work (quality over quantity)
- Showcase different styles of music (this will depend on the job you apply for)
- Reflect the kind of work you want to get into
I hope this helps!
It depends on what you want kind of job you are looking for in the music industry. Your portfolio should reflect the kind of work you do or want to do. I write music for advertising and visual media so my portfolio is a collection of my work which I showcase on my website.
To start working in this industry I made a portfolio re-scoring existing commercials to show my ability. Once you have a portfolio you can start contacting audio production companies and try to get in. It's not easy but not impossible.
Regardless of what kind of job you are aiming for your music production/ songwriting portfolio should:
- Showcase your best work (quality over quantity)
- Showcase different styles of music (this will depend on the job you apply for)
- Reflect the kind of work you want to get into
I hope this helps!
Jose Carlos, thank you!
Siena
Thomas O'Shea
Music Producer, Composer, Live Sound Engineer, Musician
146
Answers
Updated
Thomas’s Answer
Hey Siena,
In today's music industry and breaking into it, you unfortunately can't be "just" a songwriter or "just" a session musician. You kinda have to grab whatever opportunities you can find and run with it. First I would ask, what is your degree? Cause that's always a great place to start with getting into the music industry. If you have a marketing and entrepreneurship degree, then you can use your skills to help both yourself and others get work. That can be the thing you focus on while also writing and releasing your own music. No matter what you want to do in music, you still have to make money while you work towards your goals. I personally have a degree in audio production, music business, music composition, and piano (it was all lumped together into a double major of Audio Production and Music Business and a certificate in music composition). I work as a live sound engineer and a pianist in whatever setting will make me money while I work on becoming a music producer. That's the first step- doing something you enjoy while still making money.
Your next point about portfolios can go multiple different ways. I have submitted my music to websites that accept my stuff on Spotify or YouTube as my "portfolio" while other jobs I've applied to asked for my CV/ Resume and my actual portfolio. I would say as you release music (or even just write a song) put it both on Spotify and into a "portfolio", cause then you're ready for any opportunity. Also, build your network. Your network is your superpower in the music industry. It's all about who knows who and how can that help you. Anyone you've interacted with in a meaningful way is technically in your network. Use every opportunity to network- social media, in person, when submitting your music, in Facebook groups, and even in your YouTube comments. Any time you can reach out and get to know someone, you can potentially help them and they can potentially help you.
I've been trying to start a career in the music industry since Freshman year of High School, so any other questions you have I could probably answer in some way. Here's my website: tyoismusic.com. Reach out on a social media platform- I'll become part of your network and can help with more questions you have.
In today's music industry and breaking into it, you unfortunately can't be "just" a songwriter or "just" a session musician. You kinda have to grab whatever opportunities you can find and run with it. First I would ask, what is your degree? Cause that's always a great place to start with getting into the music industry. If you have a marketing and entrepreneurship degree, then you can use your skills to help both yourself and others get work. That can be the thing you focus on while also writing and releasing your own music. No matter what you want to do in music, you still have to make money while you work towards your goals. I personally have a degree in audio production, music business, music composition, and piano (it was all lumped together into a double major of Audio Production and Music Business and a certificate in music composition). I work as a live sound engineer and a pianist in whatever setting will make me money while I work on becoming a music producer. That's the first step- doing something you enjoy while still making money.
Your next point about portfolios can go multiple different ways. I have submitted my music to websites that accept my stuff on Spotify or YouTube as my "portfolio" while other jobs I've applied to asked for my CV/ Resume and my actual portfolio. I would say as you release music (or even just write a song) put it both on Spotify and into a "portfolio", cause then you're ready for any opportunity. Also, build your network. Your network is your superpower in the music industry. It's all about who knows who and how can that help you. Anyone you've interacted with in a meaningful way is technically in your network. Use every opportunity to network- social media, in person, when submitting your music, in Facebook groups, and even in your YouTube comments. Any time you can reach out and get to know someone, you can potentially help them and they can potentially help you.
I've been trying to start a career in the music industry since Freshman year of High School, so any other questions you have I could probably answer in some way. Here's my website: tyoismusic.com. Reach out on a social media platform- I'll become part of your network and can help with more questions you have.
Thank you!
Siena
Updated
Trafton’s Answer
My advice would be to start building relationships with other songwriters in your genre and collaborating as much as possible. Preferably songwriters that work for a publisher. In my experience, it’s very difficult to cold call on publishers because they are constantly receiving solicitations from unpublished songwriters and don’t have the time to meet with every songwriter that reaches out to them. By collaborating with songwriters that have a deal, you get an invitation to the publishing company and can showcase your talent by co-writing quality songs that get the attention of the publisher.
In Nashville we have a thing called open mic nights. These are opportunities for anyone who signs up to go on stage and play original music. It’s a great opportunity to meet other songwriters and schedule co-writes.
Also, write as much as possible. It takes years of dedication and hundreds, if not thousands of songs to develop your craft. I’ve been a published songwriter in Nashville for almost fifteen years, have written thousands of songs and I am still learning and honing my craft.
I’ll finish this by saying that networking is paramount. Meet as many people in the industry as possible and do your best to keep those relationships in good standing. Always be kind, humble and helpful.
One more thing, sign up with a PRO (ie BMI, ASCAP or SESAC) it doesn’t cost anything to join. Try and develop a relationship with a writer representative at whichever PRO you choose and play them some of your best material and see if they can help schedule cowrites with published songwriters.
In Nashville we have a thing called open mic nights. These are opportunities for anyone who signs up to go on stage and play original music. It’s a great opportunity to meet other songwriters and schedule co-writes.
Also, write as much as possible. It takes years of dedication and hundreds, if not thousands of songs to develop your craft. I’ve been a published songwriter in Nashville for almost fifteen years, have written thousands of songs and I am still learning and honing my craft.
I’ll finish this by saying that networking is paramount. Meet as many people in the industry as possible and do your best to keep those relationships in good standing. Always be kind, humble and helpful.
One more thing, sign up with a PRO (ie BMI, ASCAP or SESAC) it doesn’t cost anything to join. Try and develop a relationship with a writer representative at whichever PRO you choose and play them some of your best material and see if they can help schedule cowrites with published songwriters.
Thank you!
Siena
Updated
John’s Answer
Hi Siena!
I agree with Chinyere's response. Here are some ways to work as a songwriter:
Earn Song Placements (Sync Licensing)
Earn Performance Royalties
Earn Mechanical Royalties
Earn Digital Album/Song Sales
Get Your Songs Placed With Selling Artists
Get a Publishing Deal (Label Advance)
Get Paid For “Demoing” Songs
Write Songs for Upcoming Artists
Vocal Produce Upcoming Artists
“Work For Hire” Gigs
These points are discussed in more detail in the following article by Geo Euceda, a New York songwriter:
https://officialgaetano.com/music-industry/career-advice/how-to-become-songwriter-make-money/
Good luck on your journey and if you truly love songwriting, don't give up!
All the best, John
I agree with Chinyere's response. Here are some ways to work as a songwriter:
Earn Song Placements (Sync Licensing)
Earn Performance Royalties
Earn Mechanical Royalties
Earn Digital Album/Song Sales
Get Your Songs Placed With Selling Artists
Get a Publishing Deal (Label Advance)
Get Paid For “Demoing” Songs
Write Songs for Upcoming Artists
Vocal Produce Upcoming Artists
“Work For Hire” Gigs
These points are discussed in more detail in the following article by Geo Euceda, a New York songwriter:
https://officialgaetano.com/music-industry/career-advice/how-to-become-songwriter-make-money/
Good luck on your journey and if you truly love songwriting, don't give up!
All the best, John
I appreciate your support, John
Siena
Updated
Saint’s Answer
Hey Siena!
Congrats on graduating and diving into songwriting! To get started, you’ll need a portfolio with a few strong songs that show off your style. This can include original tracks, co-writes, or demos. Quality is more important than quantity.
Having an online presence is key too. While Spotify is great for sharing your music, it helps to have a website or social media to connect with people. Platforms like SoundCloud or Bandcamp are also great for showcasing your songs.
Collaborating with other artists and producers is a good way to learn and build connections. Once you have some solid songs, you can start pitching them to music publishers or labels. Networking and attending events can open more doors.
Also, consider entering songwriting contests—they can give you extra exposure. Keep creating, stay open to new opportunities, and don’t forget to focus on quality over quantity when building your portfolio.
Good luck!
Saint
Congrats on graduating and diving into songwriting! To get started, you’ll need a portfolio with a few strong songs that show off your style. This can include original tracks, co-writes, or demos. Quality is more important than quantity.
Having an online presence is key too. While Spotify is great for sharing your music, it helps to have a website or social media to connect with people. Platforms like SoundCloud or Bandcamp are also great for showcasing your songs.
Collaborating with other artists and producers is a good way to learn and build connections. Once you have some solid songs, you can start pitching them to music publishers or labels. Networking and attending events can open more doors.
Also, consider entering songwriting contests—they can give you extra exposure. Keep creating, stay open to new opportunities, and don’t forget to focus on quality over quantity when building your portfolio.
Good luck!
Saint