Everything You Need to Know About Music Royalties

Printed music royalties are payments made to copyright holders for the reproduction and distribution of their sheet music. These royalties are typically split between the songwriter and the publisher, with the songwriter receiving a larger share.

Print music royalties were once the main source of income for songwriters, but their importance has declined in recent years with the rise of digital music streaming. However, they still exist, and can be a significant source of income for songwriters of certain genres, such as classical music and educational music.

How are print music royalties calculated?

Print music royalties are typically calculated as a percentage of the marked retail price of the sheet music. The standard rate is 20% for single-song sheet music and 10-12.5% for folios. However, these rates can vary depending on the publisher and the type of music.

How are print music royalties paid?

Print music royalties are typically paid quarterly by the publisher. The amount of royalties paid to each songwriter will vary depending on the number of copies of their sheet music that have been sold.

How can songwriters collect print music royalties?

In order to collect print music royalties, songwriters need to have a publishing deal. A music publisher is responsible for licensing the sheet music to retailers and collecting royalties on behalf of the songwriter.

Here are some tips for songwriters who want to maximize their print music royalties:

• Write music that is likely to be sold as sheet music. Classical music, educational music, and religious music are all genres that are well-suited for sheet music sales.
• Get a publishing deal with a reputable publisher. A good publisher will have a strong network of retailers and will be able to promote your sheet music effectively.
• Make sure that your sheet music is high quality. This means hiring a professional arranger and engraver to create your sheet music.
• Market your sheet music to retailers and educational institutions. You can do this by attending music conferences and trade shows, and by sending out promotional materials.