Production Music Business - A Free Guide

STEVEN BEDDALL PRODUCTION MUSIC ACADEMY
PRODUCTION MUSIC TOOLS
The production
music business
A comprehensive
guide to success
LET'S GET STARTED!

About the
author
STEVEN BEDDALL
Meet Steven Beddall, a full-time media composer and educator based in
Vancouver, Canada, and founder of Production Music Academy and Production
Music Tools. Steven has an extensive background as a performing musician,
having played at major festivals such as Coachella and Osheaga. He has also
composed award-winning music for acclaimed filmmakers like Larry Kent and
Darcy Turenne, establishing himself as a prominent figure in the Canadian West
coast music scene.
Since 2020, Steven has been on a mission to help other musicians find success in
the industry. Through his two educational brands, Production Music Academy and
Production Music Tools, he provides aspiring composers worldwide with the
resources and knowledge they need to turn their passion for music into a
profitable career. The Production Music Academy is a welcoming community
where Steven shares his expertise and provides courses, while Production Music
Tools is an all-in-one digital hub that provides media composers with everything
they need to create stellar music, from DAW templates to MIDI and sample packs.
Steven has also had a successful career in music licensing, with his music being
downloaded and used in thousands of videos and synced to popular television
shows on networks and services such as Netflix, NBC, and Fox. He has worked
with major brands such as Google and Patagonia, showcasing his versatility and
ability to create compelling music in various genres and styles.
Through his achievements and expertise, Steven has become a go-to source for
musicians looking to succeed in the industry. He is dedicated to helping others
achieve their full potential and take their careers to new heights.
PRODUCTIONMUSICACADEMY.COM
PRODUCTIONMUSICTOOLS.COM
Introduction
The digital age has transformed the world of music composition and production,
creating a highly specialized craft that requires technical expertise, creative talent,
and the ability to adapt to rapidly evolving digital tools and technologies.
Composing and producing music for media, including films, TV shows,
commercials, video games, and other forms of digital media, is a fascinating and
dynamic field that offers composers and producers the opportunity to create
music that can captivate and engage audiences, enhance emotional impact, and
add depth and richness to visual storytelling.
Whether you're a seasoned producer or a composer looking to break into the

industry, there's always something new to learn and discover in this exciting field.
With the right tools and knowledge, anyone with a computer and an internet
connection can create professional-quality music from the comfort of their home
studio. However, to truly excel in this field, it's essential to develop a deep
understanding of the craft of composing and producing music for media. This
includes mastering technical skills, creative processes, and industry-specific
terminology.
In this guidebook, we'll take you through the ins and outs of the production
business from the perspective of a seasoned professional. You'll learn everything
you need to know to break into the industry, stay ahead of the curve, and develop
a successful career in media music production. Whether you're interested in
composing music for film, TV, commercials, video games, or other forms of digital
media, this comprehensive guide will equip you with the knowledge and tools you
need to succeed in this exciting field.
Contents
Part 1 Production music landscape
Introduction to production music terminology. pg.7

and concepts
What is production music?

What is a micro license?
What is royalty-free music? pg. 8
What is a royalty-free music library?

What is a film and TV music (sync) library? pg.9
How do I get paid?

What is a performance rights organization (PRO)?
When do I need one? pg.10
What is Content ID? When do I need it? pg.11
Part 2
Production music craft
Do your research pg.13

Find your niche and identify your strengths
Get organized pg.14
Alternative edits, descriptions and tagging pg.15
Compose, upload, repeat pg.16

Contents
Part 3 Solutions - Get The Help You Need
Find Your Community pg.18
Write, Mix & Master Like A Pro pg.19
Speed Up Your Workflow pg.20

PRODUCTION MUSIC ACADEMY
The production music

landscape
Introduction to production music
terminology and concepts:
Terminology refers to the specific words and phrases used in a particular
field or discipline to describe concepts, processes, and tools. In other
words, it's the jargon used by professionals in a particular industry to
communicate with each other effectively.
For an aspiring composer, learning the production music terminology is

fundamental because it allows them to communicate with other
professionals in the field.
In short, if you want to succeed as a composer in the digital media era, you
need to learn the relevant production music terminology and concepts. It will
help you to communicate effectively with other professionals, understand
the tools and techniques of music production and, ultimately, create better
music.
PRODUCTIONMUSICTOOLS.COM 6
WHAT IS PRODUCTION MUSIC?
Production Music, also known as stock music or library music, is specifically
composed and licensed for use in television, film, radio, podcasts, vlogs,
and other forms of media. With production and stock music libraries, media
producers have a convenient solution at their fingertips. These libraries offer
an extensive collection of music that can be licensed at reasonable rates. As
opposed to licensing a popular track from a well-known artist, which can
come at a hefty cost, music libraries provide an affordable option for indie
filmmakers, vloggers, podcasters, and others looking to add high-quality
music to their projects.
WHAT IS A MICRO LICENSE?

Think of micro licenses as an indicator of artist size rather than music quality.
These lower price point sync licenses are specifically designed for music
composed by lesser-known artists who might not have the same level of
fame but certainly do not lack in quality. High profile artists often demand
exorbitant fees for the use of their music in films, TV shows, and
commercials. Fortunately, libraries such as Audiojungle, Artlist, and Pond5
provide an opportunity for up-and-coming artists to license their music for
small upfront fees. These micro licenses can add up and generate
substantial revenue for them.
WHAT IS ROYALTY-FREE MUSIC?

Royalty-free music is a licensing model that allows content creators to use
music in their digital media projects without having to pay additional fees for
each subsequent use. Once the license is purchased, the music can be used
for a project without restrictions. This approach is cost-effective, saves time
and money, and eliminates legal concerns. High-quality music can be added
to films, podcasts, or any other digital media without worrying about budget
constraints. Royalty-free music provides content creators with a hassle-free
solution that delivers top-notch music for their audience to enjoy.
WHAT IS A ROYALTY-FREE MUSIC LIBRARY?
A royalty free music library is a collection of music tracks that are available
for licensing at a one-time fee, allowing content creators to use the music in
their digital media projects without having to pay additional royalties or fees
for each subsequent use. These libraries offer a vast selection of high-quality
music tracks that can be browsed and purchased online, providing a cost-
effective solution for content creators to enhance their projects with
professional-grade music.
Some examples of popular royalty-free music libraries are Motion Array,

Artlist, and Pond5. These libraries offer a variety of music genres and styles,
from cinematic orchestral scores to modern electronic beats, and are
trusted by content creators worldwide for their quality and affordability.
WHAT IS A FILM AND TV MUSIC (SYNC)

LIBRARY?
A film and TV music library (sometimes referred to as a production or sync
music library) is a collection of music tracks that are curated and licensed for
use in film and television productions. These libraries offer a wide range of
musical styles and the music in these libraries is often composed specifically
for use in film and TV.
Examples of film and TV music libraries include Universal Production Music,

Killer Tracks, and Audio Network. These libraries provide a vast selection of
music tracks that can be licensed for use in various productions, from
documentaries to blockbuster movies. They offer a range of licensing
options, including one-time sync licenses and annual blanket licenses.
HOW DO I GET PAID?
Music libraries charge a license fee to buyers who use your music in their
projects. Different libraries have different payment models.
Some work on a subscription basis where subscribers pay a monthly fee for
unlimited access to the library, and a revenue share system is set up with the
artists based on the number of times their music was downloaded over a
certain period. Other libraries pay artists up front for exclusive rights to their
music.
Royalty-free music libraries often pay their composers on a monthly basis,

usually on the 15th. For tv & film sync libraries, the exact payment structure
can vary, but many operate on a combination of upfront fees and
performance royalties. Upfront fees are one-time payments made to the
composer for the use of their music in a specific project. Performance
royalties are paid to composers by Performance Rights Organizations (PROs)
such as ASCAP, BMI, and SESAC, which collect fees from broadcasters and
other media outlets for the use of music. These organizations distribute the
fees to their members based on the frequency and type of usage of their
music.
WHAT IS A PERFOMANCE RIGHTS

ORGANIZATION (PRO)? WHEN DO I NEED ONE?
A Performance Rights Organization (PRO) is an institution that collects and
distributes royalties on behalf of songwriters, composers, and music
publishers for the use of their music in public performances. This includes
music played on the radio, TV, in films, live performances, and other public
venues. When your music is played in public, a PRO ensures that you receive
the appropriate royalties for your work.
If you are a songwriter, composer, or music publisher, you will need a PRO to
collect and distribute performance royalties on your behalf. Every country
has at least one PRO that represents its creatives. Some examples of PROs
include ASCAP, BMI, and SESAC in the United States, SOCAN in Canada, and
PRS for Music in the UK.
WHAT IS CONTENT ID? WHEN DO I NEED IT?
Content ID is a digital fingerprinting system used by online platforms like
YouTube, Facebook, and Instagram to identify and manage copyrighted
content. It scans uploaded content and compares it to a database of
registered content to identify any potential matches. Content ID services are
available to composers who want to protect their copyrighted music and
ensure they are paid royalties when their music is used in online content.
When a composer's music is identified in a piece of content through Content

ID, the platform sends a notification to the composer's Content ID service
provider, who then determines the appropriate action to take. This can
include monetizing the content by placing ads on the video and paying a
percentage of the revenue to the composer, or blocking the content if it
violates copyright laws. The composer receives royalties through their
Content ID service provider, who deducts a percentage as a service fee.
Examples of Content ID services available to composers include Identifyy,

DistroKid, and AdRev. These services help composers register their music
with Content ID, monitor online platforms for unauthorized use of their music,
and collect royalties for those uses.
While Content ID can provide significant benefits for music creators, there
are also potential drawbacks that need to be considered when deciding
whether to use the system. For example, many music libraries won't accept
tracks that are registered with Content ID. It's important to weigh the costs
and benefits carefully and determine whether Content ID is the right fit for
your music and business needs.
The production
music craft
Production music craft
DO YOUR RESEARCH
As an aspiring media composer, it's crucial to understand the music
marketplace and what each music library is looking for. Start by researching
the best-selling songs on well-known libraries, such as Motion Array and
Artlist, to get an idea of what types of music are in demand. You can filter
search results by popularity and release date to see what genres perform
well overall and find gaps in the marketplace.
Pay attention to advertisements in general, as they can provide insight into

trending music styles. While high-energy, uplifting, and happy music usually
sells well, there is always an opportunity to license music for different
genres, such as heavy metal or horror movie trailers.
Make sure to have a clear understanding of the type of media you're

composing for and listen to examples of successful work in the same genre.
Keep in mind that each music library has its unique brand and flavour, so it's
important to tailor your compositions to fit the customer's needs.
FIND YOUR NICHE AND IDENTIFY YOUR

STRENGTHS
If you're just starting out as a composer, it's important to focus on what
you're most comfortable with. Maybe you've already been writing or
experimenting with a particular style or genre of music. For example, as a
guitarist, I found that writing acoustic, indie folk tracks was a great place for
me to start my production music journey. It was a genre that saw a massive
explosion in popularity back in 2008 due to bands like Mumford & Sons,
Fleet Foxes and The Lumineers. As my production skills grew, I branched out
into other genres like instrumental hip hop, which was easier for me to
navigate since I grew up listening to hip hop. My point is, if you want to
compose great music, it takes time and patience. Start with what you know
best, become great at it and build on that confidence.
GET ORGANIZED
In the world of music licensing, time management is crucial to success.
Writing great music takes time and effort, but it can be challenging if you're
not aware of the common mistakes that many beginners make. I used to
struggle with productivity until I began identifying trends in my creative
energy. After experimenting with different times of the day, I discovered that
I was most productive in the morning. So, I started waking up early to write
music for two hours before my day job, which boosted my productivity and
made me happier.
Now that music is my full-time job, I still start my mornings with writing music.
I allocate 2-3 hours to work on a track, then switch to administrative tasks.
I've learned that I have about 4 hours of truly creative energy each day, so I
make every second count. Setting up a session used to be a time-consuming
task that interrupted my creative flow. To tackle this, I created templates and
easy access folders for my favourite sounds and plugins. Being organized
has helped me eliminate anything that stands in the way of my creativity, and
it's worth the time investment.
ALTERNATIVE EDITS, DESCRIPTIONS AND
TAGGING
Once your track is completed, it's crucial to create multiple different versions
of it for potential customers. Doing this can significantly increase the
likelihood of your work being purchased or downloaded. For instance, many
buyers are looking for 15, 30, or 60-second edits for various types of
advertisements.
Additionally, creating a loop version, stinger, and bumper can also be

helpful, particularly in radio and podcasts. If your track includes vocals, it's a
good idea to create a version without them. This allows potential customers
who may want to use your track for an advertisement or video clip with
dialogue to avoid conflicts with the vocals.
Some libraries may even require you to bounce the stems of your track. The
more options you offer to potential customers, the more likely you are to
make a sale.
Furthermore, it's essential to find the right words to describe your music.
Most music libraries will require you to write a brief description of your track
and provide a list of tags for the search engine. To save time, consider
creating a database of description and tag templates that you can copy and
paste from. You can then make small edits to give each track its unique
descriptors. Being able to accurately describe your music and convey the
right emotions is a valuable skill.
COMPOSE, UPLOAD, REPEAT
To succeed in music licensing, it's crucial to have a strong portfolio.
However, you need to strike a balance between quality and quantity. You
don't want to spend months perfecting a track only to see it get lost in the
sea of new submissions.
Experienced producers can finish tracks in just a few hours, but it takes
practice to develop this skill. Don't let self-doubt get in your way -
composing music regularly requires mental strength and perseverance.
Music licensing can be intimidating and overwhelming for beginners, and it's
important to understand the different avenues for generating income in the
industry, such as working with music supervisors, partnering with music
libraries, or taking on custom production work.
Branding yourself as an artist, composer or music producer and having a

public-facing profile is also important, as it adds a personal touch to your
work and can lead to more opportunities. Music licensing success can also
translate to success as an artist, with exposure on royalty-free sites leading
to increased interest in your artist profile. Overall, music libraries offer a
great starting point, but there are many more opportunities in the music
licensing industry beyond just working with libraries
Solutions
Get the help you

need
Find Your Community
Joining an online community as a media composer can be an incredibly
valuable experience. Not only will you be able to connect with like-minded
individuals who share your passion for music production, but you'll also have
the opportunity to learn from industry experts and receive feedback on your
work from peers who have been in the business for years. This can be
especially important if you're new to the music licensing landscape, as it can
be quite daunting to navigate on your own.
Through online communities, you'll have access to a wealth of knowledge

and resources that you might not have otherwise. From tips and tricks on
how to improve your music production skills, to discussions about the latest
trends and technologies in the industry, you'll be able to learn from the
experiences of others and get a leg up in your own career. Additionally, you'll
be able to make connections with other media composers who may be able
to provide valuable opportunities for you in the future.
Perhaps most importantly, joining an online community can help you stay
motivated and inspired. Writing music can be a solitary process, and it can
be easy to lose momentum or feel uninspired when working alone. By
connecting with other composers and producers, you'll be able to
collaborate, exchange ideas, and push each other to reach new heights in
your craft. You may even find that some of your peers become long-term
collaborators, working with you on projects and helping you to achieve your
goals.
This is one of the primary reasons I started the Production Music Academy. It
isn't just about gaining practical skills and making connections, It's also about
finding inspiration and motivation in a community of people who share your
goals and dreams. Being part of a supportive community can help you stay
focused and driven, even when the road ahead seems daunting.
Learn More About

Our Community
Learn To Write, Mix & Master Like A Pro
Transforming great musical ideas into compelling, polished mixes is
essential in the world of music licensing. In order to stand out and catch the
attention of music libraries and clients, your music needs to have a
professional sound that is on par with industry standards. This can be a
challenge, but with the right knowledge and tools, you can elevate your
music to the next level. That's where the Production Music Academy comes
in. Our courses offer practical, genre-specific techniques for achieving great-
sounding mixes in a variety of styles, including orchestral, electronic, and
hip-hop. By learning these techniques and applying them to your own work,
you'll be able to create high-quality mixes that will impress clients and
increase your chances of success in the competitive world of music
licensing.
Learn More About

The Academy
Speed Up Your Workflow
MIDI packs, DAW templates, and sample packs are especially effective at
helping music producers quickly create new tracks and get ideas flowing. At
Production Music Tools, we offer a wide range of genre-specific packs
tailored to meet the unique needs of media composers. Our orchestral
music and hip hop packs, for example, are designed to provide composers
with all the tools they need to quickly and easily create high-quality tracks in
these genres. With our expertly crafted packs, you can be confident that
you are getting the best sounds and tools available on the market. There's
nowhere else quite like Production Music Tools to get started on your media
composing journey.
Learn More About

Our Products
Want to learn how to be successful in
The production
music business?
The Production Music Academy is a private community network exclusively
for members who are interested in building the necessary skills to optimize
their music for licensing.
JOIN THE
The production music business
ebook
Copyright © 2023 Steven Beddall
All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced,
distributed, or transmitted in any form or by any means, including
photocopying, recording, or other electronic or mechanical methods, without
the prior written permission of the publisher, except in the case of brief
quotations embodied in critical reviews and certain other noncommercial
uses permitted by copyright law.
Disclaimer
Although the author and publisher have made every effort to ensure that the
information in this book was correct, the author does not assume and hereby
disclaim any liability to any party for any loss, damage, or disruption caused
by errors or omissions, whether such errors or omissions result from
negligence, accident, or any other cause.

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STEVEN BEDDALL PRODUCTION MUSIC ACADEMY

PRODUCTION MUSIC TOOLS

LET'S GET STARTED!

Whether you're a seasoned producer or a composer looking to break into the

Introduction to production music terminology. pg.7

What is production music?

What is a royalty-free music library?

How do I get paid?

What is Content ID? When do I need it? pg.11

Do your research pg.13

Get organized pg.14

Alternative edits, descriptions and tagging pg.15

Compose, upload, repeat pg.16

Find Your Community pg.18

Write, Mix & Master Like A Pro pg.19

Speed Up Your Workflow pg.20

The production music

For an aspiring composer, learning the production music terminology is

WHAT IS A MICRO LICENSE?

WHAT IS ROYALTY-FREE MUSIC?

Some examples of popular royalty-free music libraries are Motion Array,

WHAT IS A FILM AND TV MUSIC (SYNC)

Examples of film and TV music libraries include Universal Production Music,

Royalty-free music libraries often pay their composers on a monthly basis,

WHAT IS A PERFOMANCE RIGHTS

When a composer's music is identified in a piece of content through Content

Examples of Content ID services available to composers include Identifyy,

Pay attention to advertisements in general, as they can provide insight into

Make sure to have a clear understanding of the type of media you're

FIND YOUR NICHE AND IDENTIFY YOUR

Additionally, creating a loop version, stinger, and bumper can also be

Branding yourself as an artist, composer or music producer and having a

Get the help you

Through online communities, you'll have access to a wealth of knowledge

Learn More About

Learn More About

Learn More About

Want to learn how to be successful in

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