What Does a Music Publisher Do?

The music industry is built on creativity, but behind every successful creator, there’s a skilled team of professionals handling the business side. These individuals may be involved in distribution, marketing and promotion, talent management, or publishing, among many other functions.

Publishing is a particularly vital area of the business, as songwriters and composers rely on the work of publishers to make a living and earn compensation for their creations. But exactly what is music publishing? What does a music publisher do? And what type of degree program can provide individuals with the skills necessary to excel in the field?

This guide explores those topics.

Music Publisher Role and Responsibilities

After a songwriter or composer creates a song or composition, a music publisher does what is necessary to legally protect the product, ensuring it’s ready for licensing and use. The music publisher then negotiates deals and collects royalties for the work on behalf of the creator.

Songwriters and composers hire music publishers to oversee many of the business aspects and behind-the-scenes tasks, so they can focus on creating. Here’s how music publishers support songwriters and composers.

• Copyright registration: Publishers make sure that the creator’s work is registered with the appropriate copyright offices and performing rights organizations.
• Royalty collection and distribution: Music publishers track when and where songs and compositions are used and ensure payment is collected and distributed to the rights holders.
• Licensing: Music publishing companies negotiate and manage the licensing of songs and compositions for films, TV shows, commercials, streaming platforms, and video games.
• Catalog management: Publishers oversee the accurate recordkeeping for all works under their control and monitor how they are used.
• Legal enforcement: In copyright infringement cases, music publishers take legal action on behalf of the creator.

Work Environments

Music publishers work in a variety of settings. Employers of music publishers include:

• Independent publishing companies: Typically, these are small firms that specialize in a particular genre or a niche roster of songwriters and composers.
• Major publishing houses: Large companies, such as Sony Music Publishing or Universal Music Publishing Group, handle thousands of works and creators.
• Record labels: Some record labels have in-house publishing divisions.
• Entrepreneurship and freelance: Many music publishers start their own company or work independently, especially if they represent a niche genre or specific creators.

How to Become a Music Publisher

Music publishing can be a fulfilling career for people who are passionate about music and want to support songwriters and composers from behind the scenes. Although the journey isn’t the same for everyone, aspiring music publishers can improve their chances of success by following a few key steps.

Earn a Relevant Degree

Earning a degree in music industry administration, business, entertainment law, or media studies can provide a strong educational foundation for future music publishers. When evaluating their degree options, individuals should look for a program that covers areas such as music licensing, contract negotiation, copyright law, marketing, and finance.

Music publishers establish legal protections for songwriters and composers, so an in-depth understanding of these areas is nonnegotiable.

Gain Relevant Work Experience

Learning what a music publisher does may require a bit of research; however, truly understanding a music publisher’s role requires being on-site to learn the complexities of how music publishing works.

Internships and entry-level positions at a publishing company, record label, or copyright organization offer valuable hands-on experience and real-world exposure to a music publishing environment. Assistant and coordinator roles can help candidates learn how music deals are structured and enforced.

Build a Professional Network

Success in the music industry often hinges on making the right impression with the right people. Prospective music producers should attend industry events, join professional associations, and connect with songwriters and composers, music producers, and other music professionals. A strong network can lead to job opportunities, partnerships, and mentorship.

Decide Whether to Join or Start a Company

After establishing a foundation of education, experience, and connections in the music industry, aspiring music publishers can either join an existing company or try the independent publishing route. Joining an established publisher offers professionals stability and access to major creators’ catalogs. Independent publishers, on the other hand, have more freedom to curate their own roster and build a brand that aligns with their vision.

Stay Current With Industry Trends

The music industry is constantly in flux. Changes in streaming platforms, social media platforms, artificial intelligence technology, and copyright laws all influence the music publishing landscape. Successful publishers keep up with shifts in technology, consumer behavior, and legal standards.

So what does a music publisher do to stay on top of all the changes in the industry? They focus on lifelong learning, subscribing to industry publications, attending conferences, and staying active in professional forums, among other activities.

Music Publisher Salary and Career Outlook

Salaries for music publishers vary based on their experience, location, and the size and prestige of their organization. According to Payscale, the median annual salary for music publishers is approximately $70,000.

Of course, many experienced publishers and executives at major firms make six figure salaries. Entrepreneurs’ salaries are based on the size of their client roster and the success of their placements and licensing deals.

In its 2024 music publishing forecast, MIDiA Research predicted strong growth for the industry through 2031, a positive sign for individuals interested in pursuing a music publishing career. The entertainment-focused market research firm notes that global music publishing revenues continue to rise, outpacing those of music labels, as publishers have been able to broker strong royalty deals with TikTok, Snap, and other newer streaming platforms.

Advance in the Music Business as a Music Publisher

A music publisher provides behind-the-scenes support to songwriters and composers, ensuring they are legally protected, their royalties are earned and distributed, and their creative works are able to reach a wide audience.

Regardless of the creator or genre, music publishers help transform a creative work into a profitable product that the world can enjoy.

The Master of Arts in Music Industry Administration program from Tseng College at California State University, Northridge (CSUN), is designed for career-oriented individuals interested in the business aspects of music. It combines Master of Business Administration (MBA) coursework with music industry-specific content and can be completed in 21 months.

Areas covered by the program include entertainment business law, music publishing and copyright administration, recorded music distribution and promotion, and marketing management.

Learn more about CSUN’s program to see how it can serve as a pivotal step for you in your career in the music industry.