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Entrepreneurship for Composers

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Hi.

my name is Davo van Peursen.

I'm the managing director of Donemus Publishing and of the Dutch Music Publishers Association.

and I teach the subject of entrepreneurship to composers at the Conservatory of Amsterdam.

Through my classes.

I know that how to make money as a composer is a question that many young composers don't initially think about.

or don't want to think about.

And yet.

as a composer and songwriter.

you are part of the complex music industry ecosystem.

So it's crucial that you understand how it works and where you fit into the picture.

I found that CLIP provides an excellent overview of the industry.

and I believe that it can be a very useful resource for young professionals.

and even for established ones who want to update or expand their knowledge.

In the collection below.

I have selected a few key topics to get you started.

These topics I assign to my students and I believe they will be very helpful to all composers and authors.

Learn about the things you perhaps never thought you would need to know.

and become better equipped to run your music business.

Good luck and I wish you great success as you advance in your career.

How can you make money as a composer?

The music industry is a complex world. There are many ways to generate revenue – many more than just through performances or online streams. The business side of music may not be what calls you to become a composer, but as a composer it is crucial that you understand how the industry works. You must know about all the players. Who’s doing what? What do they offer, and how can they help you earn income?

When you know about your rights and income, you can better focus on what you want to achieve.

These topics will get you started in the right direction:

10 Pages

Experience level

Beginner, Intermediate

"I advise all composers and authors to take the time to learn about the music industry."

Davo van Peursen

If you have read all ten topics above, then you have caught a first glimpse of what you need to know to make money as a composer – but don’t stop now!

To deepen your understanding of how you can make money as a composer, I would recommend you explore all the topics available on CLIP, starting with the sections on “Music Creators’ Rights”, “Scope of Protection”, “Rights Transfer and Licensing”, “The Music Industry Ecosystem”, and “Getting Credited and Paid”.

Congratulations on your progress. Keep learning, don’t get discouraged, and above all, enjoy the ride!

Video credit: Davo van Peursen.