How to Run a Music Production House
- 1). Buy the studio equipment. There are plenty of places to buy new and used equipment; start online to compare prices and brands. Basic studios have a computer with music programs like Pro Tools or Reason that allow you to produce tracks, record the vocals, edit the music, and mix the song. You will also need microphones, a mixing board, and a soundproof recording area. You will need the wires and jacks to connect the instruments to the computer and sound board.
- 2). Find a location to set up your studio. If you are just starting out, a home studio is a great idea. If you have investment capital, you may want to rent a building. Find a location that provides privacy and security.
- 3). Apply for your business license. You need a state business license to operate a business in your home or in a building; there are different kinds of business licenses, so contact your county clerk for a list of licenses and fees.
- 4). Familiarize yourself with music industry paperwork and lingo. This will help you run a legitimate business, and inform you about what you can and cannot do as a music production house. Study copyrights, recording artist contracts, royalties, productions deals, sampling laws, and performance rights organizations. The three performance organizations are SESAC, ASCAP, and BMI; they collect and pay out royalties and assist with music sample clearance.
- 5). Hire staff for the studio; place a help-wanted ad in the classifieds of your local newspaper for an office manager, versatile music producers, talented back-up singers, and sound engineers. You can also contact music producers and sound engineers that interest you by looking on craigslist:artists:musicians, or by browsing online. Local802afm.org is the largest professional musician union that lists its members, and musicianswanted.org has a list of local musicians all over the United States. ASCAP, SESAC, and BMI also have a contact list for backup singers, music producers, and instrumental musicians that you may be interested in hiring.
- 6). Advertise that your music production house is now open for business. Buy ad space in your local newspapers and phone books. Print up and pass out fliers at all the local clubs, musician hangouts, and college campuses. You may even consider buying local radio airtime.
- 7). Sign contractual agreements. Being in the music business is popular nowadays and people are in it to make money. Songs have the potential to become popular quickly so protect yourself and your business by staying within budget, keeping accurate records, and signing an enforceable contract with the recording artist or musicians.
- 8). Open the studio for business. Have a set time and fee for each appointment; you do not want people walking around, disturbing the creative flow of things. You also don't want the studio to be known as the hangout spot because it doesn't look professional to serious singers and musicians who are paying for studio time.
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