Speakers: Sam Jordan (Sessions Official - Musicians’ Union) & Jessica Craig (Royalties Official - Musicians’ Union)
Are you a recording musician or industry professional looking to navigate the complexities of the music industry? This in-person workshop, open to all & hosted by the Musicians' Union (MU), is designed to equip you with essential knowledge and strategies to build a sustainable career as a recording artist. Whether you're just starting out or seeking to refine your understanding of the industry, this event offers invaluable insights into the financial and legal aspects of your profession.
What You’ll Learn:
Your Rights as a Musician:
Understand the fundamental rights you hold as a recording musician, including how to safeguard your creative work and ensure you are fairly compensated for your contributions. Learn about the crucial role the MU plays in protecting and advocating for these rights.
All Things Copyright:
Gain an overview of copyright law as it applies to recording musicians. This includes understanding how to maintain control over your music, what to do if your work is infringed upon, and how to navigate the complexities of copyright in a digital age.
Protecting Your Rights in Any Project:
Discover the steps you should take to protect your rights in various scenarios—whether you're working on a one-off recording, a long-term collaboration, or a live performance that’s being recorded. Learn practical tips on contract negotiations and what to watch out for in different agreements.
Royalties and Licensing Agreements:
Delve into the specifics of royalties and licensing agreements managed by the MU. This session will clarify how you can maximise your income through proper management of your royalties, and how to avoid common pitfalls that can lead to lost revenue.
Understanding PPL and PRS:
Explore the differences between the MU’s work and that of organisations like PPL (Phonographic Performance Limited) and PRS for Music. This will help you better understand where your income comes from and how to ensure you’re receiving all the royalties you’re entitled to.
Licensing Your Own Music:
If you’re an independent musician, learn the ins and outs of licensing your music. This section will cover everything from finding licensing opportunities to negotiating terms that benefit you and protect your work.
Why Attend?
Understanding these areas is crucial for any recording musician who wants to thrive in the music industry. Often-overlooked aspects, like MU royalties for session musicians, can make a significant difference in your career. By attending this workshop, you’ll walk away with the tools, knowledge, and confidence to navigate the industry, protect your rights, and ensure that your music career is both creatively fulfilling and financially rewarding.
Sam Jordan [Sessions Official, Musicians’ Union]
Working as the Sessions Official at the Musicians’ Union, Sam advises on the rates and terms for engaging musicians for recording session work. Recordings created in the UK for albums, films, TV, advertising, video games etc, are agreed under MU terms and Sam has a role in negotiating fair deals on behalf of the performing musicians.
Sam also negotiates synchronisation deals on behalf of session musicians that performed on existing recordings, and deals day to day with Synch Supervisors, Productions Companies and Advertising Agencies.
Previously, Sam has worked in the licensing team at EMI Records, and running events at the Music Publishers Association.
Jessica Craig [Royalties Official, Musicians’ Union]
As a music graduate and musician herself, Jessica has personal experience of the challenges musicians face and how best to navigate the industry.
At the MU she provides advice to members, looks after MU royalty payments, works closely with PPL and specialises in any issues relating to contracts, royalties, copyright and session work.
MUSICIANS’ UNION
The Musicians' Union is the UK trade union for all musicians representing over 35,000 musicians across the UK working in all sectors of the music business. As well as negotiating on behalf of members with all the major employers in the industry, we offer a range of support services for musicians.