Behind every great song or composition is an Author of Music—the creative mind responsible for writing melodies, harmonies, and lyrics. But who exactly is an author? What do they do, and how can they protect their rights and earn from their work?
Understanding the Role, Rights, and Opportunities of Music Authors
In this blog post, we’ll explore the role of music authors, their rights, income opportunities, and why registering with organizations like the Musical Copyright Society Nigeria (MCSN) is essential for their success.
Who is an Author of Musical Works?
An Author is someone who creates original musical works, whether as a composer, songwriter, or lyricist. They are the creative force behind the melodies, lyrics, and structures that define a song or composition.
Music authors may work independently or collaborate with other musicians, producers, or arrangers to bring their works to life. Their creations can be performed live, recorded, or used in visual media like films, TV shows, and commercials.
In essence, the music author is the foundation of a musical piece—without them, there is no song.
What Does an Author of Music Do?
Music authors are responsible for shaping the sound and meaning of a song. Their work involves a mix of creativity and technical skill:
- Composing Music: Writing melodies, harmonies, and song structures.
- Writing Lyrics: Crafting words that convey emotion, story, and meaning.
- Arranging Music: Adapting instrumentation and musical elements to enhance a piece.
- Collaborating: Working with singers, producers, and other musicians to bring compositions to life.
- Recording & Publishing: Producing demos and working with publishers to share their music with the world.
Who Qualifies as an Author of a Musical Work?
Authorship in music is often shared. Here’s who typically qualifies:
Composers: Create the melody, harmony, and structure of a piece.
Lyricists / Songwriters: Write the words that accompany the music.
Arrangers: Adapt or reinterpret existing works, adding their own creative touch.
Producers: Shape the sound and direction of a song, often contributing to its composition and arrangement.
Collaborators: Work together to create a piece, sharing authorship rights.
Rights and Royalties of a Music Author
When an Author creates an original piece of music, they automatically hold certain rights under copyright law. These rights are designed to protect their work and give them control over how it is used.
Here are the key rights composers hold:
- Copyright Ownership – Authors automatically own the rights to their original compositions upon creation.
- Performance Rights – The right to earn royalties when their music is performed publicly (e.g., concerts, radio, TV, streaming).
- Mechanical Rights – The right to earn royalties when their music is reproduced, such as in CDs, vinyl, or digital downloads.
- Synchronization Rights – The right to approve and earn fees when their music is used in films, TV shows, ads, or video games.
- Derivative Rights – The right to control adaptations, remixes, or rearrangements of their compositions.
Understanding these rights is essential for protecting creative works and ensuring fair compensation.
How Music Authors Earn Royalties
To ensure you receive your royalties:
- Register Your Works: With organizations like MCSN to track performances and collect royalties.
- Use Distribution Services: To earn mechanical and streaming royalties.
- Negotiate Licensing Agreements: For synchronization opportunities.
- Monitor Your Royalties: Regularly check statements to ensure accurate payments
Challenges in Determining Authorship
Determining authorship can be complex, especially in collaborative environments. Some common challenges include:
1. Unclear Contributions: In cases where multiple people contribute to a musical work, it can be difficult to determine the extent of each person’s input. For example, a producer might suggest a chord change that significantly alters the song—does that make them a co-author?
2. Disputes Over Ownership: Disagreements over authorship can lead to legal battles.
3. Work-for-Hire Agreements: In some cases, creators are hired to produce music for a specific purpose (e.g., film scores, jingles). Under work-for-hire agreements, the employer or commissioning party may be considered the legal author, not the individual creator.
Why Authors should Register with MCSN
The Musical Copyright Society Nigeria (MCSN) plays a vital role in protecting Authors’ rights and ensuring they receive their royalties. Here’s why you should register with MCSN:
- Royalty Collection: MCSN collects performance royalties on your behalf and ensures you’re paid for public performances of your music.
- Legal Protection: MCSN advocates for your rights and takes legal action against copyright infringement.
- Global Reach: MCSN collaborates with international PROs to ensure your music is protected and monetized worldwide.
- Industry Resources: Gain access to workshops, networking events, and other resources to advance your career.
Composers should register their works with MCSN to protect their rights and maximize their earnings.
Wrapping Up:
Authors of music are the creative backbone of the music industry. Without them, there would be no songs, symphonies, or soundtracks. Whether you’re a composer, songwriter, or lyricist, understanding your rights and maximizing royalty opportunities is crucial for long-term success.
By registering with MCSN, you can safeguard your music, ensure fair compensation, and gain global recognition.
