A Composer’s Guide To Library Music

by Dan Graham

Genres: Music

Unknown Binding

Published January 1, 2018

Reviews

[Mark Petrie · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is THE ebook I recommend to anyone looking to get into writing library music. Not only does it have great advice and general information about the nuts and bolts (the business, writing, production) of writing library music from the author (a composer and library owner himself), there are numerous interesting interviews and anecdotes from experienced industry professionals.
With books like this, I prefer them to be easy to read yet straight-to-the-point, trimmed of unnecessary prose and full of actionable advice. Unlike other books on the subject, this ebook checks all those boxes.

[SABookList · Rating 5 out of 5]

Knowing the impact that it's had, it's hard to give this book any less than 5*s

It's a self-published book developed and expanded from a series of articles (written by the author) from the renowned SoundOnSound magazine, but it doesn't fall into the typical self-publisher trap of repeating the same point over-and-over. It's actually really easy, and super motivating to read - so much so that after finishing it I almost decided to drop everything and turn to library music composition full time!

So many composers that I speak to have told me that this book is what set them on their journey into library music. That's what I mean when I say "knowing the impact that it's had."

And so that you know what to expect: it's an overview of the library music system, the type of music you should be creating, where your revenue will come from, how to pitch to publishers, and what to expect.

[Milan B · Rating 3 out of 5]

Oh buoy. This e-book needs heavy editing. Not only it's just very little more than a collection of ten articles published in Sound on Sound magazine, but the way it's connected is very jarring; the author keeps repeating himself in not the most helpful ways, and the pacing is strange.

That said, how many books about writing library music are there? I don't even know why you're reading this. Either this book is relevant to your interest, or it is not. If you're starting with library music, or are considering it, then this book might help a bit. If you're a veteran of the industry, or literally any other person in the world, you're most likely not the target audience.

[Mr Morgon-Shaw · Rating 5 out of 5]

Expanding upon the excellent series of articles published in Sound On Sound Magazine, Dan uses his extensive knowledge of the TV & Film music licensing industry to help beginners and non-beginners alike navigate the world of sync.

Factual and well written the book explains in clear and simple terms numerous aspects of the industry from how to get started to which pitfalls are worth avoiding and why.

All in all it's an essential read for anyone looking to enter the industry and may also be of some help those already working within it.

[Alessandro · Rating 5 out of 5]

An elaboration of Dan's articles on SOS magazine, despite the few typos that any self-published book has, this is in many ways a must-have book on the business of writing library music for composers, written by the owner of one of the most successful catalogs in the industry.
This is a very up-to-date overview of the industry, with the added merit of covering the UK and European industry as well, rather than being US-centric like most of the other books on the subject.

[Alan Kelly · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have read about 75% of this book and keep coming back to it as a reference guide. It is very informative and includes great advice for anyone delving into the world of library composition.
We know the music industry is forever changing, so this book while it may need a subtle bit of updating, it generally is 'on the money' when it comes to the world of Library Music.

[Derek Jasnoch · Rating 5 out of 5]

One of the best books on the subject of production music. Lots of good advice. Not overly optimistic with “you’ll make a million dollars in a year” malarkey just good advice and guidance throughout. Definitely recommended to anyone starting out and also good advice for those old hands.

[Alessandro Camnasio · Rating 5 out of 5]

I started working in the production music industry in 2010. This book has lots of useful information and insights that would have been of incredible help when I started and, even if you are veteran, you can find some interesting advices and thoughts.

[Travis Wicklund · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fantastic book for any composer interested in library music. It offers a lot of great insight and had me laughing a few times with the wittiness of the writing. It'll be a book that I will always reference back to for guidance.