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For Companies At a Glance
- Tasks: Manage publishing operations, liaise with composers, and oversee project delivery.
- Company: Birdsong Music Publishing supports composers, creating 21st-century music with a growing catalogue.
- Benefits: Enjoy a creative work environment, networking opportunities, and potential for remote work.
- Why this job: Join a dynamic team, promote innovative music, and make a real impact in the arts.
- Qualifications: Strong communication skills and a passion for music; experience in publishing is a plus.
- Other info: Attend concerts and industry events to enhance your network and visibility.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.
Job Description
About us
With a roster of internationally recognized composers and a growing catalogue of orchestral works, chamber music and opera, Birdsong Music Publishing is creating the music of the 21st century. Established in 2021, we offer full publishing and management services to our composers, supporting them and helping to develop their careers by connecting them to artists and ensembles of the highest standing and bringing their music to the widest possible audience.
Birdsong Music Publishing is an associated company of the HarrisonParrott Group, a leading arts and management company.
Job purpose
The primary responsibility will be to manage all day to day publishing operations, primarily liaising between composers and our publishing administrator, currently Faber Music and managing and supporting composers throughout the creative and financial process, ensuring seamless project delivery driving the promotion and sales of their works including catalogue sales. The position acts as a key liaison between composers, internal teams, and external partners to maintain strong relationships, oversee publishing, contract and financial administration, and enhance the visibility and commercial success of the composers’ catalogue.
Key Accountabilities
Administration:
Publishing administration
- Manage the Birdsong works catalogue and digital score and parts material.
- Liaise with composers’ editors to obtain accurate editorial quotes, confirm availability and outline relevant deadlines.
- Accurately submit new works to Faber Music for registration with PRS.
- Liaise with Faber Music’s hire library to co-ordinate preparation and distribution of Birdsong hire scores.
- Prepare title pages and preliminary material, and proofread scores for sale and hire.
- Upload scores on the E-Partners hub for digital sheet music sales.
- Analyse and distribute royalty statements.
- Manage synchronisation and licence requests.
Contracts
- Negotiate, process and manage the issuing and finalisation of contracts for commission projects.
- Negotiate and issue contracts for publishing agreements e.g. librettist agreements.
Financial Administration
- Manage budgets for commission projects, including composer’s fee, editing costs and hire fees.
- Promptly invoice promoters for composers’ commission fees.
- Timely payment of editorial invoices.
- Produce accurate management and publishing income projections, and ensure the company’s finance team are fully informed.
- Ensure financial information on composer diary system is maintained.
- Review promoter invoices and monthly commission statements to ensure correct and complete.
- Ensure effective liaison with the Accounts department on all matters relating to timely accounting to artists.
Composer Management and Sales:
Composer Management
- Act as a key point of contact with assigned composers.
- Negotiate fees and details of commission projects.
- Lead on long-term creative and financial strategy for composers.
- Provide support to composers on project concepts.
- Track back-catalogue performances and territory growth.
- Maintain and update commission project details on Birdsong systems (Overture, Trello and Notion).
- Oversee deadlines for the composer, editor, hire library and orchestra to ensure timely delivery of scores.
Marketing and Sales
- Establish and build relationships with promoters and orchestras.
- Initiate and drive external sales to promote composers’ back-catalogue works and pitch new commission projects.
- Distribute internal briefing notes and sales across the HarrisonParrott Group.
- Prepare and distribute project decks and sales materials.
- Actively attend a range of concerts and industry events to grow Birdsong’s visibility and network.
Press and PR
- Oversee Birdsong’s social media profiles (Instagram, Facebook, X, Linkedin), sharing posts for premieres and other relevant news updates.
- Support with creation of brand assets.
- Maintain and upload content on composers’ website pages, including the weekly news, biographies, and works list.
- Submit copy to the Marketing department for company website news.
- Maintain biographies, photographs, reviews and catalogue recordings as required.
- Oversee creation and distribution of monthly internal and external newsletters.
General
- A&R: Attend concerts and meet prospective composers; review viability of potential signings.
- Oversee database of prize and grants, submitting applications when appropriate.
Publishing and Composer Manager employer: Birdsong
Contact Detail:
Birdsong Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Publishing and Composer Manager
✨Tip Number 1
Network actively within the music publishing industry. Attend concerts, workshops, and industry events to meet composers, promoters, and other professionals. Building these relationships can give you an edge when applying for the Publishing and Composer Manager position.
✨Tip Number 2
Familiarise yourself with the latest trends in music publishing and orchestral works. Understanding current market demands and composer needs will help you demonstrate your knowledge and passion during interviews.
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your organisational skills by managing a mock project. Create a detailed plan for a fictional composer, including timelines, budgets, and marketing strategies. This hands-on experience can be a great talking point in your interview.
✨Tip Number 4
Engage with Birdsong Music Publishing's social media and online presence. Comment on their posts, share relevant content, and show your enthusiasm for their work. This can help you stand out as a proactive candidate who is genuinely interested in the company.
We think you need these skills to ace Publishing and Composer Manager
Some tips for your application 🫡
Understand the Role: Before applying, make sure to thoroughly read the job description for the Publishing and Composer Manager position. Understand the key responsibilities and accountabilities, as this will help you tailor your application to highlight relevant experiences.
Tailor Your CV: Customise your CV to reflect your experience in publishing, composer management, and financial administration. Highlight any relevant roles where you've liaised with composers or managed projects, as well as your familiarity with music publishing processes.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Write a cover letter that showcases your passion for music and your understanding of the publishing industry. Mention specific experiences that align with the job's requirements, such as managing budgets or negotiating contracts, to demonstrate your suitability for the role.
Showcase Your Network: If you have connections within the music industry, mention them in your application. Highlighting your ability to establish relationships with promoters and orchestras can set you apart, as networking is crucial for this role.
How to prepare for a job interview at Birdsong
✨Know Your Composers
Familiarise yourself with the composers in Birdsong's roster. Understand their styles, notable works, and recent projects. This will show your genuine interest in the role and help you discuss how you can support their careers effectively.
✨Understand Publishing Operations
Brush up on the basics of music publishing and administration. Be prepared to discuss how you would manage the day-to-day operations, including liaising with composers and handling contracts. Demonstrating knowledge in this area will set you apart.
✨Showcase Your Networking Skills
Highlight any previous experience you have in building relationships within the music industry. Discuss how you would approach promoters and orchestras to enhance visibility for the composers. Strong networking skills are crucial for this role.
✨Prepare Questions
Have thoughtful questions ready about Birdsong's future projects, their marketing strategies, or how they measure success for their composers. This shows your enthusiasm for the position and helps you gauge if the company aligns with your career goals.
