Useful places to know before you need them.
Being a musician today means learning enough about the business to protect your work and enough about the wider profession to recognize opportunities. This toolbox points you toward reputable starting places.
Know the organizations behind the money.
SoundExchange
For recording artists and sound-recording owners collecting certain digital performance royalties from non-interactive services.
The MLC
U.S. digital mechanical royalties for eligible songwriters, composers, lyricists, publishers and administrators.
ASCAP
Performing-rights organization serving songwriters, composers and music publishers.
BMI
Performing-rights organization with songwriter, composer, publisher and career resources.
These organizations administer different rights and royalty streams. One does not automatically replace another.
Find work—and understand how many kinds of work exist.
Berklee Careers in Music
Explore more than 170 music-industry roles across performance, recording, business, technology, education, media and more.
Sonicbids
Artist profiles, gig discovery, booking tools and opportunities for musicians and promoters.
Music Connection Opportunities
Industry job openings, artist opportunities, competitions and professional notices.
American Federation of Musicians
Musician resources covering professional standards, travel, recording, digital media, assistance and workplace issues.
Make it easy for people to discover, understand and hire you.
Bandzoogle Career Advice
Practical reading on musician websites, EPKs, marketing, selling music, touring and independent career-building.
Bandcamp for Artists
Direct-to-fan music and merchandise tools used by independent artists around the world.
Spotify for Artists
Artist profile, audience, release and playlist tools for musicians distributing music to Spotify.
Apple Music for Artists
Artist profile and audience tools for releases available through Apple Music.
Keep your musical curiosity alive.
Ableton Learning Music
Free interactive browser lessons in beats, melody, harmony, bass lines and song structure—no equipment required.
Smithsonian Folkways
A vast nonprofit collection and learning resource for musical traditions, cultures and sounds from around the world.
KEXP Live Sessions
Watch local and international artists perform live in studio and at festivals.
Song Exploder
Musicians take apart their own songs and explain how the recordings were created.
Musicians are people first.
A resource link is a starting point, not an endorsement.
Services change, fees change, and not every platform is right for every musician. Read current terms, compare options, and be cautious with anyone promising guaranteed fame, guaranteed playlists, guaranteed label attention, or guaranteed income.