Sydney Etter
The thing that excites me most about songwriting is bringing a musical idea or concept to fruition. Whether composing an original piece from the initial conversations at the start of a project, or simply working as a music director orchestrating previously composed music by others, the process of collaboration is something I’ve always been very good at.
I’ve been fortunate enough to have been given opportunities to wear many hats, from rehearsal pianist on Broadway shows, to working as a session player/arranger in studio recordings for numerous artists and as a composer and music book writer on musicals. Vying for wide release on a national level. The common denominator in all these endeavors was the challenge of meeting deadlines and providing works that I am extremely proud of.If I could give any words of advice to any songwriter/composer is to make sure that any intellectual properties that you create are protected. Make sure to spell out contractually the terms of your participation and ownership before participating in any musical endeavor. If it is a work for hire situation, make sure that is clearly spelled out in writing. Make sure to copyright your works with the Library of Congress, and if the project is collaborative in nature, make sure that all of the participants contributions are clearly spelled out percentage wise, in a written contract.Having been in situations with people who have tried take advantage of my kindness in the past, I have learned the hard way, that not everyone you work with or for has good intentions.
Just make sure going into a situation that the terms are properly identified and agreed to IN WRITING. I can’t stress that enough. If you can afford it, have a Music Attorney look over any agreements before agreeing to them. If you can’t afford an Attorney, there are various music organizations that can help you this, but it may require a little research.
Remember, these intellectual properties are part of your family legacy and will live on after your are gone so they must be protected. They could potentially provide some generational wealth for your heirs. Having said that, Collaboration is a wonderful thing which can lead to some long-lasting creative relationships provided you handle the “business of music” properly with all of the necessary precautions.