Behind every song is a publishing system ensuring rights, royalties, and opportunities. This week, we demystify the world of music publishing: from copyright and collection societies to the role of publishers, departments, and agreements. You’ll see why publishing is one of the most powerful - and profitable - sectors in music, and how it shapes the careers of writers, artists, and the wider industry.

What we’ll cover:

• The Role of Publishing

Understand what publishing actually is, its history in the UK, US, and Europe, and why it’s central to the business.

• The Publisher’s Job

Break down the creative, legal, administrative, and financial responsibilities that define modern publishing companies.

• Copyright and Music Rights

Learn ownership, control, and protection basics - and explore mechanical, performance, sync, graphic, and hire rights.

• How Royalties Work

Follow the journey of royalties from radio, TV, streaming, and live, and see how income streams are collected.

• Song Splits and Co-Writing

Discover how split sheets prevent disputes and ensure co-writers are properly credited and paid.

• Publishing Deals and Agreements

Unpack common contracts - from admin and co-pub deals to exclusives and sub-publishing partnerships.

• Collection Societies and Global Systems

See how PRS, ASCAP, BMI and their international partners track, collect, and distribute royalties worldwide.

By the end of this module, you’ll have a solid grasp of music publishing’s purpose, power, and potential - and why it’s central to every songwriter’s success.

Publishing isn’t just about royalties - it’s about building music that connects. This week, we focus on the creative heart of publishing: the writer–publisher relationship, the role of A&R, and how co-writing and development deals drive success. From global songwriting camps to demo creation, we’ll uncover how publishers support writers and artists at every step, and how creative opportunities are turned into industry breakthroughs.

What we’ll cover:

• The Publisher–Writer Partnership

See how publishers guide careers, provide opportunities, and develop long-term creative strategies with writers and artists.

• The Role of A&R

Learn how publishers scout, sign, and develop talent - plus what A&R really looks for when investing.

• Writer Development in Action

From studio time to advances and demo creation, explore how development deals help build sustainable careers.

• The Power of Co-Writing

Dive into global sessions, songwriting camps, and matchmaking, and see why collaboration often strengthens the final song.

• Navigating Collaboration Challenges

Understand splits, roles, and disputes in modern pop - and how publishers protect creative contributions.

• Creative Rights and Permissions

Explore clearance rules around samples, mash-ups, covers, and parodies, and how publishers keep writers protected.

• Marketing and Collaboration Networks

Discover how publishers promote writers to DSPs, playlist curators, managers, and labels for maximum impact.

By the end of this module, you’ll understand how publishing A&R works behind the scenes to shape songwriting careers, build collaborations, and respond to creative opportunities across the global music landscape.

Sync is where music meets moving image, creating both cultural impact and career-changing opportunities. This week, we unpack how publishers, supervisors, and artists work together to place songs in media projects, what makes a track sync-friendly, and how licensing deals are structured. From pitching strategies to royalties and production music libraries, you’ll learn how sync departments operate and how to navigate one of the most competitive areas of the music industry.

What we’ll cover:

• The Basics of Sync

Understand what synchronisation is, its history in media, and why it’s become such a valuable revenue stream.

• Inside a Sync Department

Explore the creative, licensing, and catalogue expertise needed to secure placements in film, TV, ads, and games.

• What Makes a Great Sync Song

Learn how mood, metadata, and adaptability make tracks attractive to supervisors and brands.

• Pitching and Creative Collaboration

See how songs are pitched, briefs are answered, and writers collaborate with publishers to meet creative demands.

• Working with Music Supervisors

Understand the role of supervisors, how they source music, and what they expect from publishers.

• Licensing and Deal Structures

Break down sync contracts, royalties, and terms across advertising, TV, film, and interactive media.

• Challenges and Future Trends

Tackle competition, rights splits, and the rise of AI - plus how publishers stay ahead in sync.

By the end of this module, you’ll understand how sync works from creative pitch to licensing deal - and how it generates exposure, income, and long-term opportunities across the music business.

Publishing is evolving faster than ever, shaped by data, technology, and shifting market power. In this module, we map today’s landscape, from global revenues and the dominance of majors to the rise of indie publishers and IP investment. You’ll examine how new platforms, tools, and innovations - like Songtrust, Audoo, and blockchain - are changing the way royalties are tracked, paid, and managed. With insights into careers, skills, and future opportunities, you’ll finish with a clear understanding of where the industry is going, and how you can be part of it.

What we’ll cover:

• Publishing in Today’s Market

Track global growth, streaming revenues, and the balance of power between majors and indies.

• The Business of Catalogues

Understand acquisitions, IP investment, and why catalogues are such valuable assets in the modern industry.

• Revenue and Rights in the Digital Era

Break down performance, mechanical, sync, broadcast, and neighbouring rights—and how they generate income today.

• Administration and Royalty Tracking

Explore registration, metadata, black box royalties, and how collection societies manage global payouts.

• New Models and Digital Platforms

See how companies like Songtrust, Sentric, and Tunecore are reshaping publishing administration and access.

• Tech and Innovation

Learn how ICE, AMRA, Audoo, and blockchain aim to bring transparency and real-time payments to publishing.

• AI and the Next Chapter

Unpack how AI tools, debates, and opportunities are redefining creativity, rights, and the role of publishers.

By the end of this module, you’ll have a clear picture of where music publishing is headed - and how you can play a role in shaping its future.

This session is about you. In a one-to-one conversation with your mentor, you’ll have the space to ask questions, test ideas, and connect the dots between publishing, sync, and your own ambitions. Whether you’re exploring career options, preparing job applications, or seeking clarity on where you fit in the industry, this session offers practical advice and personalised strategies. It’s your opportunity to turn everything you’ve learned into clear, actionable next steps.

What we’ll cover (tailored to you):

• Your Career Path

Discuss your background, interests, and the most relevant opportunities in publishing and sync.

• Industry Roles and Skills

Explore key departments, responsibilities, and what employers look for when hiring.

• Applications and Next Steps

Get feedback on CVs, cover letters, and how to stand out when applying for roles.

• Personalised Q&A

Ask specific questions about your journey, challenges, and aspirations—and receive focused, practical guidance.

By the end of this session, you’ll walk away with clarity on your direction, confidence in your next steps, and actionable advice to move forward in the music industry.