From ads to ambience and beyond, music is ubiquitous in modern life, and every time a tune plays, somebody's getting paid. If you're reading this, odds are you already know that – you're no dummy, and you want your slice of the pie. Good on you! Here's the catch: the music industry isn't fair (which, again, you already know.) Whatever a song's merits, it won't catch fire on its own, and that's where this book comes into play. In Survival Guide for Music Composers: Tools of the Trade to Get Paid!, Brian Tarquin, a multi-Emmy-winning composer-guitarist with a discography longer than his luscious locks and a penchant for studio sorcery, teaches you to cash in on your talent by getting your foot in the door (and keep it there!) and a check in your hand.

If you want to cut it in this world, you'll require quite a few intangibles, among them your own creative vision, a bit of personal flair, a hearty helping of grit, and, to put it point blank, a little good luck. Regardless, if you're up to snuff, Survival Guide for Music Composers provides all the practical advice and concrete guidance you need to succeed. Before we tell you what this survival guide is, let's clear up what it's not. This isn't a book about the art and science of composition (we assume you've got that covered), abstract or academic theories about music or business or the music business, or a marketplace directory. If it were, we wouldn't be buying, and neither would you. Tarquin, a fiendishly talented guitarist, in-demand composer, recording engineer, and producer who has worked with nearly every big name in the business, made his way by trial and error. This book is the end product of his years in the industry. It's, the book he wishes he had when he was starting out.

Survival Guide for Music Composers opens with a brief history of scoring as a profession. It then spells out everything you need to know about performance rights before seguing into a series of discussions with a smorgasbord of working composers at the top of their game. Finally, it runs down a long list of recording setups, tips, and techniques that can give your work that extra edge you've been looking for in any genre you please. Throughout, Tarquin takes an in-depth look at how to approach production companies, network with supervisors and professional associations, scout and secure gigs, and beyond. He explains how to build and sustain relationships, employ the latest technologies, get the best sound from your instruments, and cater your compositions to the interests of your clients.

In short, Survival Guide for Music Composers is a blueprint for your rise to the top – simply add your own talent and let life handle the rest. Best wishes, kid. We'll catch you at the Grammys.