Are you a frustrated song writer?  It does not matter if you write lyrics or just instrumentals those who write music are always looking for ways to get their music noticed.  They dream about the prospect of getting their music heard by one group, or one singer who they know would love what they have written.  Their greatest wish is for the acknowledgement that the compositions they have written are worth performing, or recording, by professionals. But it all comes down to figuring out how to get the music heard by the right people.

One way to get your music heard is to hire a music publisher. This avoids spending hours on the phone trying desperately to get someone interested. A music publisher should know what is going on the business. They should be familiar with any television or movies in development that may be looking for something interesting. If they find someone interested in your music they will be able to do the negotiating for you. Make sure they are willing to handle your composition before you send it to them.

If you think that your composition is exactly right for a singer or group, then one option is to try to get them to record it. You need to really be confident on this one that the musical piece is something that is exactly the kind of music they play. Sending them the piece may not be the way to get it to them. You will do better if you try to get it to them in person. This means finding out where they record, or waiting for them after a concert or outside the hotel they are staying at if they happen to be touring. This will not be easy.  Most artists will not accept tapes from the public because it can come back on them if someone unscrupulous tries to say they stole their song.  But sometimes, if you ask, and you are able to make it sound like it fits they will take it to listen to. Make sure you have written your contact information on the CD’s envelope so that if they like it they can have a way to reach you.

One sure way to get your music heard is to write exclusively for a group or solo artist that you produce.  This only works if you have the skills to produce and can find a good studio to rent some time in. If you want your music taken seriously producing your neighbor’s garage band will not be the road to go. You need to find some talent and they will have to sing the type of music you write. Then collaboration is possible. Once you have a demo you can send it to recording companies and try for a contract.

Or, you can record your own music. This does not work for everyone since every great composer is not necessarily a good singer. But if you are one of the few with talent in both directions make demo tapes of your music and send them around, you never know what may happen.

There are many organizations that teach people how to get their music out there. These groups hold events all the time to help those struggling musicians get a break. Attending their seminars or meetings is a great way to learn how to be heard. They are often attended by people in the business and so you have a chance to make connections with music publishers, record producers or agents. If you are able to get any one of these to listen to what you have written, you are already half way there to building a career as a songwriter.