MUSIC PUBLISHING
Library Manager • Tape Room Manager
JOB OVERVIEW
In this position, you manage the library of songs and are responsible for receiving and logging into the computer system new song recordings and lyrics. Further duties include ensuring the demo session master tapes are copied and stored, overseeing the complete music publishing library, working with the staff who make tape copies, and interfacing with the creative staff. A major publisher like Sony/ATV Music may have anywhere from 50 to 100 staff songwriters and a catalog of between 120,000 to 250,000 songs.
PREREQUISITES
To succeed, you should possess basic computer ability, be organized, detail oriented, self-motivated, and have a positive, friendly attitude.
A DAY IN THE LIFE
By choice, Lee Swartz arrives at the office early, before other staff members arrive. “I have a basket that songwriters put the new material in. The first thing I do is check-in new songs so they are ready to go into the listening meeting our pluggers have each morning. If there are any songs that have not been completely cataloged from the previous day, I will take care of that. Throughout the day there are special orders. We recently sold a catalog, so I have to track down all of those songs and get them to the new owner.” Although Swartz is not responsible for the lyrics, he receives them from the writers with the demo and paperwork, and then forwards them to the appropriate departments.
CAREER TIPS
Volunteer to work on music events so that you can network and meet people. It will give you an opportunity to work closely with music executives you might never otherwise get in the door to meet.
It may sound trite, but “A good positive attitude is hugely important,” particularly when working with a wide range of personalities. “It acts as a magnet for people. They are attracted to somebody with a good attitude.”
POINTERS FOR THE JOB SEARCH
THE LEAST FAVORITE THING ABOUT THIS JOB:
“Learning the fine art of management, that's been the most difficult for me.”
THE BEST THING ABOUT THIS JOB:
“The people I work with.”
Move to where a hub of the music business is located. No one will hire you from a resume or telephone call. You need to live where the jobs are before you attempt to interview for even an entry-level position. Select a college with a music intern program. “There is a law in Tennessee that you cannot intern unless you're getting college credit. It was frustrating for me to offer up my services for free, but people couldn't let me work because I wasn't getting college credit for it.”
LEE SWARTZ, LIBRARY MANAGER, SONY/ATV MUSIC
Music has always been a passion in Lee Swartz's life, although he didn't immediately consider a career in the business. He grew up in northern Pennsylvania and after serving in the armed forces, enrolled in film school at Pennsylvania State. In time, he gravitated back toward music and transferred to a school in Pittsburgh that offered music business courses.
After graduation, Swartz moved to Nashville, arriving with no job, no prospects, and no money. “I decided I would just try to make something happen. I think when you take chances, good things happen.” Because he was no longer a student, Swartz could not get an internship to get his foot in the door. “I couldn't even work for free! That was very frustrating.” Eventually, he found an internship with a small firm, and soon after landed a job in the tape room at Sony/ATV. When his boss later left the company, Swartz was promoted to the position of manager of the library.
Additional topics
- MUSIC PUBLISHING - Film, Television, And Advertising Licensing: Vice President Film Television Music Licensing
- MUSIC PUBLISHING - Creative Manager • Professional Manager • Song Plugger • Vice President Creative Services
Job Descriptions and Careers, Career and Job Opportunities, Career Search, and Career Choices and ProfilesCareers in the Music BusinessMUSIC PUBLISHING - Executive Office: Chief Executive Officer • President • Vice President/general Manager (major Music Publisher)