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Well.. I just *might* have gotten my foot in the door to the music biz!

This morning I was called by a businessman that attends my church who has been selling a keyboard that plays several well-known children hymns of our denomination. The keys light up so the child can play along and "learn" the piece. He wants a video to accompany the keyboard and a music book. He wants me to do the video, teaching the parents how to use the keyboard and also a mock lesson to a group of kids. He also wants me to develop the music book. I met with him and his marketing firm 45 minutes later after getting his call and the meeting was great. I was able to give them a lot of info about popular piano method books, etc. They want to work with me and will be emailing me later today with figures. I am not expecting a lot because the businessman commented several times about working on a shoestring budget (I am sure part of that at least is a business technique to lowball it) but I have NO IDEA what is an appropriate amount. There are about 20 songs, so I would need to help them write it out on the staff, include basic theory exercises and activities. It would not be very big. I am guessing a page for each song plus maybe 10 or so pages of theory/activities. The video will be around 20 minutes. Any thoughts?!? I know this is not normal Taxi song stuff, but I thought someone on here might be able to help.

On a side note, this marketing firm also works with commercials and videos and are always looking for composers. I was *especially* happy to point out that I did that sort of thing as well. Hopefully something might come from it.

Way to go, Desiree! Every little step gets you a little closer to the pie. Sorry I can't give you any advice on the pricing side but it sounds like it could lead to bigger and better things...

This sounds like a nice opportunity especially since it involves real money (however small) and is not speculative like other writing we often do. The description of things they are asking for goes way beyond just writing music, so comparing this deal to other music deals isn’t really relevant. In practical terms, the compensation amount could just as easily be determined by what you are willing to earn per hour as any other factor. If that number is beyond their budget - as is often the case with entrepreneurial ventures like this - then you'll weigh their counter-offer against the possibility that you will impress the ad agency (and adding creds to your music resume). Of course, the whole learning experience could be priceless for you, too. Just make sure you have a contract to read over carefully, hopefully with knowledgeable attorney.

Congratulations so far! This sounds exciting!

Hi Desiree....I'm not sure I can help with the video portion of your question....but I was thinking about the book .....and a cheap and fast way to go with that part of it might be to make MIDI files of each song and import them into a soft ware application that converts MIDI files to staff music and then just print the sheets out...your local music store may have the software or a local studio may do it for you for a fee....

Thanks yall for the ideas!

I felt a little silly after posting this, because it doesn't really deal with music deals like Taxi, but I thought I'd try to see on the off-chance that anyone had any experience in this.

It turns out they are going to pay me on a pretty nice hourly rate, so all looks pretty good

This is great Desiree - it just goes to show that there are many ways to make $$ with your music. May I also suggest that instead of structuring it as a work-for-hire, that you structure it as a smaller upfront fee plus a % of sales.

And whatever contract you come up with - please, please, please have YOUR lawyer look through it. And make sure that everything they say is reflected in the written contract - don't assume because it's said in the meeting that it will be included.

Your coach,
Debra

Thanks Debra!!

Congratulations, Desiree!

We did something similar to this many years ago for a non-profit company and received a nice chunk of change upfront. But, now looking back, we really should have asked for a share of the sales -- in the long run, we would have made about twice the income because the product is still being sold today! Either way, it all turned out fine and everyone was happy.

Good luck, and you're absolutely right: this could lead to additional projects and developing great working relationships. It's a win-win situation!

~ Tracey & Vance Marino