PRS for Music and Musicians Union educational series heads to Reading, Berkshire

Experts share personal experiences and tips on how to release your music and get paid.

PRS for Music, the membership organisation that represents the likes of singer-songwriters Adele, Ed Sheeran, and over 145,500 music creators, is coming to Reading to inspire the next generation of musical talent.

As part of PRS for Music’s educational series in collaboration with Musicians’ Union, How to Release your Music and Get Paid will take place at The Global Café on Monday 23 March.

The free development workshop is aimed at local songwriters, composers, producers and artists at any stage in their career and offers the chance to learn about the industry and how to succeed in the music business.

Now, more than ever before, musicians are taking a DIY approach to creating, releasing and exploiting their art. Some are self-releasing music with hope of securing a future record deal, while others see it as a long-term strategy for their careers. PRS for Music’s Outreach team and Musicians’ Union will discuss what creators need to know in today’s complex world of music; the intricacies of copyright, how record labels and music publishers work, and ultimately, how to make money from their music. The session will be followed by a chance to meet and network with speakers and potential collaborators.

As a membership society, PRS for Music represents songwriters, composers, producers and music publishers in the UK and beyond, championing their rights and helping to make sure that they are paid whenever their music is streamed, downloaded, broadcast, performed or played in public. The Musicians’ Union is a trade body for musicians, representing 30,000 members and works to maximise the employment and overall income of musicians, as well as protecting and improving working conditions whilst offering advice, support and legal assistance. 

To reserve your free space, book your ticket online: howtoreading.eventbrite.co.uk

While the events are free, space is limited so please ensure you book a ticket online if you wish to attend. Both non-members and PRS for Music members are encouraged to attend. 

We are excited to team up with the Musicians’ Union for our educational events that we hope will be inspiring and empowering. These evenings are designed for attendees at all points in their careers – whether they have just written their first song or released their fiftieth. As a membership organisation, we don’t just collect royalties. We’re also here for creators to turn to for advice and education on the music business.

With so many creators choosing a DIY route to making a career in music, it’s important that they know organisations like ours are here to support them. I’m pleased to be collaborating on these workshops and look forward to sharing our in-depth knowledge with as many artists and songwriters as we can.

About PRS for Music

Here for music since 1914, PRS for Music is a world-leading music collective management organisation representing the rights of more than 175,000 talented songwriters, composers and music publishers. Redefining the global standard for music royalties, PRS for Music ensures songwriters and composers are paid whenever their musical compositions and songs are streamed, downloaded, broadcast, performed and played in public. 

For 110 years it has grown and protected the rights of the music creator community, paying out royalties with more accuracy, transparency and speed. In 2023, PRS for Music paid out £943.6m in royalties and collected a record £1.08 billion in revenues. prsformusic.com

About The Musicians' Union

The Musicians’ Union represents over thirty thousand musicians working in all sectors of the music business and has campaigned on behalf of its members since the organisation was established in 1893. As well as negotiating on behalf of its members with all the major employers in the industry, the MU offers a range of services for self-employed professional and student musicians of all ages. The benefits of membership include £10m public liability cover, £2,000 worth of equipment insurance, contract advice, partnership agreements, careers advice and legal assistance.