Writing Production Music for TV : The Road to Success

Steve Barden’s Writing Production Music for TV: The Road to Success is a comprehensive guide to writing and monetizing production music for television, created for composers at every stage, from beginners exploring sync opportunities to experienced writers seeking clearer direction in the business. Barden, whose music has been featured across major networks including ABC, CBS, NBC, and FOX, shares practical insight into building a sustainable career in TV music. The content is grounded in real industry experience, making it especially useful for anyone seeking clear, actionable guidance in a competitive field.

The book walks through essential aspects of the production music business, including how to find and approach music libraries, prepare and submit tracks, join a Performance Rights Organization, interpret contracts, and maintain organized catalogs. The guidance reflects real-world practices, helping composers understand both the creative and administrative sides of the profession.

What sets this guide apart is its balance between artistic development and business strategy. It not only explains how to compose for television but also clarifies how income is generated through royalties and placements. This dual focus supports skill growth while reinforcing the importance of consistency, networking, and long-term planning, helping composers stay motivated and informed as they build their careers.

Whether used as a learning tool, a reference for navigating contracts and licensing, or a thoughtful gift for an aspiring composer, this book offers lasting value. It fits naturally into career planning and creative exploration, providing a reliable foundation for anyone serious about writing music for television.

STEVE BARDEN is a production music composer for film and television. His music has been used on hundreds of TV shows that can be heard all over the world on a daily basis. His music has aired on ABC, CBS, NBC, FOX, plus dozens of cable networks.