How do I copyright my songs and put beats to my songs?

[hob97]

Hi, I would like to become a professional recording artist someday. I wrote a ton of songs and I'm ready to get them published. The only thing that concerns me are the "rights" to using music (Such as the copyright laws, legal rights and certain free downloads for non profitable projects) All I need is to learn how to copyright my songs and figure out how to get the beats. Over the Christmas break I purchased some music software called: Music Maker Studio MX. I was wondering if it is okay for me to use the beats within this software for the promotion of my professional music. I'm trying to produce my own music and be my own producer. (Having someone tweek and mix beats can be quite expensive, especially since it's time consuming with all the studio sessions. So I'm trying to cut out the middleman lol) I'm going to be uploading my music on various websites and online radio stations to get my songs heard by other listeners. (I'm not trying to get my music published for fun I would like to get my music published professionally) Can someone please explain the whole legal process of music, and please tell me how I can copyright my songs? I would greatly appreciate it and give the best answer ten points. Thank you kindly :)

[gustav]

You do not need to go through any web sites or hire anybody to get your music copyrighted; you can do it directly with the US copyright office. Everything you need to know is here:
http://www.copyright.gov/

For the beats to your songs, just do whatever feels natural. I really don't know of any "recipe" to tell you how to do that. I have written a few things and the beat was just there.

[unss94]

You do NOT have to register for copyright. Copyright is established the moment your work is reduced to a tangible form, which in your case could be a recording, or a simple sheet of lyrics with chord symbols. However, in some countries (including the USA), registering your work with the appropriate authority strengthens your claim to copyright.

That said: the best way to protect your work is to register with a musicians' rights organisation. Here in South Africa we have SAMRO and NORM, which are organisations that basically make sure that you get paid when your music is used for anything, and represent you in court if your copyright is infringed.

Beats that come with a music-making program are usually royalty-free, but let's be honest: is anyone going to think you're worth anything if you just use pre-packed beats? Do the right thing and find a producer to make beats just for you.