General FAQ

SongU.com is an online songwriting community where members can study songwriting, receive professional feedback, attend live and self-paced courses, schedule private sessions, manage songs in the Song Locker, and pitch songs to music industry guests.

Frequently Asked Questions

SongU.com is an online songwriting community and education site for songwriters at every level.

Members can take songwriting courses, attend live song feedback sessions, receive written song evaluations, schedule Private Sessions with music industry mentors, manage songs in the Song Locker, connect with other writers, and pitch songs to SongU pitch guests.

The goal is simple: to help you strengthen your craft, make real human music industry connections, and move your songs forward from wherever you live.
Helpful resource:
πŸ”— About SongU.com
SongU offers different membership options. The best place to compare current features and pricing is the membership comparison chart.

Some services are included with membership, while other optional services use SongU Credits or may have an additional cost. For example, song evaluations, Private Sessions, and some additional pitch submissions may have separate credit costs depending on your membership level and the specific service.

Before you complete any paid action, the site will show the relevant cost or credit amount.
Helpful resource:
πŸ”— Membership Comparison Chart
A good first step is to explore your Activity areas after logging in. From there, you can find your active courses, Song Locker, pitching area, song evaluations, Private Sessions, and other member tools.

If you are new to SongU, start with one or two things that match your immediate goal. For example, upload songs to your Song Locker, take a DIY course, register for a live feedback course, or review the Pitching Orientation before submitting songs to pitch opportunities.

You can also use the topic-specific FAQ pages for step-by-step help.
In the United States, copyright protection begins when an original song is fixed in a tangible form, such as being written down or recorded. However, registering your work with the U.S. Copyright Office gives you an official public record and can strengthen your legal position if there is ever a dispute.

You cannot copyright a title or a general idea. You also need to be careful with songs that include AI-generated lyrics or melody, because current copyright rules treat human authorship differently from AI-generated material.

For legal advice about your specific situation, consult a qualified entertainment or copyright attorney.
Helpful resource:
πŸ”— U.S. Copyright Office
Demo costs vary widely depending on the studio, musicians, vocalist, production style, location, and whether you need a simple guitar/vocal or piano/vocal demo or a full-band production.

A simple work tape or basic guitar/vocal may be enough for early feedback or coaching. A more polished demo may be needed for certain pitching situations, especially uptempo songs where drums, bass, and groove are important.

Before spending money on a full demo, it is often wise to get feedback through a Song Feedback course, song evaluation, or Private Session to make sure the song itself is ready.
Helpful resource:
πŸ”— Song Evaluations
SongU has topic-specific FAQ pages for many major areas of the site.

Courses FAQ
Song Evaluations and Coaching FAQ
Pitching FAQ
Private Sessions FAQ
Song Locker FAQ
AI and Songwriting FAQ
Contact Support
No. SongU is for songwriters at many different levels, from beginners to advanced writers and working professionals.

Some members are just beginning to learn the craft. Others are experienced writers looking for feedback, accountability, pitching opportunities, co-writing connections, or professional guidance.

You can move at your own pace and choose the areas that fit your goals.
Helpful resource:
πŸ”— Songwriting Courses
SongU Credits are used for optional services across the site, such as certain song evaluations, Private Sessions, or other add-on services.

For convenience, 1 SongU Credit equals $1. You can purchase credits and use them when needed. Credits do not expire, but unused credits are not refundable.

Platinum members may also receive periodic loyalty credits as part of their membership benefits.
After you log in, use your member Activity areas to find the parts of SongU you are using.

Your Course Activity area shows your active and completed courses. Your Pitching area shows available and submitted pitches. Your Song Evaluation area shows pending and completed evaluations. Your Private Sessions area shows upcoming and completed sessions.

The exact links may vary depending on your membership level and which services you are using.
Every songwriter starts somewhere. A good beginning path is to learn the basics of song form, lyric structure, melody, title development, and rewriting.

At SongU, you can start with DIY courses, beginner-friendly live feedback courses, or a song evaluation if you already have a song or lyric you would like reviewed. It is also helpful to listen to great songs carefully and begin learning the difference between an idea, a title, a lyric, a melody, and a finished song.
Helpful resource:
πŸ”— Songwriting Courses
No. For feedback, a professional demo is usually not required.

A clear work tape, guitar/vocal, piano/vocal, or lyric-only submission may be enough depending on the feedback option and the coach or instructor. The main goal is for the listener to understand the song, melody, lyric, and structure.

In many cases, feedback before spending money on a demo can save time and expense.
Helpful resource:
πŸ”— Song Evaluations
No. You do not need a high-tech setup or special computer skills to use most of SongU.

For live courses and Private Sessions, you will need a reliable internet connection and the same basic equipment you would use for an online meeting, such as speakers or headphones and, ideally, a microphone. A webcam can be helpful but is usually not required.

For submitting songs, you will generally need your lyric and an audio file, such as an MP3 or other accepted audio format depending on the area of the site.
No. SongU Credits do not expire while they remain in your account.

Credits can be used for eligible optional services on the site, but unused credits are not refundable. Your account area will show your current credit balance.
The Song Locker is your private storage area for songs and songs-in-progress.

You can upload a song once and then use it in other areas of SongU, such as song evaluations, pitching, your Member Website, and other member features. When you edit a song in the Song Locker, those updates can carry through to places where that song is being used on the site.

For detailed help, see the Song Locker FAQ.
Helpful resource:
πŸ”— Song Locker FAQ
Yes. Many songwriters begin as lyricists, and SongU has resources that can help you strengthen your lyric writing and connect with collaborators.

You can take lyric-focused courses, receive lyric-only feedback from coaches who accept lyric submissions, attend feedback sessions, and look for co-writing connections. If your goal is to create complete songs, it is often helpful to collaborate with a composer or melody writer who shares in the copyright ownership of the finished song.
Helpful resource:
πŸ”— Songwriting Courses
SongU gives you several ways to work on your songs and songwriting career.

You can take DIY and live songwriting courses, join small-group song feedback sessions, receive written evaluations from professional coaches, schedule one-on-one Private Sessions, store and update songs in your Song Locker, use your Member Website, and submit songs to selected Pitching Opportunities.

You do not have to use every feature at once. Most members choose the areas that best match their current goals.
Yes. SongU has members in many time zones and countries.

Many features are available anytime, including DIY courses, recorded courses, Song Locker, written evaluations, and pitching. Live courses and Private Sessions are scheduled at specific times, but many are recorded, and SongU also offers GMT-friendly meetings when possible.

Be sure to check the listed Eastern Time and GMT time when registering for live events.
Getting songs heard usually requires strong songs, appropriate demos, persistence, and real relationships.

Most publishers, artists, labels, and managers do not accept unsolicited material. That is why education, networking, feedback, and trusted pitch channels matter. At SongU, members can work on songs through courses and evaluations, then submit songs to selected SongU Pitching Opportunities when the song fits the listing.

The best approach is to keep improving your craft, learn the business, and only pitch songs that truly fit the opportunity.
Helpful resource:
πŸ”— Pitching Opportunities
SongU allows certain uses of AI, but disclosure is important. Whether AI use is acceptable depends on how AI was used and which SongU area you are using.

For example, using AI only to create a demo of a fully human-written lyric and melody is different from using AI to generate the melody, lyric, or underlying song. Pitching, coaching, courses, and Private Sessions may handle AI-assisted songs differently depending on the opportunity, coach, instructor, or guest.

Please review the AI and Songwriting FAQ and SongU AI Guidelines before submitting AI-assisted material.
Helpful resource:
πŸ”— AI and Songwriting FAQ
You can cancel your membership at any time from your Account area after logging in.

SongU uses recurring billing, but there is no required long-term membership commitment. If you need help finding the cancellation option or have a billing question, please submit a Help/Support request.
Helpful resource:
πŸ”— Contact Support
The best way to contact SongU is by submitting a Help/Support request or emailing SongU@SongU.com.

We do our best to respond as quickly as possible. You may also call 615-522-1556 Monday-Friday, 10am-2pm Central Time.
Helpful resource:
πŸ”— Contact Support
SongU offers several ways to connect with potential co-writers.

A good place to start is Activity > Find Co-Writers, where you can browse member websites and search for writers by name, genre, location, and other details.

You can also meet collaborators in live Song Feedback classes, through selected Fast-Track Pitch opportunities, Special Event/Rising Star lists, and recent Gold Star pitch activity.

Tip: Make sure your own Member Website is set up so other writers can learn more about you and your songs.
Helpful resource:
πŸ”— How to find co-writers at SongU.com
SongU.com is an online songwriting community and education site for songwriters at every level.

Members can take songwriting courses, attend live song feedback sessions, receive written song evaluations, schedule Private Sessions with music industry mentors, manage songs in the Song Locker, connect with other writers, and pitch songs to SongU pitch guests.

The goal is simple: to help you strengthen your craft, make real human music industry connections, and move your songs forward from wherever you live.
Helpful resource:
πŸ”— About SongU.com
No. SongU is for songwriters at many different levels, from beginners to advanced writers and working professionals.

Some members are just beginning to learn the craft. Others are experienced writers looking for feedback, accountability, pitching opportunities, co-writing connections, or professional guidance.

You can move at your own pace and choose the areas that fit your goals.
Helpful resource:
πŸ”— Songwriting Courses
No. You do not need a high-tech setup or special computer skills to use most of SongU.

For live courses and Private Sessions, you will need a reliable internet connection and the same basic equipment you would use for an online meeting, such as speakers or headphones and, ideally, a microphone. A webcam can be helpful but is usually not required.

For submitting songs, you will generally need your lyric and an audio file, such as an MP3 or other accepted audio format depending on the area of the site.
SongU gives you several ways to work on your songs and songwriting career.

You can take DIY and live songwriting courses, join small-group song feedback sessions, receive written evaluations from professional coaches, schedule one-on-one Private Sessions, store and update songs in your Song Locker, use your Member Website, and submit songs to selected Pitching Opportunities.

You do not have to use every feature at once. Most members choose the areas that best match their current goals.
SongU offers different membership options. The best place to compare current features and pricing is the membership comparison chart.

Some services are included with membership, while other optional services use SongU Credits or may have an additional cost. For example, song evaluations, Private Sessions, and some additional pitch submissions may have separate credit costs depending on your membership level and the specific service.

Before you complete any paid action, the site will show the relevant cost or credit amount.
Helpful resource:
πŸ”— Membership Comparison Chart
SongU Credits are used for optional services across the site, such as certain song evaluations, Private Sessions, or other add-on services.

For convenience, 1 SongU Credit equals $1. You can purchase credits and use them when needed. Credits do not expire, but unused credits are not refundable.

Platinum members may also receive periodic loyalty credits as part of their membership benefits.
No. SongU Credits do not expire while they remain in your account.

Credits can be used for eligible optional services on the site, but unused credits are not refundable. Your account area will show your current credit balance.
SongU accepts major credit and debit cards, including Visa, MasterCard, American Express, and Discover.

SongU does not accept personal checks or money orders. If you have a payment issue, please submit a Help/Support request so we can help you resolve it.
Helpful resource:
πŸ”— Contact Support
You can cancel your membership at any time from your Account area after logging in.

SongU uses recurring billing, but there is no required long-term membership commitment. If you need help finding the cancellation option or have a billing question, please submit a Help/Support request.
Helpful resource:
πŸ”— Contact Support
Membership options may be changed from your Account area when available.

Because membership benefits differ, changing levels can affect what is included with your account, such as course access, discounts, pitching benefits, and optional service costs. Review the membership comparison chart or contact Support if you are unsure which option is best for you.
Helpful resource:
πŸ”— Membership Comparison Chart
A good first step is to explore your Activity areas after logging in. From there, you can find your active courses, Song Locker, pitching area, song evaluations, Private Sessions, and other member tools.

If you are new to SongU, start with one or two things that match your immediate goal. For example, upload songs to your Song Locker, take a DIY course, register for a live feedback course, or review the Pitching Orientation before submitting songs to pitch opportunities.

You can also use the topic-specific FAQ pages for step-by-step help.
After you log in, use your member Activity areas to find the parts of SongU you are using.

Your Course Activity area shows your active and completed courses. Your Pitching area shows available and submitted pitches. Your Song Evaluation area shows pending and completed evaluations. Your Private Sessions area shows upcoming and completed sessions.

The exact links may vary depending on your membership level and which services you are using.
The Song Locker is your private storage area for songs and songs-in-progress.

You can upload a song once and then use it in other areas of SongU, such as song evaluations, pitching, your Member Website, and other member features. When you edit a song in the Song Locker, those updates can carry through to places where that song is being used on the site.

For detailed help, see the Song Locker FAQ.
Helpful resource:
πŸ”— Song Locker FAQ
Yes. SongU has members in many time zones and countries.

Many features are available anytime, including DIY courses, recorded courses, Song Locker, written evaluations, and pitching. Live courses and Private Sessions are scheduled at specific times, but many are recorded, and SongU also offers GMT-friendly meetings when possible.

Be sure to check the listed Eastern Time and GMT time when registering for live events.
The best way to contact SongU is by submitting a Help/Support request or emailing SongU@SongU.com.

We do our best to respond as quickly as possible. You may also call 615-522-1556 Monday-Friday, 10am-2pm Central Time.
Helpful resource:
πŸ”— Contact Support
SongU offers several ways to connect with potential co-writers.

A good place to start is Activity > Find Co-Writers, where you can browse member websites and search for writers by name, genre, location, and other details.

You can also meet collaborators in live Song Feedback classes, through selected Fast-Track Pitch opportunities, Special Event/Rising Star lists, and recent Gold Star pitch activity.

Tip: Make sure your own Member Website is set up so other writers can learn more about you and your songs.
Helpful resource:
πŸ”— How to find co-writers at SongU.com
Songwriting is both creative and craft-based. Studying songwriting can help you understand why certain songs connect emotionally, how structure and contrast create impact, how lyrics and melody work together, and how to make stronger choices before spending money on demos or pitching.

Education also helps you understand the business side of songwriting, so you can recognize real opportunities, avoid common mistakes, and make better decisions for your songs and career.
Helpful resource:
πŸ”— Success Stories
Every songwriter starts somewhere. A good beginning path is to learn the basics of song form, lyric structure, melody, title development, and rewriting.

At SongU, you can start with DIY courses, beginner-friendly live feedback courses, or a song evaluation if you already have a song or lyric you would like reviewed. It is also helpful to listen to great songs carefully and begin learning the difference between an idea, a title, a lyric, a melody, and a finished song.
Helpful resource:
πŸ”— Songwriting Courses
Yes. Many songwriters begin as lyricists, and SongU has resources that can help you strengthen your lyric writing and connect with collaborators.

You can take lyric-focused courses, receive lyric-only feedback from coaches who accept lyric submissions, attend feedback sessions, and look for co-writing connections. If your goal is to create complete songs, it is often helpful to collaborate with a composer or melody writer who shares in the copyright ownership of the finished song.
Helpful resource:
πŸ”— Songwriting Courses
Co-writing relationships usually grow from community, trust, and shared creative goals.

At SongU, members may meet potential co-writers through feedback courses, co-write challenges, member networking, and other community features. A good approach is to participate regularly, give thoughtful feedback, communicate clearly, and look for writers whose strengths complement your own.
The best feedback usually comes when you are clear about what you want help with.

Before submitting a song for feedback, consider asking a focused question such as: Is the title clear? Does the chorus land emotionally? Is the melody memorable? Does the demo support the song? Are the lyrics too general? Is the song ready to pitch?

You can get feedback through live Song Feedback courses, written song evaluations, and Private Sessions.
Helpful resource:
πŸ”— Song Evaluations
In the United States, copyright protection begins when an original song is fixed in a tangible form, such as being written down or recorded. However, registering your work with the U.S. Copyright Office gives you an official public record and can strengthen your legal position if there is ever a dispute.

You cannot copyright a title or a general idea. You also need to be careful with songs that include AI-generated lyrics or melody, because current copyright rules treat human authorship differently from AI-generated material.

For legal advice about your specific situation, consult a qualified entertainment or copyright attorney.
Helpful resource:
πŸ”— U.S. Copyright Office
Performing rights organizations, often called PROs, collect and distribute performance royalties when songs are publicly performed, broadcast, streamed, or used in certain licensed settings.

In the United States, common PROs include ASCAP, BMI, SESAC, and GMR. Other countries have their own organizations, such as SOCAN in Canada and PRS in the United Kingdom.

You do not need to rush into joining a PRO before you understand your goals, but if your music is generating performance royalties, you will generally need to affiliate with a PRO to collect them. Research the options carefully before choosing.
Songwriters usually do not simply β€œsell” songs in the way people sometimes imagine. Songs are copyrights, and income usually comes through publishing, licensing, royalties, mechanical income, performance royalties, sync licenses, artist cuts, or other uses.

A publisher may ask you to sign a publishing agreement that gives them certain rights to administer, license, or exploit the song. Before signing any publishing contract, you should have it reviewed by a qualified music attorney.

At SongU, pitching opportunities, feedback, courses, and private sessions can help you learn how the process works and prepare stronger songs.
Helpful resource:
πŸ”— Pitching Opportunities
Getting songs heard usually requires strong songs, appropriate demos, persistence, and real relationships.

Most publishers, artists, labels, and managers do not accept unsolicited material. That is why education, networking, feedback, and trusted pitch channels matter. At SongU, members can work on songs through courses and evaluations, then submit songs to selected SongU Pitching Opportunities when the song fits the listing.

The best approach is to keep improving your craft, learn the business, and only pitch songs that truly fit the opportunity.
Helpful resource:
πŸ”— Pitching Opportunities
There is no single answer. A song’s income can vary widely depending on the type of use, royalty splits, publishing ownership, radio or streaming activity, sync placements, mechanical royalties, performance royalties, recoupment, and many other factors.

Some successful songs earn modest income, while others generate substantial long-term revenue. Because the music business changes constantly, exact earnings are difficult to predict. The most important thing a songwriter can do is understand the different royalty streams and protect their rights.
A record deal usually requires more than one good song. Labels typically look for artists with strong songs, a clear identity, great performances, audience engagement, momentum, work ethic, and a team or strategy.

Start by improving your songs, developing your sound, building your audience, performing or releasing music consistently, networking, and learning the business. Be cautious of anyone who promises easy success or asks for money in exchange for unrealistic guarantees.
Demo costs vary widely depending on the studio, musicians, vocalist, production style, location, and whether you need a simple guitar/vocal or piano/vocal demo or a full-band production.

A simple work tape or basic guitar/vocal may be enough for early feedback or coaching. A more polished demo may be needed for certain pitching situations, especially uptempo songs where drums, bass, and groove are important.

Before spending money on a full demo, it is often wise to get feedback through a Song Feedback course, song evaluation, or Private Session to make sure the song itself is ready.
Helpful resource:
πŸ”— Song Evaluations
No. For feedback, a professional demo is usually not required.

A clear work tape, guitar/vocal, piano/vocal, or lyric-only submission may be enough depending on the feedback option and the coach or instructor. The main goal is for the listener to understand the song, melody, lyric, and structure.

In many cases, feedback before spending money on a demo can save time and expense.
Helpful resource:
πŸ”— Song Evaluations
Not always. The demo should be strong enough to clearly present the song for the specific pitch opportunity.

For ballads, and sometimes mid-tempo songs, a high-quality guitar/vocal or piano/vocal demo may be enough if the vocal, melody, lyric, and overall feel are clear and professional.

For uptempo songs, you will usually need more production, especially drums and bass, so the groove, energy, and tempo are fully represented.

When in doubt, choose the version that presents the song most clearly and professionally for that specific pitch opportunity.
Helpful resource:
πŸ”— Pitching FAQ
SongU allows certain uses of AI, but disclosure is important. Whether AI use is acceptable depends on how AI was used and which SongU area you are using.

For example, using AI only to create a demo of a fully human-written lyric and melody is different from using AI to generate the melody, lyric, or underlying song. Pitching, coaching, courses, and Private Sessions may handle AI-assisted songs differently depending on the opportunity, coach, instructor, or guest.

Please review the AI and Songwriting FAQ and SongU AI Guidelines before submitting AI-assisted material.
Helpful resource:
πŸ”— AI and Songwriting FAQ
SongU has topic-specific FAQ pages for many major areas of the site.

Courses FAQ
Song Evaluations and Coaching FAQ
Pitching FAQ
Private Sessions FAQ
Song Locker FAQ
AI and Songwriting FAQ
Contact Support
If Mozart or the FAQ pages do not answer your question, please submit a Help/Support request and we will do our best to assist you.

When contacting Support, include the page you were on, what you were trying to do, any error message you saw, and the browser or device you were using. Those details help us solve the problem more quickly.
Helpful resource:
πŸ”— Contact Support
Ask Mozart
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