Co-Writing Resources

Split Sheet Template

Song Information

• Title: ___________________________
• Date Written: _____________________
• Session Location: _________________

Writers

1. Name: _________________________ Contact: _______________________ Publishing: ____________________ Split %: ______________________
2. Name: _________________________ Contact: _______________________ Publishing: ____________________ Split %: ______________________

[Additional writer sections as needed]

Agreement

We, the undersigned, acknowledge that we have collaborated in creating this song and agree to the ownership splits listed above. We understand that any commercial use or recording of this song requires agreement from all writers.

Signatures:

1. _____________________________ Date: _________
2. _____________________________ Date: _________

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Session Preparation Guide

Before Your Session

1. Gather Your Ideas
   • Lyric fragments or concepts
   • Melody snippets
   • Chord progressions
   • Story ideas
   • Musical references
2. Bring Your Tools
   • Instrument (if you play one)
   • Notebook and pen
   • Song ideas or starts
   • Open mind
   • Collaborative spirit
3. Set Your Intentions
   • What do you hope to create?
   • What styles interest you?
   • Are you starting fresh or developing an idea?
   • What role do you enjoy in collaboration?

During the Session

1. Getting Started
   • Share your ideas
   • Listen openly
   • Ask questions
   • Build on others' concepts
   • Stay flexible
2. Working Together
   • Take turns leading
   • Try different approaches
   • Give ideas space
   • Build on momentum
   • Stay positive
3. Finishing Up
   • Note key decisions
   • Plan next steps
   • Document ownership
   • Save work in progress
   • Schedule follow-up if needed

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Suggested Session Structure

Pre-Session (30 minutes)

• Welcome and introductions
• Goal setting for the session
• Discussion of writing approaches
• Agreement on creative process
• Setup of writing space

Main Session (2 hours)

• Initial idea sharing (15 minutes)
• Development phase (45 minutes)
• Break/reflection (15 minutes)
• Refinement phase (30 minutes)
• Simple demo recording (15 minutes)

Post-Session (30 minutes)

• Session reflection
• Next steps planning
• Documentation completion
• Future collaboration discussion
• Resource sharing

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Collaboration Tips

Creating Together

1. Start with conversation
2. Share inspiration freely
3. Try multiple approaches
4. Build on each other's ideas
5. Keep the energy positive

Finding Common Ground

1. Discuss music you both enjoy
2. Share your writing process
3. Talk about your goals
4. Find shared experiences
5. Connect through stories

Working Through Challenges

1. Take short breaks when stuck
2. Try a different approach
3. Switch who's leading
4. Return to earlier ideas
5. Remember it's a process

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Rights Management Basics

Copyright Fundamentals

1. Songs are automatically copyrighted when written
2. Registration provides additional protection
3. All writers share ownership
4. Agreement should precede commercial use
5. Keep clear documentation

Publishing Considerations

1. Each writer controls their share
2. Commercial use needs all writers' agreement
3. Register with PROs individually
4. Document everything clearly
5. Discuss plans early

Best Practices

1. Complete split sheets immediately
2. Keep records of all sessions
3. Note significant contributions
4. Discuss future plans
5. Maintain clear communication

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Guidelines for Different Session Types

Paired Writing

1. Share background and interests
2. Discuss working styles
3. Establish session goals
4. Take turns leading
5. Document progress

Small Group Sessions

1. Everyone contributes ideas
2. Rotate leadership
3. Give space for all voices
4. Build consensus
5. Keep energy flowing

Workshops

1. Try new approaches
2. Learn from others
3. Share freely
4. Accept feedback
5. Support growth