Everything You Need to Know About Split Sheets In The Music Industry

Need a split sheet for your next song collaboration? Many songwriters lose royalties and face ownership disputes simply because they lack proper documentation. This guide walks you through creating solid split sheets that protect your rights and keep the money flowing.

This guide will teach you:

• How to create professional split sheets that protect your rights
• Step-by-step instructions for dividing song percentages fairly
• Ways to handle complex writing teams and multiple sessions
• Tips for working with PROs like ASCAP, BMI, and SESAC
• Solutions to common split sheet problems

Read also: "The music industry lacks an identity system. A lot of problems stem from that." Interview with Cole Davis

What Is a Split Sheet? A Guide for Songwriters

Making music with others is exciting, but you need to handle the business side too. That's where split sheets come in! Think of a split sheet (download split sheet template) as a simple agreement that shows who owns what part of a song. It's like a recipe that lists all the people who helped create the music and how much of the song they own.

Let's break this down into simple terms: when you and your friends create a song together, a split sheet helps make sure everyone gets their fair share of the money the song makes. It's a written document that protects everyone involved and helps prevent arguments later.

Here's what makes split sheets so important for songwriters:

• They show exactly who wrote what part of the song
• They help you get paid correctly when your song makes money
• They keep things clear between you and your co-writers
• They make it easier to register your song with music organizations

What goes into a basic split sheet? 

Read also: "How do I prove I own my song?" — We asked lawyers so you don't have to

Why Split Sheets Matter for Your Music 

Picture this: You just created an amazing song with two friends. One person wrote the lyrics, another created the beat, and you came up with the melody. Without a split sheet, what happens when the song starts making money? Arguments might start about who deserves what percentage. A split sheet prevents these headaches by spelling everything out from the start.

Each contributor is getting paid properly

• Split sheet makes sure streaming services know who to pay
• Helps music organizations (like ASCAP, BMI, SESAC) send you money
• Tracks money from people buying or downloading your music

You get legal protection

• Split sheet shows proof of who owns what
• Stops others from claiming your work
• Makes it clear who can use the song

Other benefits:

• It shows record labels you're serious about your music
• Builds trust with other songwriters
• Makes working with publishers easier

Common split sheet questions answered

Here's a hypothetical example: Three friends made a song that ended up making $10,000. Without a split sheet, they argued about who deserved what. One person thought they deserved more because they spent more time on it, another claimed the main hook was their idea. A split sheet would have prevented this whole mess by setting the rules early.

Industry requirements made simple:

• Music publishers won't work with you without split sheets
• You need them to get paid by streaming services
• They help protect your rights to the song
• They make registering your song much easier

Practical steps to take now:

• Find a good split sheet template
• Set up a folder to store all your split sheets
• Plan how you'll get signatures for online collaborations
• Keep backup copies of everything you sign

US copyright law protects your songs automatically, but split sheets make it clear who owns what. Think of them as insurance for your creativity - they protect everyone involved and help you get paid fairly.

Even when working with close friends, always use a split sheet. It keeps friendships strong by preventing misunderstandings about money later.

How to Make Your Own Split Sheet: Step by Step

What to Include in Your Split Sheet 

Creating a split sheet doesn't have to be complicated. Here's everything you need to put in your split sheet to make it work:

Must-have information:

• Song details: Title, creation date, and any alternate versions
• Writer information: Legal names (not artist names) and contact info
• PRO details: Which organizations (ASCAP, BMI, SESAC) represent each writer
• Publisher info: List any music publishers involved
• Percentage splits: Clear numbers showing who owns what
• Signatures: Everyone needs to sign and date the document

Sample split sheet layout:

How to get it right:

• Double-check all spelling of names and songs
• Make sure percentages add up to exactly 100%
• Leave space for publisher info even if you don't have one yet
• Include everyone's current contact details

Digital vs Paper: Which Works Better? 

Both digital and paper split sheets work well — each has its benefits. Here's what you need to know about both:

Digital split sheets:

• Easy to store and find later
• Simple to share with collaborators
• Can be signed electronically
• Work great for online collaborations
• Harder to lose or damage

Paper split sheets:

• Feel more official to some people
• Don't need technology to use
• Can be signed in person easily
• Work without internet access
• Good for studio sessions

Consider using both formats — sign paper copies during in-person sessions and use digital ones for online work. Many songwriters keep digital backups of their paper split sheets just to be safe.

Easy steps to create your split sheet:

1. Start with a template: Find a trusted template online and check that it includes all required sections. Make sure it's easy to understand and keep it to one or two pages max
2. Fill in basic info:

• Write song details clearly
• Include all writer information
• Add PRO membership details
• List publishing companies

3. Calculate splits

• Talk about percentages early
• Write down agreed numbers
• Double-check the math
• Make sure everyone agrees

4. Get signatures

• Have everyone sign the same copy
• Make copies for all writers
• Store originals safely
• Send digital copies as backup

Common mistakes to avoid ❌

• Using artist names instead of legal names
• Forgetting to include contact information
• Writing unclear percentage splits
• Not making copies for everyone
• Waiting too long to create the split sheet

The best time to create a split sheet is while you're writing the song. Everyone's excited about the music, and it's easier to agree on splits when you remember who did what!

How to Divide Song Percentages: Understanding Songwriting Splits

Figuring out fair splits for your song doesn't have to give you a headache. The key is understanding how different contributions add up to make your track special. Think about each piece of the song — the beat, melody, lyrics, and arrangement all play important roles.

Most songs start with these basic elements that need to be considered for splits:

• Main melody and hook creation
• Lyric writing and storytelling
• Beat production and instrumental work
• Arrangement and structure planning

Understanding the value of each contribution helps you divide percentages fairly. For example, if you wrote all the lyrics but your friend created the entire melody and another person made the beat, you might split it three ways - but not necessarily equally. To ensure accurate splits and proper registration, check out ASCAP's guidelines on registering music.

Industry Standards for Percentage Splits

While every song is unique, the music industry has common patterns for splitting song ownership. Let's look at some typical scenarios to help guide your decisions.

Traditional split examples:

Of course, these numbers can shift based on your specific situation. The key is making sure everyone agrees that the splits are fair before the recording starts.

Time for a real-world example: Say you're working on a hip-hop track. Here's how you might handle the splits:

• Producer creates the beat and basic melody (40%)
• Rapper writes and performs verses (40%)
• Singer creates and performs the hook (20%)

This split works because each person's contribution is clearly defined. The producer and main artist share most of the ownership, while the hook contributor gets a smaller but fair share.

Handling Complex Writing Teams

Modern songs often involve more people than ever before. Here's how to handle splits when you've got a bigger team:

Start with these questions:

• Who came up with the original concept?
• Which parts of the song generate the most audience response?
• How much did each person contribute to the final version?
• What special skills or equipment did each person bring?

Let's break down how to handle some common complex situations. Sometimes you'll work with a whole team of writers and producers. Here's a practical approach:

1. Map out all contributions first
2. Discuss percentages openly
3. Document every decision
4. Get agreement before recording
5. Put everything in writing

When to Sign Your Split Sheet: Best Time to Get Signatures

Timing matters when it comes to getting everyone to sign your split sheet. The best moment? Right after you finish writing the song, while everyone's still in the room (or on the video call). Here's why this works so well:

• Everyone remembers their contributions clearly
• The excitement of finishing the song creates positive energy
• You can handle questions or concerns right away
• Nobody has time to develop unrealistic expectations about the song's success

Getting signatures shouldn't feel awkward - it's just part of being professional. Think of it like taking a group photo after creating something awesome together. You're capturing that moment of collaboration and making sure everyone's contribution gets recognized.

Common signature scenarios:

Multiple Session Guidelines 

Modern songs often come together over several sessions. Here's how to handle split sheets when your creation process spans multiple meetings:

First session:

1. Start a working split sheet
2. Note initial contributions
3. Save space for future additions
4. Get preliminary agreements

Having multiple sessions doesn't mean you need multiple split sheets. Instead, think of your split sheet as a living document that grows with your song. Keep track of changes and new contributions as they happen.

Session tracking tips

Good record-keeping makes everything easier when working across multiple sessions. Create a simple session log that includes:

• Date of each writing session
• Who attended and what they added
• Any changes to previous parts
• Updated split percentages
• Everyone's agreement to changes

This type of organized tracking prevents misunderstandings and makes the final split sheet signing smooth and drama-free.

Tips for long projects

Working on a song over multiple days? Here's how to keep your splits drama-free:

Write down who adds what parts right away — just quick notes on your phone work great! Start talking about rough percentages early, but let everyone know these numbers might change as the song grows.

Quick session wrap-up: Before everyone leaves, take 5 minutes to:

• Listen to what's new in the song
• Talk about any split changes
• Make sure no one feels left out
• Save notes in your phone or laptop

Final check before signing: When your song's done, do these last steps:

1. Play the song and list who made each part
2. Ask everyone if they feel good about their split
3. Make sure phone numbers and emails are current
4. Double-check all the numbers add up to 100%

What could go wrong? 🤔

Sometimes even well-planned sessions hit snags. Here's how to handle common issues:

Remote collaboration challenges:

• Use screen recording to document creation sessions
• Save all version histories of the song
• Keep email trails of split discussions
• Use time-stamped project files

Technical solutions:

• Cloud storage for all session files
• Digital signature platforms
• Project management tools
• Backup copies of everything

Remember: Professional songwriters treat split sheets like any other essential music tool. You wouldn't play a gig without your instrument, so don't finish a song without your split sheet!

Split Sheets and Your Money 

How PROs Use Split Sheets

Let's talk about turning your music into money! Performance Rights Organizations (PROs) like ASCAP, BMI, and SESAC use your split sheets to figure out who gets paid when your song plays. Here's what really happens behind the scenes:

Your split sheet starts its journey when you register your song with a PRO. Think of it like setting up direct deposit for your music - the split sheet tells them exactly how to divide the money.

Registration process breakdown:

1. Submit your song details to your PRO
2. Provide the split sheet information
3. Connect all songwriter IDs
4. Link publisher information

Each PRO has its own system, but they all need the same basic info from your split sheet:

Getting Your Royalty Payments 

Your music can make money in many ways. Here's how split sheets help you collect from different sources:

Radio and streaming: PROs track when stations play your song and digital services report usage numbers. Your split sheet ensures proper payment division. Money goes to the right writers and publishers.

Live Performance and TV: PROs collect money when your song gets played at concerts or on television. A proper split sheet means everyone gets their fair share automatically.

Think about this real example: Your song gets played at a major sports event. The venue pays a license fee to PROs, who then use your split sheet to pay everyone involved in creating the song.

Digital platforms revenue flow:

1. Platforms collect streaming revenue
2. Money goes to PROs and publishers
3. Split sheets guide payment distribution
4. Writers receive their percentages

International Rights and Income 

Music doesn't stop at borders — and neither should your money! Split sheets help you collect income from around the world. Here's how it works:

International collection process:

• Foreign PROs track your song's plays
• They work with your home PRO
• Split sheets guide global payments
• Money reaches you from anywhere

Making sure you get paid from other countries requires:

1. Clear split documentation
2. Proper song registration
3. Updated contact information
4. Connected PRO accounts

Common international payment questions:

Common Split Sheet Problems and Solutions 

#1. Dealing with Disagreements

Sometimes people fight over who owns what part of a song. Here's what to do if someone questions their split percentage:

• Pull out your split sheet and show the signed agreement
• Open your session files to prove who did what
• Share any messages or emails about the song creation
• Keep the conversation about facts, not feelings

Most fights happen because memories get fuzzy. Good paperwork ends arguments fast — that's why keeping records of everything helps you avoid these headaches in the first place.

Think about this real situation: A producer claims they deserve 50% of a song because they "added the magic" in mixing. However, mixing usually doesn't count for songwriting splits - it's a separate service. Having clear documentation of what counts as songwriting versus production helps prevent these misunderstandings.

#2. Working with Multiple Publishers

Publishers help songwriters make money from their songs through licensing deals, radio play, and streaming. Most songwriters work with publishers to handle the business side of music.

Got different publishers on your track? Here's your game plan:

1. Make a simple list of each songwriter's publisher
2. Email split sheet copies to all publishers
3. Get each publisher's song registration info
4. Save all emails and messages about the song

• Each publisher's contact person
• Their preferred way to register songs
• Important dates they give you
• Notes from your conversations

Sometimes publishers see things differently. Here's what works:

1. Pull up your original split sheet
2. Set up a quick Zoom call with everyone
3. Take notes on what everyone agrees to
4. Get everything in writing (email works fine!)

Just save everything in one folder on your computer or phone - split sheets, emails, and registration details. This saves you hours of headaches later.

When to Talk to a Lawyer

Most split sheet issues don't need legal help, but sometimes you need professional advice. Know these warning signs:

• Someone claims ownership without proof
• Verbal agreements conflict with written ones
• Large amounts of money are involved
• International rights disputes arise

Finding the right music lawyer matters. Look for someone who specializes in music law and has experience with split sheets. They also need to understand your genre and offer clear fee structures.

Many music lawyers offer quick consultations. Get advice early before problems grow bigger.

Prevention checklist:

Most split sheet problems come from a lack of documentation. Write everything down, even if it seems obvious at the time. Your future self will thank you!

The best way to handle split sheet problems is to prevent them. Start with clear agreements, keep good records, and communicate openly with everyone involved. When issues do come up, stay professional and focus on solutions rather than blame.

Success in the music industry often comes down to handling both the creative and business sides well. Split sheets might seem like extra paperwork, but they protect your hard work and ensure everyone gets their fair share. Keep them clear, keep them current, and keep making great music!