Sooner Sync Masterclass
Scholarship Fund Drive
Giving opens April 29 and runs through May 13!
We’ve partnered with the Northern Piedmont Community Foundation to raise $5,000 for songwriter scholarships.
🎶 Your tax-deductible gift helps break financial barriers—giving talented songwriters access to top-tier sync training.
Donate today and help launch the next generation of music creators.
About Our Mentorship Program
.png)
#100+ independent songwriters educated
#75+ songs written for television and film
#25+ songs selected by movie producers for the “short-list"
Empower aspiring songwriters and artists with the knowledge, mentorship, and industry connections to thrive in the world of music for television and film.
Through Discover Sooner's partnership with Molly Girl Music, we mentor aspiring songwriters, artists, and producers, providing the skills and tools needed to build successful careers in film and TV.
The Sooner Sync MasterClass is a hands-on experience, helping songwriters write songs that work for tv and film, produce music at industry standards, and confidently navigate the sync licensing process.
We've seen firsthand how this program transforms lives—empowering creatives of all ages to turn their passion into real opportunities.
Stay Tuned—The Next MasterClass Is in the Works!
2025
sooner Sync Masterclass
Coming soon!
Don't Miss Out: Spots Fill Up Quickly!
Our Approach
If you're ready for a real-world opportunity to write for real film projects, the Sooner Sync MasterClass is the perfect place to dive in.
Teams
Teams are carefully assembled, pairing an artist, songwriter, and music producer to collaborate on the "music brief" for the movie. Learn more about teams>>
Hands-On
The music supervisor provides 1-on-1 guidance throughout the writing process, while a producer mentor oversees the final music production. The sync agent provides all of the training needed to complete your ownership & clearance paperwork needed for sync placements.
Pitch
The music supervisor pitches your finished songs to movie producers for potential placement. Since your song is now part of both the music supervisor's and sync agent's catalogs, it continues to be pitched for sync opportunities far beyond the original project it was written for.
Donna Bukevicz
Music Supervisor
Rarely do we have the opportunity to ask music supervisors for clarification on what they're looking for. Donna works from the movie's script to develop briefs for your team. She intimately understands the story, will answer all of your questions before you start writing and even jump in with your team to get your song over the finish line.
Your Mentors
How It works
The Brief
You'll be teamed up with a producer, artist (singer), songwriter. Each team will get a brief the day of the writing session. Before writing begins you'll have a Q&A with the music supervisor to answer all your questions.
The Writing Session
Once the writing process starts your team will be relocated to your own Zoom breakout room. During this time, the producer has the option to begin crafting the tracks simultaneously or simply accompany by playing the guitar or keyboard. At an appointed time, the music supervisor will join your session to listen to your song-in-progress to offer guidance and support.
Listening Party / Feedback Night
A few weeks after the writing session, there's an online group listening party for your song-in-progress. The music supervisor and experienced producer will provide feedback to include in your final version of the song.
License Your Song
If your song is selected it will be non-exclusively licensed for the movie. Sync Agent commission on placements is 20% (Writers receive 80%).
Questions? Email Nancy
How the MasterClass Gives You the Edge!
The Fast-Paced World of Sync: In typical sync placement opportunities, films are already shot when the music supervisor offers briefs, often requiring a song within a day or two. There’s no way to get your questions answered and your song is competing against a large unknown pool of song submissions.
Your Edge: In this program you'll write for a film that may not shoot for a year or longer. You’ll receive a brief and be able to discuss the details with the music supervisor before writing. Because we aim to keep competition at a minimum, each team gets its own brief.
Making the Shortlist: Within months of the program’s end, you’ll likely know if your song made the movie producer’s short list. Final decisions depend on the film’s timeline, which can take a year or more, but with our non-exclusive agreement, you are free to explore other sync opportunities for your song while you wait.
Requirements
Writing Skills & Experience
Intermediate to advanced songwriting skills with co-writing experience.
You must be signed up with a PRO (ASCAP, BMI, SESAC, etc.). If you're not signed up, get signed up ASAP!
Recording Skills & Experience
Artists (Singers) must have the ability to professionally record vocals at home.
Producers must be experienced in broadcast quality recording. Tracking during the co-writing session is optional and can all be done during or after the writing sessions.
ownership
Composition Ownership (C)
All writers on the song will equally share ownership of the composition's lyrics & melody.
Master Recording Ownership (P)
All writers will equally own the track. However, due to the many hours the producer/track-writer spends producing the song, if there are additional expenses to achieve broadcast quality, the other team members will front the first $200. After that the entire team will share expenses equally.
Recording Costs
While each team has a producer who develops the recording for free, there are additional costs. Potential expenses include demo singers to get the right "voice" on the song, additional instruments, mixing, etc.
WHY signup?
🎵 Learn how to write songs tailored for tv and film 🎵
🎬 Develop a relationship with a music supervisor 🎬
🎙️ Write to active briefs 🎙️
🎛️ Meet new co-writers 🎛️
🎧 Build your music catalog with 2 powerful new songs for sync! 🎧
Success Stories
Hear songs selected for the short list for sync projects
2023 Fly, The Rise of Jett Parker
2024 My LIfe Between the Reins
2022 The Christmas Witch
Songs selected by movie producer
Filming Feb 2025
At-A-Glance
Don't Miss Out: Spots Fill Up Quickly!
Location
Zoom
Pricing
Songwriters/Artists: Early Bird: $427* USD Apply by October 20
Songwriters/Artists: Full: $457* USD Apply by November 10
Producers Free (but must apply)
*Payment due within 48 hours of acceptance.
Exchange rates may apply.
Save These Dates
Application deadline
-
Early Bird: Sun November 3
-
Final Deadline: Sun November 10
Orientation/meet & greet, Q&A
-
November 14 (5-6pm ct/6-7et/3-4 pt)
Writing Session #1
-
Meeting: Mon November 18 (4-7pm central)
-
Listening Party/Feedback: Mon December 9 (5-6:30pm cst)
Writing Session #2
-
Meeting Mon January 6 (4-7pm cdt)
-
Listening Party/Feedback Night January 27 (5-6:30pm cst)
Application
Non-Refundable: $20
Music
Prepare a link to 3 original songs that best showcase your songwriting skills on SoundCloud, Songspace, Dropbox, etc. OR your Discover Sooner Community Music List link
1
Apply
$20 non refundable application fee.
2
Get Notified
Receive email with your acceptance status 7 days before the program begins
3
Time left to apply
Time Left To Apply
Application deadline
Early Bird: Wed October 20
Final Applications Due: Sun November 10
Apply
Limited to 20 Artists & Writers
You'll need a Disco, SoundCloud, Songspace, Dropbox, Box, (any link) to 3 songs.
Accomplished Pop producers are essential to the Sync MasterClass and attend for free.
FAQs
Q: Do I need to be a part of Discover Sooner's Monthly Pitch & Community to participate?
A: No. Learn more about Sooner>>
Q: What if I don't have any experience writing songs for tv/film?
A: Not to worry! The Sync MasterClass is designed as a learning opportunity. It's highly likely that your co-writers have some experience. And if you feel you need extra support, the music supervisor has offered to co-write with any team seeking additional assistance. Check out all the details on the application.
Q: What is a brief?
A: A brief for TV and film is a document or request from a music supervisor, director, or production team outlines the specific type of music needed for a project. It usually provides details that help songwriters, composers, and sync agents understand what kind of song or instrumental track will best fit the scene or overall production.
Q: When does our team get the brief they'll be working on?
A: You can expect to receive the briefs on the day of the writing session by midday, and if possible, even earlier!
Q: What is orientation about?
A: Meet the writers, learn what to expect at the writing sessions and how to share your screen and sound on Zoom.
Q: What happens if we don't finish the song by the end of that writing session?
A: You can meet off-line to complete it.
Q: Who will be my co-writers?
A: Before each writing session, you’ll receive your team assignments and contact info.
Q: Can I write with specific people?
A: Yes, the application form lets you draft participating writers to your team.
Q: Why does the program let me bring my own team?
A: While we carefully screen all participants and believe they are talented writers, sometimes personalities don't click. That's why we encourage you to invite your trusted co-writers to the program. Producers attend for free but must apply ($20).
Q: Can I co-write in-person?
A: Yes, if you live in the same town. It's especially helpful if the singer and track-writer/producer are in the same room to make it easier to record the vocals on the night of the cowriting session.
Q: I am considering applying to the the program but I can't attend one of the writing sessions. What should I do?
A:We can consider accommodating the situation on a limited basis. If you're in need of assistance, please make a note of it in your application, and we'll do our best to help. It's important to note that there are 30 people in this program, so we kindly request that you only seek assistance after trying to reschedule your other appointment.
Q: What should I do if I am unable to attend the Listening Party or other meetings (not a writing session)?
A: Worry not! We will email you with a video of the meeting so you can watch it at your convenience.
Q: Is it possible to participate in a writing session while traveling in my car?
A: Regrettably, we cannot permit participants to join a writing session while traveling in their car. However, for all other types of meetings during the program, it is acceptable to join while in your car, although you will be muted to prevent any disruptions to the meeting.
Q: How do I become a producer in this program?
A: Apply ($20) and send in a playlist of 3 songs you produced. Producers need to be able to play or write their own guitar, keyboard, bass and drum tracks and have a solid working knowledge of their DAW. A plus if you have prior sync placements.
Q: How will the song's ownership be split?
A; The co-writing team including the track-writer/producer, singer, songwriter will split the composition equally.
Q: Who will own the master recording?
A: The co-writing team including the track-writer/producer, singer, songwriter will equally own the track. However, due to the many hours the track-writer/producer spends producing, if there are additional expenses to achieve broadcast quality, the other team members will front the first $200. After that the cowriting team will share expenses equally.
Q: What added costs may be needed for the recording?
A: Most frequent additional expense is a vocalist to get the right "voice" on the song.
Q: What if I don't have money for the master recording expenses?
A: You can refrain from contributing to the recording and will not own any portion of the recording.
Q: What happens if the director of the movie wants to sign my song?
A: Congrats! Your song will be signed to a non-exclusive agreement. The sync agent will forward paperwork for you to review and sign.
Q: What licensing royalties can I expect for a sync placement in the program?
A: Movies you'll be writing for are small independent films with a limited music budget. Licensing royalties are typically $300 per placement for both the sync and master recording which goes to the writers, publishers and recording owner.
Your PRO also pays royalties to the songwriters and publishers each time the movie plays on tv and streaming. The amount is variable and we cannot give you an estimate.
Q: When will I know if my song is chosen for the movie?
A: In the program, the music supervisor will tell you if the song is a good fit movie or not. But it will take time to get a final answer. You will be creating music for movies that haven't been filmed yet and music selections are made closer to the movies launch. But the good part is, your song is specially made for the movie's story, which is a unique chance not given to external writers.
Q: Who is the Sync Agent?
A: Nancy Deckant publisher with Nashville and CEO of Discover Sooner.
Q: What is the Sync Agent's commission?
A: We work strictly on commission, publishing is never requested. The fee is 20% on the song and the recording placed in the film. Writers retain 80%. If you wish your song will be represented for sync opportunities outside of the program, the commission is 50%.
Q: What do sync agents do?
A: Sync agents connect music creators with music supervisors and facilitate licensing agreements. Duties include:
-
Music Placements: Pitch songs to tv and film opportunities.
-
Clearances and rights management: Ensure that the necessary permissions and rights "clearances" are obtained for the songs being licensed for both the musical composition and the sound recording.
-
Project coordination: Ensure the delivery of high-quality audio files, metadata, and any documentation needed for the licensing process.
-
Royalty collection and distribution: Collect and distribute royalties from sync placements to the rights holders, such as artists, composers, and music publishers.
Q: How will songs written during the program be maintained and be accessible to me?
A: Disco AC is a catalog management tool used to maintain songs. The music producer will submit songs for listening parties via Disco. It streamlines the music's organization and accessibility, and is used almost exclusively by sync professionals. Someone on your team will most likely have it.
If you choose to get it, here's a link to coupon entitling you to a $20 credit, which will be applied to your second purchase. https://disco.ac/signup?b=20087&u=828121
Q: Are there any scholarships?
A:If there are any scholarship sponsors, information will be posted on this page.
Time Left To Apply
Application deadline
Early Bird: October 20
Final Applications Due: Sun November 10