Jingle Writer

A Jingle Writer creates music and lyrics to accompany a television or radio advertisement. As a Jingle Writer, you must be able to compose a catchy tune that emphasizes the selling points of your client’s product.

You can work freelance or have your own company. Some Jingle Writers, however, work for companies as in-house Writers. You may have your own studio with production equipment and instruments, and possibly a roster of Singers and Musicians to hire.

When a client offers you a contract to write a jingle for a product or service, they give you guidelines that may include a time limit, style of music, or keywords to include in the lyrics. You then take these guidelines, and arrange music and write lyrics. Your jingle should emphasize the key qualities of a brand and—most importantly—be memorable to the listener.

Jingle Writers often work with ad agencies that choose one of several jingles pitched from any number of Writers. So you must stand out to be successful. If you land a contract, you will receive a creative and arranging fee, and may even get residuals each time the jingle is aired.

You may be dreaming of becoming the next Justin Timberlake or Lady Gaga. But becoming a Jingle Writer is not such a bad alternative. It’s a more realistic way of making a decent living writing music that will be heard by millions.