If you are registered with GEMA as a musician or composer, the application for work classification is an important step to ensure that your works are correctly classified and remunerated. But what exactly does this mean and what is the process?

Work classification as a claim

In the GEMA portal, work classifications are treated as complaints. This means that you have the opportunity to request a classification within certain deadlines after the first use of your work if you believe that your work has not been classified correctly. It is important that you include notes and/or audio with your complaint to prove the new classification.

Prerequisite for a claim
A claim can only be submitted if the work has actually been used; this is designated in GEMA's distribution plan in order to ensure that only works that are actually in circulation are reclassified. GEMA proceeds in this way for economic reasons and only allows a complaint - and thus a reclassification of the work - if it has actually been used. This is intended to minimize the workload for GEMA employees and the associated processing costs, as work classification involves a manual review process. Because work classification requires manual processing, this may take some time. It is therefore advisable to submit the application as early as possible in order to avoid delays in remuneration.

Higher classification in category U

In principle, a higher classification leads to a higher remuneration. By default, a work of light music (Unterhaltungsmusik - category U) is classified with 12 points. Under certain circumstances, however, a work can be classified higher and receive more points. This is the case, for example, if the work belongs to the field of jazz and can be assigned to this genre. The classification in the jazz genre must be proven by a recording or score when classifying the work. However, a simplified musical notation can also be helpful in the jazz genre to show the basic structure of a piece and serve as proof of classification. A jazz lead sheet, also known as a fake sheet, is a common notation for jazz musicians that contains melody and harmonies. This notation makes it possible to perform or improvise a piece. There are extensive collections of such notations in jazz, which are summarized in the so-called “Real Book”.
If you need professional lead sheets for your works, you can obtain this quickly and easily via the Soundnotation's creator.
Larger works of light music, such as works for big band or orchestra, can also receive a higher classification. One criteria for this is that the work has at least 10 independent parts, which must be documented by sheet music or score.
If you need help with this, you are welcome to send us an individual request.

Classification in category E
Category E (ernsten Musik) includes works of so-called serious or classical music. This category is characterized by its own remuneration system, which is generally higher than that of light music. The remuneration for serious music is based on the length of the work. Classification as serious music is based on sheet music, which can be attached to the application for classification in the GEMA portal. These scores are crucial in order to capture the complexity and scope of the classical work and to ensure appropriate remuneration.

Individual review by GEMA's music service
In all cases, the submitted receipts are checked individually and manually by GEMA's music service. This careful examination ensures that each classification is fair and meets the specific requirements of the work.

Overview of classified works
If you have been a GEMA member for some time and have registered many works, it may be interesting for you to obtain an overview of the classifications of all your works. This allows you to check the classifications at a glance and apply for specific changes. GEMA offers you the option of requesting such an overview for a small fee. A simple e-mail request to the member service is sufficient and you will receive an offer based on the size of your catalog. This service is charged at cost price and on a time and material basis. This investment can be worthwhile to get a clear overview of your works.

Overall, applying for work classification in the GEMA portal is an indispensable process for every publisher and composer who wants to ensure that their works are correctly assessed and remunerated. By meeting the application deadlines and submitting all the necessary documents, you can help ensure that your music receives the recognition it deserves. Soundnotation will be happy to help you compile the necessary sheet music and scores and successfully complete the classification process.