This document serves as a guide for users to understand the upload process to the PanNotation website. It also includes important information regarding permissions, rights, payment structures, and other important information. This document is divided into two parts: music scores and subscription materials.

Music Scores

When submitting music scores for upload, please keep the following information in mind.

  • Register with PanNotation

    If you have not already created an account with PanNotation, please visit our website and click on Sign-up at the top right corner of the site. To upload any materials to our site, you must be a registered member of PanNotation.

  • Acquiring Composer Permissions for Arrangers

    PanNotation assists arrangers as far as possible with acquiring composer permissions if you are not the composer of the work you are submitting. Once permissions are acquired, the arranger now has formal permission and right to sell an arrangement of that composed work. These permissions can be acquired by PanNotation through the relevant Collective Management Organizations (CMOs). If you are a composer, we highly recommend that you register your composition with a Collective Management Organization, as they assist with collecting fees on your behalf when your work is performed, and they distribute royalties accordingly.

  • 3-Tier Music Score System

    PanNotation has a 3-tier system, which assists with price allocation for each music score. Music scores uploaded to the PanNotation site must fit within a specific tier. All prices are listed in U.S. Dollars. A PanNotation representative will inform the uploader of the tier allocation and a proposed price for each score within each tier. The 3-tiers are as follows:

TIER I: $0.01 – $34.99

  • Beginner level ensemble arrangements and compositions –5-part (or less) instrumentation
  • Beginner to intermediate level solo works or transcriptions

TIER II: $35.99 – $59.99

  • Intermediate to advanced ensemble arrangements
  • 5-part (or more) instrumentation
  • Intermediate to advanced level solo works or transcriptions

TIER III: $60.00 and up

  • Advanced ensemble arrangements (to include most Panorama arrangements)
  • Full Steelband Compositions
  • Advanced level solo works or transcriptions

  • Distribution

    Each score submitted for upload to the PanNotation site will result in a negotiation between the composer and the arranger. In this context, a ​composer is defined as the original creator of a musical work and owns all rights associated with it. An ​arranger is defined as a person who adapts, recreates, modifies and/or alters an already existing piece of music. When each score is sold, the total amount earned for that score is then divided between the arranger, the relevant Collective Management Organization (CMO) and PanNotation’s administrative costs. 5% is also deducted as an online transaction fee that is billed to PanNotation. However, PanNotation will work to ensure that composers and arrangers are fairly compensated for their work. Ultimately, a steelpan composer can earn up to 50% of each score sold. An arranger can earn up to 30% of each score sold. These percentages are based on negotiations between all parties (composer, arranger, the CMO and PanNotation).

  • Collective Management Organizations (CMO)

    According to the World Intellectual Property Organization,

    Collective management is one option within the copyright system that requires or allows rights holders to administer their rights through a Collective Management Organization (CMO). Managing copyright and related rights individually may not always be realistic. An author, performer or producer, for instance, cannot contact every single radio station to negotiate licenses and remuneration for the use of their songs. On the other side, it is not practical for a radio station to seek specific permission from every author, performer and producer for the use of each song. CMOs facilitate rights clearance in the interest of both parties and economic reward for rights holders.​

    PanNotation therefore encourages registration with a CMO as there are many rights in copyright and neighbouring rights which composers and arrangers must address.

  • Score Purchase Assessment

    At the end of a six month period, each arranger (and composer) will receive an assessment detailing the number of purchases made for his/her score. This assessment will inform the uploader of money earned for that period. If at any time an arranger or composer would like to know how many times his/her scores were purchased and downloaded, they are free to request this information via the PanNotation email address (pannotationmusic@gmail.com)

  • Payment Process

    PanNotation will collect and calculate earnings for composers and arrangers who submit works to PanNotation. Payments will be processed twice a year via direct deposit or cheque.

Subscription Materials


When submitting materials for our subscription-based site, please keep the following information in mind.

Register with PanNotation

If you have not already created an account with PanNotation, please visit our website and click on Sign-up at the top right corner of the site. To upload any materials to our site, you must be a registered member of PanNotation.

Permissions for Each Document

Permissions for each file submitted for upload must receive relevant permissions before uploaded to the site. Permissions are usually acquired from authors, producers, and on some occasions publishers. If the uploader is the author, then permissions are automatically acquired through registration to the PanNotation site.

Where do Subscription Fees Go?

Subscription fees generally assist with the maintenance of the site, administrative costs, and other costs directly associated with PanNotation. However, all profits are allocated to the PanNotation Not-for-Profit arm, which supports community outreach, scholarships and other projects associated with the steelpan.