Frequently Asked Questions:

General:
1 - Why are you called SMARTassMusic?
2 - Why should I trust SMARTassMusic?


Arranging & Production:
3 - How do I get a quote ?
4 - How long does it take ?
5 - How do I pay ?
6 - What happens if I'm not happy ?
7 - How do I upload files ?
8 - Is there a file size limit for uploads ?


Royalty Free Music Downloads:
9 - What is Royalty Free Music?
10- Can I preview the complete track in my project?
11 - What format is your Royalty free music in?
12 - Can I use your Production music on my website?
13 - Do I have to combine a voiceover or something with your music?
14 - Do I need a cue sheet?
15 - How do I fill in a cue sheet?
16 - Can I use your Production music in my podcast?
17 - Can I edit or convert SMARTass-royalty-free-music files?
18 - When will I have access to the music I purchase?
19 - Can I preview your Royalty Free Music in my production, without purchase?
20 - What's your returns policy?
21 - I'm a composer, can I submit my music?

1 - Why the stupid name!? Back to Top

The business was originally started from "Smarts cottages" and we initially offered arranging and scoring. This became "SMART Arranging & Scoring Service" or "SMARTa.s.s". Because it's memorable, it stuck!


2 - Why should I trust SMARTassMusic? Back to Top

SMARTassMusic has been trading since 2000 providing the music business with arranging, transcribing and recording services. We have always taken pride in the quality of our work and our customer service. You can read what our customers say here.

3 - How do I get a quote? Back to Top

The best way to get a quote is to send us an MP3 of the track you need arranging, transcribing or recording and outline what you need (for example, an arrangement for Big band, a keyboard reduction or a recording of the material) and we can email you with a set price.
If you would like to go ahead, just let us know and we will start work.
We contact you when the work is ready.
For approximate price guides click HERE

4 -How long does it take? Back to Top

We like to allow 2 weeks for a transcription/ arrangement so that it can be thoroughly checked before being released to you. At busy periods we may need longer but you will always be informed. If you specify a deadline-it will be kept.
Recording work is difficult to specify but we will let you know the time scale of each project. Again, deadlines specified will absolutely be kept to.

5 - How do I pay? Back to Top

At present you may pay securely online using Paypal (most credit cards are accepted and you don't need a Paypal account). When the work is complete we send you an incomplete version so that you can see the work has been done and check the quality. We then email you a payment request. Upon payment we send the the complete files either for you to download or by mail (or both).

6 - What happens if I'm not happy? Back to Top

In the unheard of event of this happening let us know exactly why and we will make every effort to resolve the situation. We can either revise/ redo the work or we will refund you.
I should point out that in over 9 years of trading, this situation has NEVER arisen!
We are a small company who pride ourselves on the quality of our work and we really do want to give you the best quality for the cost.

7 - How do I upload files? Back to Top

You can upload files HERE. Write your email address in the top box and any message you may want in the box below then by clicking on the "browse" button you can search your computer for the particular file. Click "send this file" and it's done.
Be careful not to close your browser until the upload is complete!
You may send up to 5 files. If you need to send more either zip the files up into a single folder or simply repeat the process.


8 - Is there a file size limit for uploads? Back to Top

You can send any size file you like but be aware that upload speeds (from your computer) are usually 10X slower than your download speed. This is still more efficient than sending by email and prevents overloading your account.


9 - . What is Royalty Free Music? Back to Top

Click here for a basic explanation of royalty free music.

10. Can I preview the complete track in my project? Back to Top

Yes you can. If you are logged into your account you will see a yellow "download" icon alongside the track. These previews are full length, with no audio watermarks although they are highly lo-fi quality (MP3 56kbps).Purchased files are CD quality WAVs.


11 - What format is your Royalty free music music in? Back to Top

At present all of our royalty free music is available for instant download, although not available in CD format. The files themselves are crystal clear quality Cd quality 44.1khz WAV files.


12 - Can I use your Production music on my website? Back to Top

Yes. But you can't sell or share the music (only your production that includes it) and the music must be in a streamed format..


13 - Do I have to combine a voiceover or something with your music? Back to Top

Generally yes. The music must be used within a production (synchonized with pictures, video or combined with audio) with the exception of "in store" music and "music on hold".

14 - Do I need a cue sheet? Back to Top

You will only need to submit a cue sheet if our music is to be broadcast (or sometimes for "in store" music). If in doubt have a look here or contact us.

15 - How do I fill in a cue sheet? Back to Top

Click here for an example cue sheet.


16 - Can I use your Production music in my podcast? Back to Top

Absolutely.


17 - Can I edit or convert SMARTass-royalty-free-music files? Back to Top

Yes you can. We have provided many edits where possible, for purchase at a reduced cost but you can edit or convert the files yourself. We have provided a list of good editing and conversion tools in our TUTORIALS section.


18 - When will I have access to the music I purchase? Back to Top

As soon as you make your purchase, you will be taken back to the "My Account" area of the site where you will be able to download your music files. You don't even need to wait for an email. Also, you can access the files at any time in your 'My Account' area.


19 - Can I preview your Royalty Free Music in my production, without purchase? Back to Top

Yes you can. Just set up an account (completely free) and email us with a request for the particular track and we'll email the MP3 version to you for a free preview in you production.


20 - What's your returns policy? Back to Top

We're happy to refund you in full i,f for some reason you could not access your tracks through an issue with the site. You'll need to contact us straight away and we can verify any possible faults in our logs. For digital audio downloads we no longer support refunds as you can now log into your account download the entire track before purchase.

21 I'm a composer, can I submit my music? Back to Top

Yes you can, although we're VERY picky about what gets included.
Click here for more details.