Apple Music Style Guide

https://help.apple.com/itc/musicstyleguide/en.lproj/
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Apple Music Style Guide provides comprehensive standards and guidelines for music metadata, naming...
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### Album Title Formatting Examples

Source: https://help.apple.com/itc/musicstyleguide/en.lproj/static

Provides examples of correctly formatted album titles, including composer names, work titles, and catalog numbers.

```APIDOC
Album Title Examples:
  - Monteverdi: Vespro della Beata Vergine, SV 206
  - J. S. Bach: Jesu, meine Freude, BWV 227 – Vivaldi: Gloria in D Major, RV 589
  - Haydn: Complete Symphonies, Vol. 1
  - W. A. Mozart: Requiem in D Minor, K. 626
  - Beethoven: Violin Concerto in D Major, Op. 61 – Brahms: Symphony No. 1, Op. 68
  - Schubert & R. Schumann: Piano Sonatas
  - Chopin: Preludes & Nocturnes
  - Tchaikovsky: The Nutcracker & Swan Lake (Highlights)
  - Stravinsky: Le sacre du printemps
  - Britten: Choral Works
```

--------------------------------

### Album Version Information Examples

Source: https://help.apple.com/itc/musicstyleguide/en.lproj/static

Examples of how to format album titles to indicate different versions like bonus tracks, deluxe editions, and audio-only releases.

```text
Bonus Track Version | Sadecessary (Bonus Track Version)
Deluxe Edition | The Endless River (Deluxe Edition)
Extended Version | Tear the Roof Up (Extended Version)
Bonus Video Version | Mi Quimera (Bonus Video Version)
Bonus Digital Booklet Version | Fallen Leaves & Dead Sparrows (Bonus Digital Booklet Version)
Audio Version | Celebrate - Live At the SSE Hydro Glasgow (Audio Version)
Live Video Album | Folk. Rock. Spirit. Reclaimed: Tuelo Live (Video Album)
```

--------------------------------

### Studio Musician Examples

Source: https://help.apple.com/itc/musicstyleguide/en.lproj/static

Shows correct and incorrect examples for using production houses, labels, or studios as artist names, particularly for specific content types.

```text
Correct Examples:
  * MGM Studio Orchestra
  * Hollywood Studio Symphony
  * EA Games Studio Orchestra
  * The Muscle Shoals Rhythm Section

Incorrect Examples:
  * MGM Studios
  * Hollywood Studios
```

--------------------------------

### Track Formatting Examples

Source: https://help.apple.com/itc/musicstyleguide/en.lproj/static

Illustrates various scenarios for track title formatting, including movements, excerpts, nicknames, and multiple numbering systems.

```APIDOC
Track Formatting Examples:
  - Keyboard Concerto No. 5 in F Minor, BWV 1056: III. Presto
  - Serenade in G Major, K. 525 “Eine kleine Nachtmusik”: I. Allegro (Excerpt)
  - Symphony No. 5 in C Minor, Op. 67: I. Allegro con brio
  - Piano Sonata No. 14 in C-Sharp Minor, Op. 27 No. 2 “Moonlight”: I. Adagio sostenuto
  - Die Winterreise, D. 911: No. 24, Der Leiermann
  - 1812 Overture, Op. 49 (Excerpt: Finale)
  - Lyric Pieces, Op. 47: No. 1, Valse-Impromptu
  - L'isle joyeuse, L. 106
  - String Quartet No. 1 in G Major, K. 80: III. Minuet - Trio
  - Pictures at an Exhibition: Promenade - The Gnome
  - Cello Suite No. 1 in G Major, BWV 1007: I. Prelude
  - Requiem, Op. 48: In paradisum
  - Symphony No. 2 in D Major, Op. 36: III. Scherzo. Allegro
  - Symphony No. 3 in E-Flat Major, Op. 55 "Eroica": II. Marcia funebre. Adagio assai
  - Variations on an Original Theme, Op. 36 “Enigma”: Var. IX. Nimrod
  - Piano Concerto in G Major, M. 83: I. Allegramente
  - Piano Concerto in G Major, M. 83: II. Adagio assai
```

--------------------------------

### Generic Genre and Name Examples

Source: https://help.apple.com/itc/musicstyleguide/en.lproj/static

Provides examples of accepted and rejected generic genre names and artist names, emphasizing the need for specific and non-generic identifiers.

```text
Correct | Incorrect
---|---
Smooth Jazz All-Stars | Smooth Jazz
White Noise Therapy Group | White Noise
Baby Lullaby Academy | Lullabies
Pet Care Therapy Players | Music for Dogs
Into the Unknown | Unknown
| Lo-Fi Beats
| Speed Music
```

--------------------------------

### Primary Performing Artist Examples

Source: https://help.apple.com/itc/musicstyleguide/en.lproj/static

Demonstrates how to credit primary performing artists, including those involved in 'Meets' or 'vs.' collaborations, and performing presenting artists.

```APIDOC
Track Title: In My Dreams (Adrima Meets Vinylshakerz) [Adrima EDM Edit]
Track Artists: Adrima (Primary), Vinylshakerz (Primary)

Track Title: Brute (Ferry Corsten vs. Armin van Buuren)
Track Artists: Ferry Corsten (Primary), Armin van Buuren (Primary)

Track Title: Serious Love (Mind Fair Presents 21st Century Fox) [The Rhythm Odyssey Mix]
Track Artists: Mind Fair (Primary), 21st Century Fox (Primary)

Track Title: Electrify (Fabio XB Rework Edit) [Lange & Fabio XB Present Yves De Lacroix]
Track Artists: Yves De Lacroix (Primary), Lange (Primary), Fabio XB (Primary)
```

--------------------------------

### Credit Roles and Examples

Source: https://help.apple.com/itc/musicstyleguide/en.lproj/static

Illustrates correct and incorrect ways to credit artists, particularly when using the 'Sampled Artist' role for pre-existing audio.

```APIDOC
Credit Roles:
  - Primary Artist: The main artist of the release.
  - Sampled Artist: Artist of pre-existing audio used in a track.
  - Featuring Artist: Artist featured on a track.

Examples:
Correct:
  Everybody Dies In Their Nightmares XXXTentacion (Primary Artist) Shiloh Dynasty (Sampled Artist)

Incorrect:
  Everybody Dies In Their Nightmares (feat. Shiloh Dynasty) XXXTentacion (Primary Artist) Shiloh Dynasty (Featuring Artist)

Correct:
  Devotion (feat. Butch Masters) DJ TRILLION (Primary Artist) Butch Masters (Featuring Artist) Rick Ross (Sampled Artist)

Incorrect:
  Devotion (feat. Rick Ross & Butch Masters) DJ TRILLION (Primary Artist) Butch Masters (Featuring Artist) Rick Ross (Featuring Artist)

Notes:
  - Do not credit the artist of sampled audio as a Primary or Featured artist.
  - Use the 'Sampled Artist' role for borrowed, purchased, licensed, or leased pre-existing audio.
```

--------------------------------

### Localized Metadata Example (Arabic)

Source: https://help.apple.com/itc/musicstyleguide/en.lproj/static

Example of localized metadata for an Arabic-language album, showing Album Title, Album Artist, and Track Title fields with both Arabic and English values.

```APIDOC
Field Name | Arabic | English
---|---|---
Album Title | على فين | Ala Fain
Album Artist | ايمن معروف | Ayman Maarouf
Track Title | حبيبي ارجعلي | Habeebi Ergaali
Track Artist | ايمن معروف | Ayman Maarouf
```

--------------------------------

### Compound Artist Formatting Examples

Source: https://help.apple.com/itc/musicstyleguide/en.lproj/static

Demonstrates the correct way to list multiple primary artists for a track, contrasting it with incorrect formats that use conjunctions or ampersands.

```text
Track Title | Correct Artist Name | Incorrect Artist Name
---|---|---
Ebony and Ivory |  Paul McCartney (Primary) Stevie Wonder (Primary) | Paul McCartney & Stevie Wonder (Primary)
Bang Bang |  Jessie J (Primary) Ariana Grande (Primary) Nicki Minaj (Primary) |  Jessie J & Ariana Grande & Nicki Minaj (Primary)
```

--------------------------------

### Localized Metadata Example (Hebrew)

Source: https://help.apple.com/itc/musicstyleguide/en.lproj/static

Example of localized metadata for a Hebrew-language album, showing Album Title, Album Artist, and Track Title fields with both Hebrew and English values.

```APIDOC
Field Name | Hebrew | English
---|---|---
Album Title | מרוץ החיים | Merotz Hachaim
Album Artist | שרית חדד | Sarit Hadad
Track Title | הגוֹרל הטוב | Hagoral Hatov
Track Artist | שרית חדד | Sarit Hadad
Track Title | אהבה בתיכי | Ahava Betochi
Track Artist | שרית חדד | Sarit Hadad
```

--------------------------------

### Rerecorded Version Formatting

Source: https://help.apple.com/itc/musicstyleguide/en.lproj/static

Examples of how to indicate rerecorded tracks in album and track titles.

```text
Album Title | In the Still of the Night (Rerecorded Version)
Track Title | In the Still of the Night (Rerecorded)
Album Title | The Legend of the Drifters (Rerecorded Version)
Track Title | Stand by Me (Rerecorded)
```

--------------------------------

### Chinese Artist Localization Example

Source: https://help.apple.com/itc/musicstyleguide/en.lproj/static

Demonstrates the required format for Chinese artist names, including both native and Westernized versions in respective fields.

```APIDOC
Field Name | Korean | English
---|---|---
Album Artist | 박지윤 | Park Ji Yoon
```

--------------------------------

### Artist Name Formatting Examples

Source: https://help.apple.com/itc/musicstyleguide/en.lproj/static

Illustrates correct and incorrect artist name formats, highlighting common errors such as including instruments, band affiliations, dates, or translations.

```text
Correct | Incorrect | Reason
---|---|---
Joe Satriani | Joe Satriani (Guitarist) | Includes artist’s instrument
Slash | Slash (Of Guns N’ Roses)  | Includes band name
Johann Sebastian Bach | Johann Sebastian Bach (1685-1750) | Includes birth and death dates
Joey Boy | Joey Boy โจอี้ บอย | Includes translation
Mickey Mouse | Mickey Mouse Bret Iwa | Includes voice actor’s name
```

--------------------------------

### Lyric Formatting: Non-Word Vocal Sounds

Source: https://help.apple.com/itc/musicstyleguide/en.lproj/static

Examples of acceptable non-word vocal sounds that can be transcribed in lyrics.

```APIDOC
ooh
ah
whoa
burr
skrrt
```

--------------------------------

### Lyric Formatting: Stanza Separation

Source: https://help.apple.com/itc/musicstyleguide/en.lproj/static

Example of correct lyric formatting, showing single-spaced lines with double spaces separating stanzas and background vocals on separate lines.

```APIDOC
Main vocal line

Background vocal line

Next main vocal line
```

--------------------------------

### Track Level Credits Example

Source: https://help.apple.com/itc/musicstyleguide/en.lproj/static

Demonstrates the correct way to credit artists and their specific instruments or roles at the track level, including primary artist and non-primary contributors like Lead Vocals, Rhythm Guitar, Bass Guitar, Drums, Piano, and Bells.

```guidelines
Track Title | In My Life
Track Artist | The Beatles (Primary)
| John Lennon [Non-Primary] (Lead Vocals)
| John Lennon [Non-Primary] (Rhythm Guitar)
| John Lennon [Non-Primary] (Songwriter)
| Paul McCartney [Non-Primary] (Harmony Vocals)
| Paul McCartney [Non-Primary] (Bass Guitar)
| George Harrison [Non-Primary] (Harmony Vocals)
| George Harrison [Non-Primary] (Lead Guitar)
| Ringo Starr [Non-Primary] (Drums)
| George Martin [Non-Primary] (Piano)
| Unknown [Non-Primary] (Bells)
```

--------------------------------

### Indian Classical Vocal Album Metadata

Source: https://help.apple.com/itc/musicstyleguide/en.lproj/static

Example metadata structure for an Indian Classical Vocal album, detailing album title, artists with roles, genres, and track title with specific classical information.

```APIDOC
APIDOC:
  Album Title: Worship by Music: Pandit Jasraj (Live at Indian Night Stuttgart, 1988)
  Album Artist:
    - Pandit Jasraj (Primary) - Singer
    - Sabir Khan (Not Primary) - Tabla player
    - Sultan Khan (Not Primary) - Sarangi player
  Genres:
    - Indian Classical (Primary genre)
    - Vocal (Secondary genre)
  Track Title: Raga Ahir Bhairav: Khayal In Slow Ek Taal Rasiya Mhara/ Khayal In Fast Teen Taal Aaj to Anand (Live)
  Track Artist:
    - Pandit Jasraj (Primary) - Singer
    - Pandit Jasraj (Primary) - Tabla player
    - Sultan Khan (Primary) - Sarangi player
```

--------------------------------

### Bach - Cello Suites Album Genre Specification

Source: https://help.apple.com/itc/musicstyleguide/en.lproj/static

Example genre specification for a classical album featuring Bach's Cello Suites.

```APIDOC
Primary Genre: Classical
Secondary Genre: Classical > Cello
Classical > Baroque Era
Classical > Solo Instrumental
```

--------------------------------

### Album Level Credits Example

Source: https://help.apple.com/itc/musicstyleguide/en.lproj/static

Illustrates how to credit artists and contributors at the album level, including the primary artist and non-primary roles like Producer, Mixing Engineer, Studio Engineer, Remastering Engineer, and Photography.

```guidelines
Album Title | Rubber Soul
Album Artist | The Beatles (Primary)
| George Martin [Non-Primary] (Producer)
| George Martin [Non-Primary] (Mixing Engineer)
| Norman Smith [Non-Primary] (Studio Engineer)
| Norman Smith [Non-Primary] (Mixing Engineer)
| Sean Magee [Non-Primary] (Remastering Engineer)
| Robert Freeman [Non-Primary] (Photography)
```

--------------------------------

### Indian Classical Instrumental Album Metadata

Source: https://help.apple.com/itc/musicstyleguide/en.lproj/static

Example metadata structure for an Indian Classical Instrumental album, detailing album title, artists with roles, genres, and track title with specific classical information.

```APIDOC
APIDOC:
  Album Title: India's Maestro of Melody: Live Concert, Vol. 7
  Album Artist:
    - Pandit Nikhil Banerjee (Primary) - Sitar player
    - Anindo Chatterjee (Not Primary) - Tabla player
  Genres:
    - Indian Classical (Primary genre)
    - Instrumental (Secondary genre)
  Track Title: Raga Maru Bihag: Alap, Jod (Live)
  Track Artist:
    - Pandit Nikhil Banerjee (Primary) - Sitar player
    - Anindo Chatterjee (Primary) - Tabla player
```

--------------------------------

### Classical Music Catalog Abbreviations

Source: https://help.apple.com/itc/musicstyleguide/en.lproj/static

This table lists common abbreviations used for classical music catalogs on Apple Music and the iTunes Store. It includes the catalog name, its abbreviation, and an example of its application.

```APIDOC
Catalog | Abbreviation | Example
---|---|---
Catalog of the works of Carl Philipp Emmanuel Bach by Alfred Wotquenne | Wq. | Hamburger Sonata in G Major for Flute and Continuo, Wq. 133
Catalog of the works of Carl Philipp Emmanuel Bach by E. Eugene Helm | H. | Piano Sonata in E Minor, H. 6
Bach-Werke-Verzeichnis catalog of the works of Johann Sebastian Bach by Wolfgang Schmieder (sometimes designated by “S.”) | BWV | Partita for Solo Flute in A Minor, BWV 1013
Catalog of the works of Béla Bartók by András Szöllösy | Sz. | Concerto for Orchestra, Sz. 116
Catalog of the works of Luigi Boccherini by Yves Gérard | G. | Concerto for Cello and Orchestra No. 6 in D Major, G. 479
Buxtehude-Werke-Verzeichnis catalog of the works of Dietrich Buxtehude by Georg Karstadt | BuxWV | Toccata in F Major, BuxWV 156
Catalog of the works of Marc-Antoine Charpentier by Wiley Hitchcock | H.  | Messe de minuit, H. 9
Catalog of the works of Claude Debussy by François Lesuré | L. | La mer, L. 109
Catalog of the works of Claude Debussy by François Lesuré with new formatting and numbering | CD | La mer, CD 111
Catalog of the works of John Dowland by Diana Poulton | P. | Galliard in G Minor, P. 30
Catalog of the works of Antonín Dvořák by Jarmil Burghauser | B.  | Symphony No. 9 in E Minor, Op. 98, B. 178 “From the New World”
Catalog of the works of Giovanni Gabrieli by Richard Charteris | C. | Canzon Noni Toni a 12, C. 183
Catalog of the works of Louis Moreau Gottschalk by Robert Offergeld | RO | Grande tarantelle for Piano and Orchestra, Op. 67, RO 259
Catalog of the works of Louis Moreau Gottschalk by John Doyle | D | Ardennes, Mazurka, D 143
Händel-Werke-Verzeichnis catalog of the works of George Frideric Händel by Bernd Baselt | HWV | Messiah, HWV 56
Catalog of the works of Franz Joseph Haydn by Anthony van Hoboken | Hob. | Symphony No. 101 in D Major, Hob. I:101 “The Clock”
Catalog of the works of Johann Michael Haydn by Lother Perger | P. | Symphony in B-Flat Major, P. 18
Catalog of the works of Johann Michael Haydn by Charles H. Sherman and T. Donley Thomas | MH | Crucem Sanctam, MH 201
Catalog of the works of Franz Liszt by Humphrey Searle | S. | Liebestraum in A-Flat Major, S. 541 No. 3
Lully-Werke-Verzeichnis catalog of the works of Jean-Baptiste Lully by Max Schneider | LWV | Le bourgeois gentilhomme, LWV 43: Overture
Catalog of the works of Felix Mendelssohn Ralf Wehner | MWV | Double Concerto for Piano, Violin, and Orchestra in D Minor, MWV 04: I. Allegro
Catalog of the works of Monteverdi by Manfred H. Stattkus | SV | Vespro della Beata Vergine, SV 206
Catalog of the works of Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart by Ludwig Ritter von Köchel | K. or KV | Requiem in D Minor, K. 626 or Requiem in D Minor, KV 626
Catalog of the works of Henry Purcell by Franklin B. Zimmerman | Z. | Abdelazer Suite, Z. 570: II. Third Act Tune - Rondo
Catalog for the works of Maurice Ravel by Marcel Marnat | M. | Boléro, M. 81
Catalog of the works of Ottorino Respighi by Potito Pedarra | P. | Pini di Roma (The Pines of Rome), P. 141
Catalog of the works of Giovanni Battista Sammartini by Newell Jenkins and Bathia Churgin | J-C- | L’addolorata Divina Madre, J-C- 123
Catalog of the keyboard works of Domenico Scarlatti by Ralph Kirkpatrick | Kk. | Keyboard Sonata in D Minor, Kk. 9
Catalog of the keyboard works of Domenico Scarlatti by Alessandro Longo | L. | Sonata in B Minor, L. 147
Catalog of the keyboard works of Domenico Scarlatti by Giorgio Pestelli | P. | Sonata in D Minor, P. 65
Catalog of the works of Franz Schubert by Otto Erich Deutsch | D. | Die Winterreise, D. 911
Schütz-Werke-Verzeichnis catalog of the works of Heinrich Schütz by Werner Bittinger | SWV | Saul, Saul, was verfolgst du mich, SWV 415
Catalog of the violin sonatas of Giuseppe Tartini by Paul Brainard | B. | Violin Sonata in A Major, B.A14
Catalog of the violin concertos of Giuseppe Tartini by Minos Dounias | D. | Violin Concerto No. 4 in D Major, D. 15
Catalog (partial) of the works of Giuseppe Tartini by Guido Viverit, Alba Luksich, Simone Olivari | GT | Flute Concerto in E Major, GT 1.E05a
Telemann-Werke-Verzeichnis catalog of the works of Georg Phillipp Telemann by Werner Menke and Martin Ruhnke | TWV | Fantasia for Solo Violin No. 1 in B-Flat Major, TWV 40:14
```

--------------------------------

### Classical Crossover Formatting

Source: https://help.apple.com/itc/musicstyleguide/en.lproj/static

Formatting for classical crossover tracks, allowing flexibility in starting with selection, movement, or popular title, with major work details in parentheses.

```APIDOC
Classical Crossover Formatting:
  * Dance of the Sugar Plum Fairy (From “The Nutcracker”, Op. 71)
  * Eine kleine Nachtmusik (First movement from Serenade in G Major, K. 525)
  * Nessun dorma (From the Opera “Turandot”)
  * Flight of the Bumblebee (From the Opera “The Tale of Tsar Saltan”)
  * Moonlight Sonata (First Movement from Piano Sonata No. 14, Op. 27 No. 2)
```

--------------------------------

### Live Recording Version Information

Source: https://help.apple.com/itc/musicstyleguide/en.lproj/static

Outlines the formatting for live recordings, including the 'Live' version indicator and specific formats for time and venue details.

```APIDOC
Live Recording Version Information:

Version: Live
Territory-specific: "Ao Vivo" (Portuguese), "En Vivo" or "En Directo" (Spanish)

Format: Live at Place, Year/Date
Example: One More Saturday Night (Live at Palladium, New York, 1977)
Example: One More Saturday Night (Live at Red Rocks Amphitheater, Morrison, CO, 7/8/1978)
```

--------------------------------

### Complete Opera Titles

Source: https://help.apple.com/itc/musicstyleguide/en.lproj/static

Formatting for complete opera recordings, including act and scene information before the selection title.

```APIDOC
Complete Opera Titles:
  * Falstaff, Act III Scene 2: Un poco di pausa
  * Falstaff, Act III Scene 2: Ogni sorta di gente dozzinale
  * Falstaff, Act III Scene 2: Tutto nel mondo è burla
```

--------------------------------

### Lyric Transcription Examples

Source: https://help.apple.com/itc/musicstyleguide/en.lproj/static

Demonstrates how to transcribe lyrics based on audio content, including explicit language and censored words, using asterisks for dropped or edited content.

```text
Audio: “I'm the motherfucking man”
Lyrics: I'm the motherfucking man

Audio: “I'm the mother(bleeped out) man”
Lyrics: I'm the **** man

Audio: “I'm the (bleeped out) man”
Lyrics: I'm the **** man
```

--------------------------------

### Accents and Characters in Titles

Source: https://help.apple.com/itc/musicstyleguide/en.lproj/static

Specifies the requirement to include all accents for supported languages in titles. Provides examples for French, Italian, Swedish, Portuguese, Vietnamese, and German.

```APIDOC
Accents and Characters:
  - Include all accents for supported languages.
  - For German, use common German orthographic characters (Ä ä, Ö ö, Ü ü, ß) and avoid digraphs.

Examples:
  - Hôtel d’Angleterre
  - Révérence
  - Kärlek är ett brev skickat tusen gånger
  - Max Gazzè
  - L’uomo più furbo
  - Les plus belles chansons françaises
  - Un monstre à Paris ! (du film « Un monstre à Paris »)
  - Vài Lần Đón Đưa

German Orthography:
  Correct | Incorrect
  ---|---
  Ihre größten Erfolge | Ihre groessten Erfolge
  1000 Träume weit | 1000 Traeume weit
```

--------------------------------

### Key Information Formatting

Source: https://help.apple.com/itc/musicstyleguide/en.lproj/static

Defines the required format for specifying the key in which a musical work was composed.

```APIDOC
Key Formatting:
  - Format: C-Sharp Major
```

--------------------------------

### Indian Classical Jugalbandi Instrumental Album Metadata

Source: https://help.apple.com/itc/musicstyleguide/en.lproj/static

Example metadata structure for an Indian Classical Jugalbandi Instrumental album, detailing album title, artists with roles, genres, and track title with specific classical information.

```APIDOC
APIDOC:
  Album Title: Jugal Bandi – Saxophone & Clarinet
  Album Artist:
    - Kadri Gopalnath (Primary) - Saxophone player
    - Narasimhalu Vadavati (Primary) - Clarinet player
  Genres:
    - Indian Classical (Primary genre)
    - Instrumental (Secondary genre)
  Track Artist:
    - Kadri Gopalnath (Primary) - Sitar player
    - Narasimhalu Vadavati (Primary) - Tabla player
```

--------------------------------

### Apple Music Album Motion Artwork Guidelines

Source: https://help.apple.com/itc/musicstyleguide/en.lproj/static

Specifies requirements for motion album artwork, including accuracy to album cover, requirement for motion, typography, key element placement, start and drop frames, frame edges, flashing, aspect ratio, multiple edits, and non-full frame content.

```APIDOC
Motion Album Artwork Guidelines:

7.7. Accuracy: Motion art must be based on the album cover.
7.8. Motion Graphics: Motion album artwork must be in motion. No static imagery or stills, unless they are part of an animation or video technique that utilizes stills.
7.10. Typography: Text/title are required in the safe area.
7.12. Key Element Placement: The key art element/artist placement is required in the safe area.
7.13. Start Frame: The start frame must begin on the album cover.
7.14. Drop Frame: Motion art must not have a drop frame or hold frame.
7.15. Frame Edge: Motion cover art must not have a frame.
7.16. Frenetic Flashing: Motion cover art must not show frenetic flashing or flickering motion.
7.17. Aspect Ratio: Pixel aspect ratio must be 1:1 (square pixels).
7.18. Multiple Edits: Album motion must not have multiple edits.
7.19. Non-Full Frame: The 3:4 needs to be full frame and not contain scaled-down 1:1 artwork to fit inside the safe area; this creates a broken playback experience.
```

--------------------------------

### Lyric Formatting: Repeated Lines

Source: https://help.apple.com/itc/musicstyleguide/en.lproj/static

Demonstrates the correct method for transcribing repeated lyric lines, writing each instance out instead of using a repeat count.

```APIDOC
Until you respect me and my dogs
I’ll keep barking up the wrong tree
I’ll keep barking up the wrong tree
I’ll keep barking up the wrong tree
I’ll keep barking up the wrong tree
```

--------------------------------

### Title Formatting Rules

Source: https://help.apple.com/itc/musicstyleguide/en.lproj/static

Provides guidelines on accurate and correct formatting for music titles, including what to include and exclude.

```APIDOC
Title Formatting:

General Rules:
  - Titles must be accurate and correctly formatted.
  - Avoid generic titles like 'Track 1' unless they are the actual titles.
  - Do not include additional information in the title unless necessary for identification.

Exclusions:
  - Do not include: Exclusive, Limited Edition, Album Version, Original Mix, Tone, Alert Tone, Text Tone, Ringtone, Ringtone Version, E-Release, Digital Only, Digital Download, Digital Single, E-Album, 2 CD Set, With Lyrics, Clips from, Official Music Video, Full Song Video, Full Version, Atmos, Dolby Atmos, lossless, high-resolution audio, high resolution, spatial audio, 24-bit, 192 kHz, 128 kHz, 96 kHz.
  - Do not include version information already indicated by Apple Music/iTunes badges (e.g., Clean Version, Explicit Version, Apple Digital Masters, Dolby Atmos, Lossless).

Examples:
Correct:
  New York Eye & Ear Control
Incorrect:
  New York Eye & Ear Control (1964)  (Reason: Includes release date)

Correct:
  Dawns Welcome to the Club (feat. Ricky J)
Incorrect:
  Dawns Welcome to the Club - Album (feat. Ricky J) (Reason: Includes “Album”)

Correct:
  I'll Be Walking Alone in a Crowd
Incorrect:
  12. I'll Be Walking Alone in a Crowd (Reason: Includes track number)

Correct:
  Campus Girl - Single
Incorrect:
  Campus Girl (Produced By T.J. Douglas) - Single (Reason: Includes additional information at the album level)

Correct:
  Shadow
Incorrect:
  Shadow - Rock Top 40 Indie Pop (Reason: Includes search terms)

Correct:
  Draw the Line
Incorrect:
  Aerosmith - Draw the Line (Reason: Includes artist information)

Correct:
  Rumours
Incorrect:
  Rumours (Dolby Atmos Version) (Reason: Includes Dolby Atmos reference)

Singles:
  - An album with 1-3 songs (each < 10 min) must be identified as a single.
  - Append '- Single' to the title. If omitted, Apple Music will add it.
  - Videos are not counted as songs.

EPs:
  - An album with 1-3 songs (one song >= 10 min) and total runtime <= 30 min is an EP.
  - An album with 4-6 songs and total runtime <= 30 min is an EP.
  - Append '- EP' to the title. If omitted, Apple Music will add it.
  - Videos are not counted as songs.
```

--------------------------------

### Track Title Version Formatting

Source: https://help.apple.com/itc/musicstyleguide/en.lproj/static

Guidelines for formatting track titles with multiple explanatory references, using parentheses for the first reference and brackets for subsequent ones.

```text
Track Title | All of Me (Tiësto’s Birthday Treatment Remix) [Radio Edit]
Track Title | Numb (feat. B. o. B. & Yo Gotti) [Bonus Track]
Track Title | (Love Is Like A) Heat Wave [In the Style of Martha Reeves]
```

--------------------------------

### Versions, Arrangements, and Transcriptions Formatting

Source: https://help.apple.com/itc/musicstyleguide/en.lproj/static

Formatting for altered compositions, noting instrumentation and arranger. If consistent across movements, details are placed before movement information.

```APIDOC
Versions, Arrangements, and Transcriptions Formatting:
Gianni Schicchi: O mio babbino caro (Arr. for Piano by Arthur Smith)
Toccata and Fugue in D Minor, BWV 565 (Transcr. for Orchestra by Leopold Stokowski)
Violin Concerto No. 2 in G Minor, Op. 22 (Arr. for Piano by Georges Bizet): I. Andante sostenuto
Violin Concerto No. 2 in G Minor, Op. 22 (Arr. for Piano by Georges Bizet): II. Allegro scherzando
Violin Concerto No. 2 in G Minor, Op. 22 (Arr. for Piano by Georges Bizet): III. Presto
```

--------------------------------

### Sufi Albums Genre Specification

Source: https://help.apple.com/itc/musicstyleguide/en.lproj/static

Specifies the primary genre for Sufi albums.

```APIDOC
Primary Genre: Sufi
```

--------------------------------

### Composer Catalog Abbreviations

Source: https://help.apple.com/itc/musicstyleguide/en.lproj/static

This section details common abbreviations used to catalog the works of classical composers, referencing specific catalogs or systems. It includes examples of how these abbreviations are used in conjunction with composer names and work titles.

```APIDOC
Composer Catalog Abbreviations:

- **G.** (Giuseppe Torelli):
  - Example: Trumpet Sonata in D Major, G. 1

- **P.** (Francesco Passadore):
  - Example: Trio Sonata in D Major, P.A.3.3.10

- **W** (David P. Appleby for Heitor Villa-Lobos):
  - Example: Douze études pour guitare, W 235

- **RV** (Peter Ryom for Antonio Vivaldi):
  - Example: The Four Seasons, Violin Concerto in E Major, RV 269 “Spring”

- **J.** (Friedrich Wilhelm Jähns for Carl Maria von Weber):
  - Example: Rondo brilliante, Op. 62, J. 252 “La gaite”

- **K. deest** (Derived from Latin 'deesse' - to be absent):
  - Designates a work not appearing in a particular catalog.
  - Plural: 'desunt'.
  - Example: Larghetto and Allegro for 2 Pianos in E-Flat Major, K. deest

- **WoO** ('Werk ohne Opuszahl' - Work without opus number):
  - Typically for unpublished works or those without an assigned opus number.
  - Example: Bagatelle in A Minor, WoO 59 “Für Elise”

- **Op.** (Opus number):
  - Chronological publication or composition number, assigned by publisher or composer.
  - Includes works from composers like Beethoven, Tchaikovsky, and Rachmaninoff.
  - Example: Concerto for Violin and Orchestra in A Minor, Op. 53
```

--------------------------------

### Cyrillic Languages Formatting and Casing

Source: https://help.apple.com/itc/musicstyleguide/en.lproj/static

Guidelines for content in Cyrillic languages, emphasizing the use of native script, English localization, and transliteration. Titles should be in sentence case.

```APIDOC
Cyrillic Languages Formatting:

- Do not submit transliterated titles.
- Use Cyrillic in the native title field.
- Use English in the English localization field.
- Use transliteration in the phonetic field (optional).

Cyrillic Casing:

- Titles should be submitted in sentence case format.
```

--------------------------------

### Swedish, French, Italian, and Scandinavian Casing Rules

Source: https://help.apple.com/itc/musicstyleguide/en.lproj/static

Guidelines for sentence casing in Swedish, French, Italian, and Scandinavian languages. Notes specific formatting for French punctuation.

```APIDOC
Swedish, French, Italian, Scandinavian Casing:

- Titles should follow the casing conventions of the language.
- Common locales: Swedish, French, Italian, Scandinavian.
- French: A space before and after two-part punctuation marks is required.
```

--------------------------------

### German Casing Rules

Source: https://help.apple.com/itc/musicstyleguide/en.lproj/static

Rules for German titles, which should use sentence case with the first letter of every noun capitalized.

```APIDOC
German Casing:

- Titles should use sentence case.
- Capitalize the first letter of every noun.
```

--------------------------------

### Various Artists Guidelines

Source: https://help.apple.com/itc/musicstyleguide/en.lproj/static

Specifies when to use 'Various Artists' as the primary artist for albums with five or more primary artists and provides translations.

```APIDOC
Album-level Primary Artist Rule:
If there are five or more Primary artists listed on the album, the album-level Primary artist must be 'Various Artists'.

Restrictions:
- 'Various Artists' must not be a track-level artist.
- 'Various Artists' must be the only Primary artist when used.
- Variations or abbreviations like 'V/A', 'V.A.', 'Various', 'Various Artist', or 'Varios' are not acceptable.
- Translated versions are acceptable if consistent with content language.

Translations for 'Various Artists':
Language | Translation
---|---
Arabic | فنانون متنوعون
Chinese (Simplified) | 群星
Chinese (Traditional) | 群星
Dutch | Verschillende artiesten
Finnish | Eri esittäjiä
French | Multi-interprètes
German | Verschiedene Interpreten
Greek | Διάφοροι καλλιτέχνες
Hebrew | אמנים שונים
Italian | Artisti Vari
Portuguese | Vários intérpretes
Russian | Разные исполнители
Spanish | Varios Artistas
Swedish | Blandade Artister
Thai | รวมศิลปิน
Turkish | Çeşitli Sanatçılar
```

--------------------------------

### Remixes Crediting

Source: https://help.apple.com/itc/musicstyleguide/en.lproj/static

Explains how to credit original artists as Primary and remixers in the Remixer role for remix tracks.

```APIDOC
Album Title: MMXX – VIII (feat. Lunice) [Kornél Kovács Remix] - Single
Album Artists: Diplo (Primary), Lunice (Featuring), Kornél Kovács (Remixer)

Track Title: MMXX – VIII (feat. Lunice) [Kornél Kovács Remix]
Track Artists: Diplo (Primary), Lunice (Featuring), Kornél Kovács (Remixer)

Track Title: ICU (Sped Up Version)
Track Artists: Coco Jones

Track Title: Tokyo (Lo-Fi Version)
Track Artists: Leat’eq
```

--------------------------------

### Remastered and New Mix Version Formatting

Source: https://help.apple.com/itc/musicstyleguide/en.lproj/static

Guidelines for including the year of remastering or the year of a new mix in the title version.

```text
Example: 2017 Remastered Version
Example: 2013 Mix
```

--------------------------------

### Ghazal Albums Genre Specification

Source: https://help.apple.com/itc/musicstyleguide/en.lproj/static

Specifies the primary genre for Ghazal albums.

```APIDOC
Primary Genre: Ghazals
```

--------------------------------

### Opera Selection Titles

Source: https://help.apple.com/itc/musicstyleguide/en.lproj/static

Formatting for individual selections from an opera. The opera name precedes the selection title, separated by a colon.

```APIDOC
Opera Selection Titles:
  * Don Giovanni, K. 527: Il mio tesoro
  * La traviata: Libiamo, libiamo… (“Brindisi”)
  * Tosca: Vissi d’arte
```

--------------------------------

### Classical Primary Artist Guidelines

Source: https://help.apple.com/itc/musicstyleguide/en.lproj/static

Specifies how to mark primary artists for Western classical music at the album and track levels. Covers scenarios with single/multiple orchestras, conductors, soloists, and ensembles.

```APIDOC
11.1. Primary Artists at the Album Level.
The main artists for Western classical music must be marked as Primary at the album level. Do not use the roles Featuring or With.

Examples:
- Beethoven symphonies performed by a single orchestra and conductor: mark both the orchestra and conductor as Primary.
- Beethoven symphonies performed by several orchestras but with the same conductor: mark only the conductor as Primary.
- Beethoven symphonies performed by several orchestras and several conductors: mark Various Artists as Primary.
- Concertos performed by the same orchestra and conductor but featuring several soloists: mark the orchestra and the conductor as Primary.
- A collection of Schubert Art Songs (Lieder) performed by several vocalists and pianists: mark Various Artists as Primary.
- A complete opera: mark the conductor, orchestra, and principal vocal soloists, including all those listed on the cover art, as Primary.

11.2. Primary Artists at the Track Level.
All artists performing on a track must be marked as Primary. Do not enter Various Artists as an artist name at the track level. Do not use the roles Featuring or With.

Examples:
- Violin sonata with piano accompaniment: mark both the violinist and the pianist as Primary.
- Concerto: mark the soloists, the orchestra, and the conductor all as Primary.
- Orchestra with a prominent solo during the track: mark the orchestra, the soloists, and the conductor all as Primary.
- Choir accompanied by piano or orchestra: mark the choir, the accompanists or orchestra, and the conductor all as Primary.
- Artist whose complete information isn’t available (vintage recordings): provide as much artist information as possible.
- Ensemble: do not mark individual members as Primary.

Only use Unknown Artist at the track level and with the Performer role. Do not mark Unknown Artist as Primary.
For an opera, mark all artists present on that track as Primary.
```

--------------------------------

### Composer Role and Formatting Guidelines

Source: https://help.apple.com/itc/musicstyleguide/en.lproj/static

Defines when to use the 'Composer' role at the album and track levels, rules for marking composers as Primary, and formatting requirements for composer names.

```APIDOC
11.3. Use of Composer Role.
At least one composer must be provided at the track level. Only list that composer at the album level if:
  - A complete work by that composer is present on the album, _or_
  - Half or more tracks on the album are by the same composer.

Examples:
- Album with all four movements of Beethoven’s Symphony No. 9: list Ludwig van Beethoven as composer at album level.
- Album with Claude Debussy’s _Prélude à l’après-midi d’un faune_: list Claude Debussy at album level, as it is a complete single-movement work.
- Album with only the first movement of Mahler’s Symphony No. 1 and at least three tracks on the album: do not list Gustav Mahler at album level.

11.4. Composer as Primary.
Composers may never be marked as Primary unless they are also performing as the Soloist, Accompanist, or Conductor.

11.5. Composer Name Formatting.
Composer names must be accurate and formatted as: First Name Last Name. For example, Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart.

11.6. Composer for Ringtones.
Ringtones of classical music must include the composer in the title. Standard nicknames for classical pieces are accepted.

Examples:
  - Beethoven: Symphony No. 1
  - Beethoven: Moonlight Sonata
```

--------------------------------

### Time-Sync Specification Reference

Source: https://help.apple.com/itc/musicstyleguide/en.lproj/static

References the TTML File Format specification for time-sync requirements, emphasizing that time-sync must be applied to the exact audio version provided to Apple Music.

```APIDOC
Time-Sync Specification:
  Reference: TTML File Format (https://help.apple.com/itc/videoaudioassetguide/#/itc0f14fecdd)
  Requirement: Time-sync must be applied to the exact audio version provided to Apple Music.
  Note: Different versions of the same songs will have different time-sync.
```

--------------------------------

### Devotional and Spiritual Albums Genre Specification

Source: https://help.apple.com/itc/musicstyleguide/en.lproj/static

Specifies the primary genre for Devotional and Spiritual albums.

```APIDOC
Primary Genre: Devotional & Spiritual
```

--------------------------------

### Series Title Formatting

Source: https://help.apple.com/itc/musicstyleguide/en.lproj/static

Standardized formatting for series titles, abbreviating 'Part' to 'Pt.' and 'Volume' to 'Vol.', followed by the number.

```text
Album Title | Dead Presidents, Vol. 1
Track Title | The Payback, Pt. 1
```

--------------------------------

### Indian Folk Albums Genre Specification

Source: https://help.apple.com/itc/musicstyleguide/en.lproj/static

Specifies the primary genre for Indian Folk albums.

```APIDOC
Primary Genre: Indian Folk
```

--------------------------------

### Composition and Lyrics Roles

Source: https://help.apple.com/itc/musicstyleguide/en.lproj/static

Defines the roles for composition and lyrics, including Composer, Lyrics, and Songwriter, and specifies when to use 'Anonymous' or 'Traditional' for unknown authorship.

```guidelines
Roles:
- Composer: Creator of the music composition.
- Lyrics: Contributor to drafting lyrics.
- Songwriter: Involved in both composition and lyrics, or specific contribution unknown.
- Anonymous/Traditional: For selections of unknown authorship (e.g., folk songs, Gregorian chants).
```

--------------------------------

### Indian Pop Albums Genre Specification

Source: https://help.apple.com/itc/musicstyleguide/en.lproj/static

Specifies the primary and secondary genres for Indian Pop albums.

```APIDOC
Primary Genre: Indian Pop
Secondary Genre: Tamil
```

--------------------------------

### Alternative Instrumentation and Composer Attribution

Source: https://help.apple.com/itc/musicstyleguide/en.lproj/static

Formatting for alternative instrumentation by the original composer and for transcriptions commonly attributed to the transcriber, listing the transcriber as the composer.

```APIDOC
Alternative Instrumentation and Composer Attribution:
Piano Concerto No. 1 in F-Sharp Minor, Op. 1 (1965 Version): III. Allegro scherzando – Maestoso
Orchestral Suite in D Minor (Version for Piano): IV. Allegro
Lohengrin: Elsas Brautzug zum Münster (After Richard Wagner), S. 445 - credit Franz Liszt as Composer
Il Trovatore: Miserere (After Giuseppe Verdi), S. 433 - credit Franz Liszt as Composer
```
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