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Coaching, Featured, Rules, Tips

IPP’s 2025 Annual 2025 Cheer Answers

Posted on by Steve Pawlyk
IPPs 2025 Annual Cheer Answers FAQ
20
Jan
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Byline Steve Pawlyk

Steve Blog Circle

Byline Steve Pawlyk

By Steve Pawlyk

Published January 20, 2025

Hey cheer fam! It’s that time of year again—our biggest FAQ on all things cheer music. Whether you’re a seasoned coach or a brand-new athlete, we’ve pulled together the most common questions that pop up about mixing, licensing, and bringing your routine to life. Dive in to find answers, pro tips, and helpful resources—all in one place. Enjoy our Annual Cheer Answers FAQ!

 

Table of Contents

  1. What is custom cheer music?
  2. How do you create a cheer mix for competitions?
  3. Is cheerleading music copyrighted?
  4. How long should cheer music be for a competition routine?
  5. What is the best BPM (beats per minute) for cheer routines?
  6. How do you incorporate voice-overs into cheer music?
  7. Why is licensing important for cheer music?
  8. Can you use any song for a cheerleading routine?
  9. How do you remove vocals from a track for cheer mixes?
  10. What are the penalties for using unlicensed music at competitions?
  11. How many 8-counts are typically in a 2:30 cheer routine?
  12. What software do professionals use to mix cheer music?
  13. How do you pick a theme or style for your cheer music?
  14. Where can I find legal cheer music online?
  15. How do you blend multiple songs into one cheer mix?
  16. Should a cheer routine use clean or explicit versions of songs?
  17. How do you time stunts to match the music beats?
  18. Why do cheer mixes often feature sound effects and voice-overs?
  19. How do you make sure your cheer music stands out at competitions?
  20. What’s the difference between regular cheer music and competition cheer mixes?
  21. Can you reuse last season’s cheer music?
  22. How do you edit cheer music to fit the exact routine length?
  23. Is it better to hire a professional for custom cheer music or do it yourself?
  24. How do you choose the right tempo for your cheer routine?
  25. How do you get crowd engagement with cheer music?
  26. What’s the process for licensing pop songs for cheerleading routines?
  27. How do you ensure cheer music meets competition guidelines?
  28. Do teams typically pay royalties for cheer music?
  29. How do voice-overs add impact to a cheer routine?
  30. What are common mistakes to avoid when mixing cheer music?

1. What is custom cheer music?

  • Definition: Tailor-made tracks professionally produced and mixed specifically for a cheerleading routine.
  • Purpose: Aligns music tempo, style, and voice-overs with stunts, transitions, and the routine’s theme.
  • Advantage: Creates a unique performance identity and helps teams stand out in competitions.

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competition cheer mixes

2. How do you create a cheer mix for competitions?

  • Plan the Routine: Outline stunts, tumbling, and dance segments.
  • Select Tracks or Samples: Pick music that matches each section’s energy level.
  • Arrange and Layer: Blend chosen tracks, add transitional effects, and sync with 8-counts.
  • Voice-Overs and SFX: Insert team slogans or hype phrases and relevant sound effects.
  • Finalize Licensing: Ensure each snippet is licensed to comply with competition rules.

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3. Is cheerleading music copyrighted?

  • Yes: Most music is protected by copyright law.
  • Licensing Needed: You must secure the rights to use songs publicly.
  • Penalties: Using unlicensed tracks can result in disqualifications or fines.

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4. How long should cheer music be for a competition routine?

  • Typical Limit: Routines range from 0:30 all the way to 2:30 minutes.  These are the common duration times for cheer mixes
    • 0:30
    • 0:45
    • 1:00
    • 1:30
    • 1:45
    • 2:00
    • 2:15
    • 2:30
  • Check Rules: Different competitions have varying length restrictions.
  • Timing Tips: Keep a few seconds buffer for final poses or transitions.

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5. What is the best BPM (beats per minute) for cheer routines?

  • Common Range: 140–150 BPM for a high-energy atmosphere. The majority of cheer music is 146 bpm.

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6. How do you incorporate voice-overs into cheer music?

  • Script First: Write short, memorable chants or slogans.  Include your area code, your previous accomplishments, and try to think of a theme for each mix.
  • High Quality Recording: Ensuring your mix has a professional sound is why using a service like IPP Music is crucial.  Recording and mixing vocals is not easy and is likely to be better in the end using a cheer music company who has access to professional rappers and singers.
  • Blend and Layer: Position voice-overs during transitions or big stunts; keep them clear.

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7. Why is licensing important for cheer music?

  • Legal Compliance: Avoids copyright infringement issues.
  • Protects Teams: Prevents disqualification, fines, and negative publicity.
  • Industry Standard: Competitions now require proof of properly licensed mixes.

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cheer competition music cheap
Licensed Cheer Music for Competition Cheer Music

8. Can you use any song for a cheerleading routine?

  • Technically Yes, If Licensed: Properly secure rights or use royalty-free options.
  • Restrictions: Competitions often ban explicit lyrics and have specific content rules.

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9. How do you remove vocals from a track for cheer mixes?

  • Audio Editing Software: Adobe Audition, Audacity, or vocal-removal plugins.
  • Results Vary: Full removal isn’t always perfect; some tracks resist clean isolation.
  • Licensing Still Applies: Even if instrumental, you need permission to use the track.

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10. What are the penalties for using unlicensed music at competitions?

  • Disqualification: Entire teams can be removed from the event.
  • Fines or Legal Action: Copyright holders may take legal steps for damages.
  • Reputation Damage: Reflects poorly on your program’s professionalism.

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11. How many 8-counts are typically in a 2:30 cheer routine?

  • Average 8-Count Total: Between 17–20 eight-counts.
  • Tempo Variation: Faster music might squeeze in more counts; slower music may have fewer.

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12. What software do professionals use to mix cheer music?

  • Popular DAWs: Ableton Live, Pro Tools, Logic Pro.
  • Specialized Tools: Some mixers use custom plugins designed for cheer music effects.

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13. How do you pick a theme or style for your cheer music?

  • Match Team Branding: Incorporate your team’s colors, mascot, or spirit.
  • Routine Focus: High-energy stunts call for bold, intense music; youth teams may favor pop.
  • Trend Savvy: Consider popular styles or seasonal elements for extra flair.

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  • Specialized Providers: IPP Music (custom mixes, licensing help).
  • Royalty-Free Libraries: Sites like Artlist, Epidemic Sound, or Storyblocks.

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15. How do you blend multiple songs into one cheer mix?

  • Segment Planning: Decide where each song snippet fits.
  • Key & Tempo Matching: Adjust pitch and speed for smooth transitions.
  • Transitions & Effects: Use sweeps, drum fills, or voice-overs for seamless flow.

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16. Should a cheer routine use clean or explicit versions of songs?

  • Always Use Clean: Explicit content is generally not allowed in cheer comps.
  • Avoid Penalties: Using explicit lyrics may lead to point deductions or disqualification.

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cheer competition music cheap
Licensed Cheer Music for Competition Cheer Music

17. How do you time stunts to match the music beats?

  • Practice with 8-Counts: Choreograph each major move to a count.
  • Sync Beats & Moves: Align big stunts with distinct musical cues.
  • Rehearse Often: Multiple run-throughs with final music ensure accuracy.

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18. Why do cheer mixes often feature sound effects and voice-overs?

  • Added Excitement: Effects amplify high-energy moments.
  • Branding & Hype: Voice-overs can feature team names or motivational phrases.
  • Routine Structure: Mark transitions and build anticipation for key stunts.

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19. How do you make sure your cheer music stands out at competitions?

  • Unique Sound: Use fresh, modern elements or creative mash-ups.
  • Production Quality: Crisp editing, balanced levels, and clear voice-overs.
  • Personalization: Incorporate custom chants, slogans, or team references.

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20. What’s the difference between regular cheer music and competition cheer mixes?

  • Regular Cheer Music: Simpler, often used for practice or sideline performances.
  • Competition Cheer Mixes: Precisely edited, fully licensed, and carefully arranged for advanced routines.

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21. Can you reuse last season’s cheer music?

  • Allowed If Re-Licensed: Confirm licenses are valid for the current season. Typically, Cheer Mixes are licensed for 365 days from purchase. IPP Music offers relicensing of mixes.
  • Fresh Factor: Competitions and audiences often respond better to new, updated mixes.

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22. How do you edit cheer music to fit the exact routine length?

  • Clip & Cut: Remove unnecessary portions to hit 2:30 or the required limit.
  • Tempo Adjustments: Slight speed changes can help fit time constraints.
  • Professional Help: IPP Music offers precise editing and licensing solutions.

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23. Is it better to hire a professional for custom cheer music or do it yourself?

  • DIY Pros: Cost-effective, full creative control.
  • DIY Cons: Firstly it’s time-consuming. But it will almost certainly lack professional polish. This especially includes cheer music maker web applications, which, though seem like a good way to control every aspect of your mix, are actually very restricting and do not sound like the mixes of championship teams.
  • Professional Pros: Expertise, licensing compliance, higher production quality.
  • Professional Cons: Depending on the style of mix you choose, there can be a higher upfront cost. The process of customization is still highly collaborative, putting you in the driver’s seat of your mix while not requiring you to have years of experience in audio production and engineering.

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licensed cheer music

24. How do you choose the right tempo for your cheer routine?

Most cheer routine music is at 146bpm.  Sometimes with younger division teams, the music’s tempo is decreased to make it easier for the team to perform the routine.

  • Match Routine Style: Fast for dynamic stunts, moderate for youth or less intense routines.
  • Experiment: Try short run-throughs at different BPMs to see what suits the team. Recording short practice runs to see which tempo feels the best and reviewing it later can be super helpful with this.
  • Ask the Experts: IPP Music can make tempo recommendations based on your skill level.

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25. How do you get crowd engagement with cheer music?

  • Familiar Hooks: Using songs (licensed) in your mix that have the feel of well-known tracks or exciting beats
  • Chantable Voice-Overs: Include easy call-and-response lines. This is an easy way to get the audience involved. Just remember to keep your voiceover instructions simple and take time to consider the syncopation of your lyrics (i.e., don’t stuff too many words into the voiceovers you request; if you keep it simple, the audience will remember the lyrics at the following events)
  • Strategic Editing: Insert hype points during big stunts or dance breaks.

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26. What’s the process for licensing pop songs for cheerleading routines?

  • Contact Licensing Agencies: ASCAP, BMI, SESAC, or music libraries handling pop tracks. Although these are reasonable avenues towards licensing popular songs, this is often a tedious and drawn out process vs simply getting a custom mix licensed for specifically for cheer performances.
  • Cheer Music Providers: IPP Music can handle licensing details for you.
  • Documentation: Competitions may require written proof of licenses.

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27. How do you ensure cheer music meets competition guidelines?

  • Follow Rulebooks: Check guidelines (USASF, Varsity, ICU) for time and content rules.
  • Verify Length & Content: No explicit lyrics; keep it under specified time limits.
  • Licensing Docs: Have proof ready in case event staff request it.

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cheer competition music cheap
Licensed Cheer Music for Competition Cheer Music
cheer music routine sound FX

28. Do teams typically pay royalties for cheer music?

  • Sometimes, but only if radio music (vs. a cheer specific mix) is used: Popular tracks require royalty payments to rights holders.
  • All-Inclusive Options: Some providers bundle licensing fees into their package.

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29. How do voice-overs add impact to a cheer routine?

  • Brand Recognition: Shoutouts to the team name, mascot, or favorite slogan. If selecting a custom mix for your routine, every aspect of it can be customized with team/mascot specific voiceovers throught the mix.  Premade mixes can also be customized in many ways here at IPP Music.
  • Engagement: Well-placed voice-overs grab audience attention.
  • Highlight Skills: Emphasize big stunts or tumbling passes with motivational phrases.

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30. What are common mistakes to avoid when mixing cheer music?

  • Poor Licensing: Ignoring proper rights can lead to disqualification.
  • Overcrowded Mix: Too many overlapping elements can sound chaotic.
  • Inconsistent Tempo: Abrupt changes can disrupt timing and choreography.
  • Ignoring Guidelines: Length or lyrical content violations risk penalties.

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Hopefully this FAQ clarifies some of the questions you had about cheer music, from licensing and mixing to timing and voice-overs. If you’re ready for custom cheer mixes or need professional help, be sure to visit
IPP Music for expert services and support. Here’s to a season filled with energy, precision, and you hitting zero!

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Coaching, Featured, Music, Practice Tips

Music and Movement: How the Right Soundtrack Can Transform Your Cheerleading Practice

Posted on by Steve Pawlyk
Music and Movement How the Right Soundtrack Can Transform Your Cheerleading Practice
09
Sep
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Byline Steve Pawlyk

Steve Blog Circle

Byline Steve Pawlyk

By Steve Pawlyk

Published September 9, 2024

Cheerleading is a sport that thrives on energy, precision, and timing. Whether you’re preparing for a competitive routine or just working on your stunts and pyramids, the right soundtrack can make a world of difference. In this article, we’ll dive into how using the right music during practice can elevate your performance, improve coordination, and keep your team motivated from start to finish.

Why Music Matters in Cheerleading Practice

Music sets the tone for any performance, and cheerleading is no exception. Choosing the right soundtrack can influence everything from energy levels to synchronization. Here are a few reasons why incorporating the perfect music mix into your practices is crucial:

cheerleading practice music
  1. Boosts Energy and Motivation
    The tempo of your music can make or break a practice. Upbeat, fast-paced tracks create an energetic atmosphere that pushes athletes to give their all. Whether you’re working on tumbling passes or perfecting your dance section, the right music will keep your cheerleaders pumped and engaged throughout the practice.
  2. Enhances Timing and Coordination
    Music helps teams sync their movements. With specific beats to hit, cheerleaders can better understand the timing of their stunts, jumps, and transitions. This is particularly important for routines that involve intricate formations or pyramid structures, where timing is everything.
  3. Improves Focus
    The right soundtrack isn’t just about fun—it’s also about focus. Music with a steady rhythm and clear beats allows athletes to concentrate on their routine while staying in sync with the rest of the team. Having a consistent soundtrack helps eliminate distractions, keeping everyone focused on the task at hand.
  4. Sets the Mood for Performance
    Just as music sets the mood for movies, it can do the same for cheerleading. If your routine has a specific theme, like a fierce or dramatic vibe, playing music that complements that theme during practice helps cheerleaders get into character. The more they feel the routine’s energy, the better they’ll perform during competition.

5. Reduces Burnout
Long, intense practices can be mentally and physically exhausting. Having the right music mix can turn an exhausting practice into an enjoyable experience, allowing cheerleaders to push through fatigue. It creates a fun atmosphere that motivates the entire team to keep pushing through difficult sections of the routine.

cheer competition music cheap
Licensed Cheer Music for Competition Cheer Music

How to Choose the Right Music for Practice

Now that we’ve established the benefits of music in cheer practice, how do you choose the right mix? Here are a few tips to keep in mind:

  • Match the Music to the Routine’s Style: If you’re working on a high-energy routine, opt for fast-paced tracks with plenty of beats per minute (BPM). Slower, more controlled routines benefit from music that has a strong rhythm but isn’t overwhelming.
  • Include Variety: Use different tracks for different sections of the routine. For example, choose one song for stunting practice and another for working on choreography. This helps break up practice while keeping the team engaged.
  • Use Custom Cheer Mixes: Custom cheer mixes are specifically designed for cheerleading routines and can be tailored to fit the exact timing and vibe of your performance. Investing in a professional mix for practice and performance ensures that the timing is flawless.

You can view options for IPP’s custom cheer music here

cheerleading performance music

The Power of Premade Mixes: Affordable, Customizable, and Ready to Go

If you’re looking for a way to maximize your budget without compromising on quality, premade mixes are an excellent option for cheerleading teams. These mixes are professionally produced and offer all the energy and structure of a custom mix, but at a fraction of the cost. Premade mixes are not only less expensive, but they also provide an incredible level of flexibility to suit your team’s needs.

cheer music

Customization Options

One of the biggest advantages of using a premade mix is that it’s highly customizable. You can add:

  • Voiceovers to highlight your team’s name or chant specific phrases
  • Sound effects to match the intensity of your stunts or dramatic moments in your routine
  • Additional editing or other customization elements that match the theme or timing of your routine

With these customizable features, your premade mix can feel almost as unique as a fully custom mix, allowing your team to stand out during performances.

Instant Access for Immediate Practice

The best part? You can download the base version of the mix immediately after purchase. This means that while you wait for your customizations to be added, you can start practicing with the uncustomized version right away. This feature is especially helpful for teams working on tight schedules. The uncustomized mix allows you to get a head start on mastering the routine’s timing and flow, ensuring that you’re prepared once the customized elements are added.

Whether you’re prepping for a major competition or fine-tuning your choreography, having access to a premade mix gives you the flexibility to start training immediately, keeping your team on track and ready to perform.

Adding premade mixes to your cheer music toolkit gives you the best of both worlds—cost-efficiency and customization—while keeping your team ready to practice without delay. It’s a smart option that ensures you never miss a beat.

Practicing to a Click Track for Precision and Focus

At the start of the season, many cheer teams prefer to practice with a click track. A click track provides a steady beat, allowing athletes to focus on timing and synchronization without the distraction of a full music mix. Coaches also love this approach because it allows their voices to be heard clearly as they work through choreography and fine-tune stunts. For some teams, it’s less distracting and offers a more controlled environment for mastering the basics. IPP Music offers a free click track download to help your team start strong—grab it here.

The right soundtrack can completely transform your cheerleading practice. By selecting music that boosts energy, enhances coordination, and improves focus, you’ll set your team up for success. Whether you opt for custom mixes or your favorite pump-up tracks, incorporating music into every phase of practice is essential for keeping your team motivated and prepared for competition.

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Cheer How-To Series, Tips

When Choosing Cheerleading Music, Consider This: The Ultimate Guide for Perfect Performance Music

Posted on by Steve Pawlyk
When Choosing Cheerleading Music Consider This: The Ultimate Guide for Perfect Performance Cheerleading Music
16
May
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Byline Steve Pawlyk

Steve Blog Circle

Byline Steve Pawlyk

By Steve Pawlyk

Published May 16, 2023

Cheerleading has evolved into a dynamic display of athleticism, spirit, and yes, music. Choosing the right cheerleading music can make or break your team’s routine, and at IPP Music, we understand that. So, how do you select the best cheerleading music that will make your team stand out at the next competition? Here are some key points to consider.

1. Picking the Right Tempo:

One of the first things to think about when choosing cheerleading music is the tempo. The tempo sets the pace for your entire routine, whether it’s a fast-paced, high-energy performance, or a more slow and dramatic display. At IPP Music, we offer a diverse range of premade and custom music options so that you can find the perfect beat for your team’s unique style and routine.

2. Matching the Music to the Moves:

A good cheerleading routine is like a well-choreographed dance—it pairs perfectly with the music. When picking your music, it should enhance and complement the moves in your routine. At IPP Music, our tracks can be customized to match your choreography, ensuring a seamless performance that will impress the judges and the audience alike.

3. Ensuring Your Music Is Licensed:

One of the major considerations when choosing cheerleading music is copyright laws. Using music without the appropriate license could lead to legal issues or even disqualification from competitions. IPP Music offers fully licensed music, giving you peace of mind knowing your team can perform legally and ethically.

4. Customizing Your Music:

When it comes to cheerleading music, one size does not fit all. Your music should reflect your team’s unique personality and style. At IPP Music, our custom music service allows you to tailor your tracks to your needs. You can choose the tempo, mix different songs, and even add in sound effects or voiceovers to make your performance truly one-of-a-kind.

5. Considering the Audience and Judges:

Finally, remember that your music isn’t just for your team—it’s also for the audience and the judges. Choose music that will engage the audience and impress the judges. If you’re unsure, our experienced team at IPP Music can help guide you in selecting tracks that are popular and impactful while still fitting your routine.

Conclusion:

Choosing the right cheerleading music is a vital part of creating a standout performance. It requires careful thought and consideration, and that’s where IPP Music can assist. We offer a range of licensed, customizable music options tailored to cheerleading teams. So whether you’re looking for premade tracks or want to create a unique mix, IPP Music has got you covered. 

Remember, when it comes to cheerleading music, consider the tempo, choreography, licensing, customization, and audience appeal. Get in touch with IPP Music today and let’s create the perfect soundtrack for your next cheerleading performance.

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Where Do Cheer Teams Get Their Music? The Answer is IPP Music

Posted on by Steve Pawlyk
Where Do Cheer Teams Get Their Music? The Answer is IPP Music
22
Feb
Steve Blog Circle

Byline Steve Pawlyk

Steve Blog Circle

Byline Steve Pawlyk

By Steve Pawlyk

Published February 22, 2023

Have you ever wondered where cheer teams get their music? The answer is IPP Music.

IPP Music is a company that specializes in providing custom and premade music for cheer teams, dance teams, and other performing arts groups. In this blog post, we will discuss the benefits of using IPP Music for your cheer team’s music needs.

Where Do Cheer Teams Get Their Music?

First and foremost, IPP Music mixes, both custom and premade are fully licensed and legal to use in performances. This means that teams don’t have to worry about copyright infringement or any other legal issues when using their music. This is extremely important as using unlicensed music can lead to costly fines and legal trouble.

Another benefit of using IPP Music is that our music is specifically designed for use in performances. This means that the music is fast-paced, energetic, and easy to choreograph routines to. It also means that the music is edited to fit the time requirements of the routine, so teams don’t have to worry about the music ending too soon or dragging on too long.

In addition to our wide-variety of mix packages and services, IPP Music is also well-known for its customer service.  We strive to give each customer a unique experience that helps to create long-lasting relationships.  In fact, IPP Music has customers that have been with us for over 10 years.  IPP Music has a way of turning valued customers into life-long friends.  

One the best parts about IPP Music is that we always get the job done.  When other music production companies say “no”, IPP Music always tries to find a way to say “YES”!

When you’re in a jam, IPP Music is where to go for high quality cheer music for your team!

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