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BMI, and SESAC aid musicians by collecting royalties from any public performance of their music. These performances include radio, television, the Internet, and live concerts. The organizations collect the payments from radio and television stations and restaurants, which are known as “licensees,” and distribute them to the writers they represent.
But PROs can also help the up-and-coming songwriter to realize something very important early on in their career. The music industry is a business. It is not enough to simply write a great song. The song must be put into the hands of a music publisher or producer who can help with marketing the music to the right people and audience. PROs can also make referrals of the most promising songwriters to publishers and producers they know. PROs help the composer learn many important concepts in the business of music. For example, the importance of protecting their works by copyrighting with the Library of Congress, or consulting an entertainment lawyer when that long-awaited first publishing contract is offered.
PROs hold showcases and workshops where songwriters can network with other songwriters who have been successful and who are willing to share their experiences. Like any other business, the music business is all about networking and meeting the right people who can help you with your music career, whether it is on the writing end or the performing end. Some PROs can help with some of the basic needs of any working musician: healthcare, credit unions, access to special music grants, and even discounts on music equipment.
There are three major performing rights organizations: ASCAP, BMI, and SESAC. ASCAP stands for the American Society of Composers, Authors, and Publishers. Their Web address is: www.ascap.com. This association has over 180,000 members who are
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