As a musician, composer, or songwriter, aligning with the right Performing Rights Organization (PRO) is a pivotal decision in your career. Each PRO has its unique characteristics, strengths, and focus areas, making the choice far from one-size-fits-all. This course aims to provide insights into the nuances of different PROs, helping you make an informed decision based on your musical genre, career goals, and geographical reach.
Table of Contents
Understanding the Major PROs
In the United States, the three major PROs are ASCAP (American Society of Composers, Authors, and Publishers), BMI (Broadcast Music, Inc.), and SESAC. Elsewhere, there are organizations like SOCAN in Canada and PRS for Music in the UK. Let’s delve into what sets each apart.
1. ASCAP
- Focus: Historically known for representing composers and songwriters in more traditional genres like classical and jazz.
- Membership: Open to all; composers, songwriters, lyricists, and music publishers.
- Unique Features: Offers workshops and showcases for members, providing networking and learning opportunities.
- Royalty Calculation: Uses a complex system considering factors like the medium (TV, radio, etc.), time of day, and type of establishment.
2. BMI
- Focus: Broadly represents all genres but has a strong presence in the pop, rock, and country music scenes.
- Membership: Free for songwriters; publishers pay a fee. Open to all.
- Unique Features: Known for its nurturing of emerging talent and support of indie artists.
- Royalty Calculation: Similar to ASCAP but with its own proprietary system and methodology.
3. SESAC
- Focus: Known for representing songwriters and composers from diverse genres, including film and television scoring.
- Membership: Invitation-only, which can mean more personalized services.
- Unique Features: Offers faster and more frequent royalty payments.
- Royalty Calculation: Uses a variety of metrics, including duration, medium, and frequency of the music played.
Factors to Consider When Choosing a PRO
1. Musical Genre
- Your genre can influence which PRO is best suited for you. For instance, ASCAP has a rich history with classical and jazz, while BMI is robust in pop and rock.
2. Career Goals and Aspirations
- If you aim for exposure in specific circles, like film and TV, SESAC’s strong network in this area might be beneficial.
- For indie artists or those looking for educational opportunities, BMI’s programs can be attractive.
3. Geographical Reach
- While all major PROs have international reach through reciprocal agreements, consider where your music is most likely to be played and the strength of each PRO in those regions.
4. Services and Benefits
- Look beyond royalty collection. Consider what each PRO offers in terms of career development, networking, workshops, and awards.
5. Royalty Distribution and Payment Schedules
- Each PRO has a different distribution and payment schedule. Assess which aligns best with your financial planning needs.
6. Membership Terms and Conditions
- Review the terms and conditions of membership, including any fees, obligations, and the duration of the agreement.
Conclusion
Selecting a PRO is a significant and personal choice for any music creator. It’s essential to weigh the various factors specific to your music and career aspirations. Remember, a PRO is more than a royalty collector; it’s a partner in your artistic journey.
Take the time to research and consider which organization aligns best with your creative vision and professional goals. In harmony with the right PRO, your music can truly resonate where it’s meant to be heard.
