MUSIC LICENSING
ASCAP (American Society of Composers and Publishers) is a performing rights organization which serves classical and popular composers and publishers. It licenses producers and performers to perform its clients' music. Licenses are annual and fees are based on the type of venue, seating capacity, and the ticket price. ASCAP has recently implemented a new blanket licensing agreement (effective July 1, 2001), based on a percentage applied to gross ticket revenue. Visit the website for a variety of useful articles, license agreements, and a searchable database of music and publishers.
One Lincoln Plaza
New York, NY 10023
(212) 621-6000
Fax: (212) 724-9064
BMI is a performing rights organization representing composers and music publishers. Like ASCAP, it licenses producers and performers to perform the music of their clients. It also offers services such as workshops and support for the arts. BMI tends to have more popular and Broadway type music, including the classic musicals. Like ASCAP, you pay a blanket fee based on the type and size of venue, and the price of tickets. The minimum annual fee is $150. Licensing agreements and other documents can be downloaded from the website. The site also provides a searchable database of songs, and lists contact information for the many divisions and office locations nationwide.
320 W. 57th St.
New York, NY 10019-3790
(212) 586-2000
For classical music division:
Fax: (212) 262-2824
The Harry Fox Agency handles the licensing for music to be recorded for CDs. Whatever you want to record, this is where you go to get the mechanical license. It is now possible to complete this process online. The site is a font of information and mostly walks you through everything you need to do to burn your own CDs legally.
711 Third Avenue
New York, NY 10017
(212) 370-5330
Fax: (646) 487-6779
Information: (212) 834-0100
www.harryfox.com