Hi ,

Each year worldwide over 4 billion dollars are paid out in royalties to songwriters and publishers by performing rights organizations.  Over 1 billion dollars are distributed annually from the three U.S. based performing rights organizations (ASCAP, BMI and SESAC). These organizations negotiate license-fee agreements with the users of music (radio and TV stations, cable stations, concert halls, wired music services, airlines, websites, etc.), which give the user the right to perform the music and lyrics of any member of these organizations. The money collected is then distributed to the writers and publishers whose works are used in these licensed areas. 

This performing right is one of the most important rights granted by a country's copyright laws.  The rights granted to the composers and authors of musical compositions is based on the concept that a writer's work is a form of intellectual property and that a license must be acquired in order to use a song or composition publicly.

It's encouraging to know that there are laws in place that assure that songwriters and composers get paid when their work is used.  These laws have been passed to protect songwriters and allow us to make a living from our body of work.  I think all songwriters should pursue licensing opportunities as a means to create extra income from their music.  There are many opportunities for independent music, from TV shows to Films, to Video Games and Commercials, licensed music is everywhere!

If you're serious about learning about getting involved in the music licensing business and you want to start generating money with your music, check out my program "The A-Z Of Music Licensing".  It's the most comprehensive program I offer and explains very clearly EVERYTHING you need to know to start licensing your music either via a publisher or on your own. I also offer the program with one on one coaching where I work with your directly to help you get started. I'll work with you personally both via the phone and email to help you develop a game plan based on your own unique situation that you can implement immediately.

The A-Z Of Music Licensing is also available online for a discount of more than 20% off of the hard copy version.  Get the entire program for less than $40.00! The Online Program is also available with coaching as well!

If you're already pretty business savvy and understand how the music licensing business works, I also offer the 2008 Industry Directory that comes with my program separately.  The directory is a list of over 130 supervisors, publishers, music libraries, etc all working in the music licensing business.  Get the directory by itself here.

Happy Songwriting!
Aaron Davison
How To License Your Music.com