How To Register As A Songwriter With Ascap

Joining ASCAP
Member Access
Deceased Members

Am I eligible to join ASCAP?

Yous tin can join ASCAP as a writer if you've written or co-written music or lyrics for at to the lowest degree one musical work that is available to the public. It could be a vocal that you perform alive or on a CD that you sell at your concerts, a song in a YouTube video, a digital download or sheet music - if it's out there, you're eligible to join. You tin can bring together ASCAP as a publisher if y'all (or your business organisation, partnership, corporation, etc.) are actively engaged in the music publishing business organization, and assume the financial risk involved in publishing music. You are also eligible for a publisher membership if you are a writer and have non assigned your publishing rights to someone else. A publisher membership allows you to collect the publisher share of a vocal's functioning royalties.

Where can I obtain an ASCAP awarding?

Applications for ASCAP writer and publisher memberships can be obtained on our website (www.ascap.com) by clicking the "join" button. this volition display a link for the writer and publisher applications. the processing fee for each application is $fifty.

I don't have a computer. Can yous mail me an ASCAP awarding?

ASCAP applications are processed on-line. The ASCAP website tin can be accessed at a public library.

Can I become a writer member of ASCAP if I am already affiliated with another society as a author?

You lot can but vest to one society at a time as a writer for licensing public performances in the United states of america; however, yous can be a publisher at multiple societies. You lot can transfer as a writer to ASCAP from your current guild, but you will demand to contact your current society to obtain the appropriate information to brand the switch.

I am a fellow member of a ring/group. Can my group join ASCAP?

Each member of the group must complete a carve up writer application and each member of the group must meet the eligibility criteria. Information technology is recommended that each fellow member utilise for a split up publisher membership; however, but one application needs to exist submitted if the grouping chooses to bring together as a collective publisher member. If this is the case, the publisher membership must be structured every bit a partnership, corporation or LLC.

Are there whatever costs associated with ASCAP membership?

There is a 1-time, $fifty fee for each awarding submission. This fee is non-refundable, only ASCAP does non accuse annual ante or fees.

Why does ASCAP charge an application fee?

There are administrative costs associated with new ASCAP members which reduce distribution revenue for existing members. To showtime some of these costs, ASCAP implemented awarding fees.

I want to join ASCAP as a writer, simply your competitors do not charge an application fee. Why should I join ASCAP instead?

While our competitors exercise not charge application fees for writers to join, ASCAP membership has meaning value and these benefits greatly outweigh the nominal fee. Furthermore, our competitors typically charge a fee for publishing companies ($150-$250) that is greater than the collective costs of joining ASCAP equally a author and publisher.

If I join ASCAP every bit a writer and afterwards desire to join as a publisher, practise I however have to pay the processing fee?

Writer and publisher memberships are separate and each application submitted is subject to the non-refundable awarding processing fee.

If I apply and am elected to ASCAP membership, simply later change my mind, can I get my coin back?

The application processing fee is not-refundable.

If I resign, do I get my money dorsum?

The awarding processing fee is non-refundable.

Why is the fee non-refundable?

The fee is associated with the costs of processing the membership awarding and therefore cannot be returned.

I don't have a credit card to pay the application processing fee. Tin can I submit another form of payment?

If yous don't accept a US issued Visa, MasterCard or American Express credit or debit carte du jour, you must first supply ASCAP with another form of payment using the ASCAP Processing Fee Class. Upon receipt and processing of your payment you will exist supplied with instructions to complete your application. The fee for processing a check, coin club or strange credit card payment is $75.

How much does information technology cost to become a member?

There is a one-time, $50 fee for submission of an awarding. This fee is non-refundable, but ASCAP does not charge almanac dues or fees.

I do not have a valid The states Social Security Number or I am a not a US citizen. Can I still join ASCAP?

You may join ASCAP if you practice not have a valid U.s.a. Social Security Number or are non a United states citizen; however, additional income reporting documentation must be provided with your application. Please become to the IRS website (irs.gov) to obtain a W8-BEN form. When you lot take completed the application please mail the original completed W8-BEN with your awarding number written on the top to:

ASCAP
Attn: Applications
7920 West Dusk Blvd.
Third Floor
Los Angeles, CA 90046

I want to join ASCAP as a publisher. Tin can you cheque if the publisher proper noun I want to employ is available?

The availability of the publisher name will be checked automatically by the ASCAP organisation prior to submission of your application. If the name is not available you will not be able to submit the application until you choose another available proper name.

Practice I need to submit whatever music with the application?

No.

How long does it take for me to hear back from ASCAP in one case I've submitted my application?

You will receive information from ASCAP regarding your online application immediately upon submission. If boosted documentation is required to process your application please provide the information inside xc business days of submission. Upon receipt of this documentation your application volition exist processed within 10 business days.

I submitted my application several days agone but can't find my Awarding ID. Can y'all check the condition?

Nosotros can check the status of your application without an Application ID; however, we volition require the Social Security Number or TIN that you provided on your awarding to confirm your identity.

Why was my application declined?

If you lot completed the online application, the reason for ineligibility was sent via east-mail to the e-mail accost provided in your application.

I received the electronic mail that confirms that I've been elected as an ASCAP member. How do I register my music with ASCAP?

Title registrations are essential to the proper distribution of performance royalties and should exist submitted to ASCAP once a musical work has been fully created. After you receive confirmation of your election to ASCAP membership, delight permit five (5) business concern days before you attempt to register your works with ASCAP for the offset time. One time this time has elapsed, ASCAP members should register their works through the Online Title Registration system. You may access Online Championship Registration through the "Members" link on the ASCAP domicile page or the "Register a Work" link on your Member Access account. FAQs, a downloadable Title Registration Guide and a video tutorial are available for your reference. If you need boosted assistance, delight log onto your Member Access account and submit a Fellow member Service Inquiry. Select the "My Catalog" Category and select the advisable Topic.

What is Member Access?

Member Access is ASCAP's secure online web portal that provides you with admission to your ASCAP information. One time you activate your Member Access account, you will have the ability to update personal details (e.g., address, banking concern business relationship information, etc.), view and impress the entitled party and share details of your Works, view and download ASCAP operation statements, register your works and electronically create and rails service requests to ASCAP. Future online resources for ASCAP members will exist provided via Member Access and so activation of your account is highly recommended.

Can I register my music for copyright protection or get a bar code for my CD through ASCAP?

ASCAP does non register music for the purpose of copyright protection; this is the responsibility of the writer(s) and publisher(s) of any given work. You can register your music for copyright protection through the Library of Congress which tin can be reached at 202-707-3000 or on the web at www.loc.gov. For information on bar codes, please visit www.discmakers.com.

I received an east-mail that confirms I've been elected as an ASCAP member, but my vocal was released before I became a member. Will I still receive public functioning royalties?

Whether or non you receive royalties for performances of your work(south) that occurred earlier you became an ASCAP member volition depend upon when the performance(s) of the work(s) occurred. As a newly elected writer member, you can receive royalties for surveyed performances that took place in the performance period covered by the distribution quarter in which y'all are elected. For writers, there is a time lag of approximately seven (seven) to eight (8) months between performances and royalty processing. As in the case of writers, a newly elected publisher member tin can receive royalties for surveyed performances that took identify in the performance period covered in the distribution quarter in which the publisher is elected. For publishers, there is a time lag of approximately vi (6) months betwixt performance and royalty processing. Please notation that ASCAP Just distributes public functioning royalties, not royalties associated with record sales.

I completed my application online almost 20 (xx) days agone. I haven't heard dorsum from ASCAP. What should I practice?

If yous completed an online application, you should take received an email from ASCAP within fifteen (15) days of submitting your application regardless of whether your election to ASCAP membership was successful. Please check your spam filter on your e-mail account. If you still cannot locate the e-mail, please contact Member Services at 800-95-ASCAP.

I call back receiving the e-mail that confirmed my election to ASCAP membership, but I can't observe it now. How can I become my ASCAP Member ID?

If y'all were elected to ASCAP membership, Member Services can confirm your Member ID; however, you lot will be asked to verify your identity by providing your Social Security Number or TIN.

I received the electronic mail that confirms that I've been elected every bit a member. Can I make an appointment to speak with an ASCAP representative?

Before speaking with an ASCAP representative, nosotros recommend you review the Member Benefits and Career Development pages on the ASCAP website. The links take you to workshops, showcases and back up opportunities that can help you further your career. If you withal wish to speak with someone, please contact ASCAP at 800-95-ASCAP or at one of the local Membership offices listed on our website.

I need the phone number to a visitor in the music business and I believe ASCAP tin provide information technology. Tin can I call y'all for the number?

Unfortunately, we cannot disclose phone numbers for specific companies unless they have agreed to allow usa to do so. The post-obit companies have agreed to allow us to provide their phone numbers to prospective or current members:

AFTRA (American Federation of Television receiver & Radio Artists): 212 532-0800
Harry Fox Bureau: 212-834-0100
Songwriter'southward Guild: 201-867-7603
Trademark Function: 800-786-9199
U.Southward. Copyright Part: 202-707-5959/877 476-0778
U.Southward. Library of Congress: 202-707-5000

What is "Concert" Music?

Examples of music classified equally "Concert" are: symphonic, chamber, choral, concert band/wind ensemble, electro-accoustic and opera.

Practise I need an e-mail address to activate a Member Access account?

Yep. An east-mail adress is required for Member Access.

How do I activate a Fellow member Admission account?

To activate your Member Access Business relationship go to members.ascap.com and click on the Account Activation link to get started.

I demand a Member ID to actuate my Fellow member Access account, where tin I find information technology?

Your Member ID is the number used by ASCAP to uniquely identify yous. Your Fellow member ID can exist found on your ASCAP Membership Card, an ASCAP Royalty Statement or past calling i-800-95-ASCAP

Is there a fee to activate a Fellow member Access business relationship?

At that place is no fee to sign upwards for Fellow member Access; it'south free for all ASCAP members.

Who tin activate a Member Access account?

Any electric current or resigned Writer or Publisher member tin actuate a Member Access business relationship.

Why should I activate a Fellow member Admission account?

Member Admission allows 24x7 access to ASCAP. alter your accost, submit an inquiry to Member Services, review your catalog of works, and download your statement in PDF Format.

How practice I change my Member Access countersign?

To modify your countersign, enter your username on the Member Access login page and click the "I forgot my password" link.

I activated my Member Access account but forgot my username, how can I find out what it is?

If you forgot your username for Fellow member Admission, please call ane-800-95-ASCAP.

Are the transactions I perform and data I view secure in Member Access?

Yes, ASCAP Member Access is a secure spider web portal with 128-bit encyrption.

Does ASCAP share my information with outside entities?

As a policy, ASCAP does not share information virtually its members without their expressed consent. During the account activation process, you tin opt in to let ASCAP to share your information with outside entities.

My computer is a Mac. Tin can I use Fellow member Access?

Yes, Member Admission is compatable with Mac's as well equally PC'southward.

Which net browsers does ASCAP recommend when using Fellow member Access?

Member Access works best with the latest versions of Firefox or Chrome.

I just joined ASCAP, why can't I activate my Member Access business relationship?

Member Access is a member but portal. When yous offset join ASCAP, your membership is pending approval. Upon election to membership, you tin can actuate your Fellow member Admission account.

I used to have an ASCAP membership menu but I lost it. Can I get a replacement?

ASCAP no longer offers membership cards. You can always discover your ASCAP member ID past logging into Fellow member Access.

In order to activate a Member Access account, I need to be an ASCAP fellow member. How do I join?

To go an ASCAP member, please go to ASCAP.com and follow the link to join.

What are straight and source licenses?

A direct license is any license agreement between an ASCAP fellow member and a music user (for case, a radio station, Tv network, website, live venue or background music service) granting the user the rights to perform publicly the fellow member'southward music.

A source license is any license understanding between an ASCAP member and an entity that produces and supplies programs containing your music (for example, a TV production company), granting the right to authorize others (for example, a TV station) to perform publicly the fellow member'due south music.

Exercise I accept the right to license my works straight to others?

Yeah. The rights yous grant to ASCAP are nonexclusive. Zilch in your relationship with ASCAP restricts or interferes with your right to enter into a direct or source license.

What are my obligations to ASCAP if I enter into a direct or source license?

If you enter into a direct or source license, you lot must promptly notify ASCAP of:

The title of the work or works licensed.
The writer(southward) and publisher(s) of the work(s).
The proper noun and address of the licensee(southward).
The time menses for which the license volition exist in effect.
The territories, medium and venue covered by the license.

To properly notify ASCAP of a straight or source license, you lot must complete and submit the class titled "Notice of Direct/Source Licensing." This form is bachelor for download and submission through Fellow member Admission. The Direct License Form can be downloaded from the Messages section of Member Access. In one case in Messages, you tin can select Category: "Statement and Payment Questions" and Topic: "Direct Licensing – Domestic" or "Straight Licensing – International"

Yous should besides attach to the Message a copy of the license (financial terms - such as the amount of the license fee - may be redacted).

What is the effect on my ASCAP royalties if I enter into a direct or source license?

Every bit ASCAP cannot collect license fees for directly or source licensed performances, no royalties will be paid by ASCAP for these performances. If the direct or source license includes performances for periods for which ASCAP has already paid royalties because we were non enlightened that such a license had been issued, a debit volition exist made to your account with respect to such performances.

What should I consider if I am asked to enter into a straight or source license?

Y'all should consider seeking the advice of a music attorney or business organisation advisor before entering into a direct or source license.

You should attempt to obtain every bit much information every bit possible most when and how the music will be used and the license terms being offered to others. Yous may too wish to assess the importance of your specific works or itemize to the music user's business.

Go on in mind that while music users and plan producers may offer up-front, lump-sum payments, it may be hard to value or predict the future commercial success of your musical works.

There may too be instances in which a direct or source license might impact your ability to earn royalties from other music users. For example, if a TV or film producer acquires the performance rights to your music through an irrevocable license, or "purchase-out" deal, you lot will not exist able to receive public performance royalties when that show or film is sold or licensed to a downstream music user, or shown or circulate in a foreign territory.

ASCAP cannot answer inquiries concerning payments for direct or source licensed performances.

ASCAP cannot inspect the music user or program producer on your behalf.

ASCAP cannot make up the difference in functioning royalties if your ASCAP royalties would have been greater than what you received under the direct or source license.

Although ASCAP cannot advise y'all on what terms you should seek in a direct or source license, ASCAP may be able to provide you with information on what you might earn in ASCAP royalties if we were to license those performances for you.

What if I am an ASCAP songwriter or composer and my music publisher enters into a direct or source license?

If your music publisher enters into a direct or source license, the music user or plan producer may pay the publisher, not ASCAP, for performances of the licensed works. Your agreement with the publisher may determine whether you are entitled to a share of the royalties and whether or not whatsoever fees received by the publisher on your behalf are subject to recoupment. Typically, you reserve the right to receive the "writer's share" of your performance income direct from ASCAP. When a publisher licenses directly on your behalf, this may not be the example.

My relative was an ASCAP member or successor to a member and recently died. What do I exercise?

Please call ane-800-95ASCAP (one-800-952-7227) to speak with a representative from ASCAP's Member Services department. Nosotros will guide yous through the procedure of establishing a successor to the membership.

I am starting to do some estate planning. What should I do about my ASCAP royalties?

We recommend that you consult an experienced attorney to propose yous as to your specific estate planning needs and to depict up the necessary papers. Every bit a general thing, however, information technology is best to put your wishes in writing, including express provisions to deal with the disposition of ASCAP royalties.

Who will receive my membership interest after I die?

If you die without a Will, state laws of intestacy will dictate who receives your membership involvement (subject field, of course, to the relevant provisions of the Copyright Act). Therefore, if you wish to direct that your membership interest go to your spouse, your children, a trust, or other beneficiaries, you must set a Will or other appropriate estate planning documentation to set up along your wishes.

Can I designate a casher to receive my royalties after I dice?

Due to potential conflicts and the electric current state of the law, ASCAP cannot take beneficiary forms. In guild to ensure your wishes are followed, you should include your ASCAP royalties in your manor planning.

Can I assign my royalties during my lifetime?

A living ASCAP member's asking to assign his or her royalties must encounter certain criteria to be permitted nether ASCAP's rules. Delight consult the Royalties section of this webpage and the Compendium of ASCAP Rules and Regulations, available on our Governing Documents folio.

Tin my estate sell my membership rights and royalties?

Given the unique needs of the estates of writer members, ASCAP does allow the estate to sell or irrevocably assign the right to receive ASCAP writer royalties. ASCAP also permits living members to assign royalties irrevocably to a family member, living trust, or family-held company. Other rights of membership (such every bit the correct to vote) are not assignable. If y'all are an heir or a successor to a deceased writer member and y'all are interested in selling or irrevocably assigning the deceased author's royalties, you may phone call our Member Services section (one-800-95ASCAP) or submit a Member Service inquiry via your Member Admission account.

Tin I make a bequest to ASCAP?

Bequests cannot exist made to ASCAP directly, only you may make a bequest to The ASCAP Foundation, a revenue enhancement-exempt public charitable system nether department 501(c)(3) of the federal revenue enhancement police. The Foundation is divide from ASCAP with its ain Board of Directors. Since 1975, The ASCAP Foundation has worked tirelessly to keep music in the schools and to nurture aspiring songwriters and composers. It is dedicated to nurturing the music talent of tomorrow, preserving the legacy of the past and sustaining the creative incentive for today's creators through a variety of educational, professional person, and humanitarian programs. Making a bequest or transferring a successorship to The ASCAP Foundation are two ways you can award your loved one while supporting a worthy charity. For more information on The ASCAP Foundation, delight visit the website: world wide web.ascapfoundation.org/donate.

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