ASCAP

            American Society of Composers, Authors, & Publishers (ASCAP) is a membership association of composers, songwriters, lyricist, and music publishers. The main concern of the organization is to protect the licensing and distributing of royalties rights to its members.  

            The people who are members of ASCAP are individuals who make a living writing music. ASCAP offers workshops, showcases, website, publications, and a special benefits package that includes all sorts of extras that other associations don’t offer. ASCAP represents musicians from all genera’s of music and even for TV and films.

            The impact of this association is very large.  ASCAP is one of three major associations that collect money on behalf of its members. They offer a section on their website that is directly related to career development. This portion lists a regularly updated selection of tips, advice, and opportunities as well as list of workshops, showcases, and support. You can find them on many social websites such as Facebook, twitter, and linked in to stay up to date with current information in the industry.  You can also sign up for an email newsletter. All of these things directly impact its members. How it indirectly affects everyone, is that many songs you hear on the radio and TV are created by members of ASCAP.  So every time you download music or buy a film you are contributing to the members of ASCAP, which in turn provides for the musicians to create more music for the public.

            Some ways to connect and add to your current network of people could be to create an audio portrait, attend workshops, and or events that are created by ASCAP. Also connecting your business to ASCAP through social media such as Facebook and twitter will help to keep you updated on current material. It is important that you use the tools available to you through the organization. That includes your member benefits that will also allow you to connect to other people through different social music sites.