Talent Music Research
We have an agreement to use only music licensed with ASCAP/BMI/SESAC. To find out if your music is licensed through one of these organizations, complete a web search of www.BMI.com, www.ASCAP.com and/or www.SESAC.com. If you find that it is not covered under any of these sites, you will need to procure clearance rights from the owner of the song, unless the selection is considered in the Public Domain. It is fairly easy to find a song through an internet search. Instructions and examples are provided below:
How to search BMI. (Broadcast Music, Inc.):
How to search ASCAP. (American Society of Composers, Authors, and Publishers):
How to search SESAC. (Performing Rights Organization):
How to search BMI. (Broadcast Music, Inc.):
- Go to www.BMI.com
- Under "Select the Site", click on the arrow and scroll down to "Repertoire Search".
- Click on “Accept”
How to search ASCAP. (American Society of Composers, Authors, and Publishers):
- Go to www.ASCAP.com
- Click on “ACE Database”
- Click on “Search the Database”
How to search SESAC. (Performing Rights Organization):
- Go to www.SESAC.com
- Click on "Repertory" from top menu
- Click on "continue on Search Repertory"
It is usually best to begin your search by title. Once the title comes up then match the writer(s). Be sure the title and the writer(s) match the song you plan to use.
How much does it cost to use a song?
Licensing fees depend on many things—including, but not limited to the fame of the song, the popularity of the performer, the way the song is used in production and the production media format. Permission and the setting of fees are discretionary with the publisher and can only be obtained by MAO’s production company. MAO has an agreement to use only music covered by the above licensors, and the appropriate printout must be received with the submission of the Talent Music Reservation Form.
Even if you know the writer, performer or their management, they do not always control their own music and their approval may be invalid.
The music I want to use in my talent act is so old I think it’s in the public domain (also called PD).
Do not assume that your music selection is classified Public Domain (PD) because it was published in 1922 or earlier. Whether a song is PD depends on MANY things—laws vary depending on WHEN the piece was created, as well as WHERE your talent act will be exhibited.
Sometimes PD pieces are newly arranged and we also need to clear the publishing rights for any new arrangements.
Licensing fees depend on many things—including, but not limited to the fame of the song, the popularity of the performer, the way the song is used in production and the production media format. Permission and the setting of fees are discretionary with the publisher and can only be obtained by MAO’s production company. MAO has an agreement to use only music covered by the above licensors, and the appropriate printout must be received with the submission of the Talent Music Reservation Form.
Even if you know the writer, performer or their management, they do not always control their own music and their approval may be invalid.
The music I want to use in my talent act is so old I think it’s in the public domain (also called PD).
Do not assume that your music selection is classified Public Domain (PD) because it was published in 1922 or earlier. Whether a song is PD depends on MANY things—laws vary depending on WHEN the piece was created, as well as WHERE your talent act will be exhibited.
Sometimes PD pieces are newly arranged and we also need to clear the publishing rights for any new arrangements.