Most clubs play music in their establishment for the enjoyment of their
members. In the case of recorded music, the performance rights generally
are owned by either the American Society of Composers, Authors and
Publishers (ASCAP); Broadcast Music Incorporated (BMI); or SESAC, Inc.
As such, clubs must obtain a licensing fee to obtain the legal
permission required to perform copyrighted music under the US Copyright
Law.
SESAC, ASCAP and BMI are three separate and distinct organizations representing different songwriters, composers, publishers and copyright holders, and each organization licenses only the copyrighted works of its own respective affiliated copyright holders. For example, a license with BMI does not grant your club the authorization for the right to use the copyrighted music of SESAC- or ASCAP-represented songwriters, composers, publishers or copyright holders.
BMI offers a benefit program that provides substantial discounts to CMAA members on music licensing costs. A five percent CMAA membership discount, when coupled with a five percent online payment discount, will allow clubs to save 10 percent on the cost of their BMI music license.
BMI customer service representatives are available at (888) 689-5264 to answer questions about the CMAA music licensing discount program and to assist in completing your license, or visit BMI for more information.
CMAA has negotiated on behalf of its members that clubs managed by CMAA members in good standing will receive a 15 percent discount off license fees for an individual SESAC Performance License. The SESAC Performance License runs on a calendar year basis and fees are based on the total number of club members. Visit SESAC to obtain more information about licensing your club.
For more information on Music Licensing visit
CMAA’s Legislative Website .