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PROs and their importance as musicians




As members of the music industry, regardless of the genre of music, or our position within the industry, it is important to know what a PRO is and the importance of a PRO. In this article, we will be discussing just that topic. Enjoy!


Here we will cover the following topics:

  • What is a PRO

  • Its importance to our career

  • The main ones

  • When to join one


What is a PRO?


PRO is short for Performance Rights Organization, sometimes you will see PRS which stands for Performance Rights Society, however, it is essentially the same thing. It is important to recognize that if you are in the U.S. you can only join one, for example, if you are part of BMI you cannot join ASCAP.


The PRO's represent authors, composers, and publishers of music and is a subject that is part of what we know as music publishing (if you want an article about it write to us or send us a message).


Its Importance For Our Career


First of all, note that I write Career and not a hobby, when we work with our music we must do it with professionalism and discipline even if it is not our main source of income. Who knows maybe someday it will be.


These organizations are important because they allow us to register our songs to receive royalties.


The Major PRO's


There are different main/primary PRO's; I write it that way since other countries have different ones, but in the United States and its territories we have ASCAP, BMI, SESAC, and GMR. Those two at the end are by invitation only, that is, we can't join on our own.


ASCAP (The American Society of Composers, Authors, and Publishers)

Website: ascap.com


BMI (Broadcast Music, Inc)

Website: bmi.com


GMR (Global Music Rights)


SESAC (Society of European Stage Authors and Composers)

Website: sesac.com


When to Join One


I recommend everyone to join as soon as possible when they start composing music. In my case I am affiliated with BMI.


Additional Career Tools:


I know it seems like a lot but with proper planning and discipline, it can be done. If you need help with the subject you can contact us and we will help you.


*Some publishing administrators will register your songs in the MLC directly, therefore, there is no need to do it separately.


Are you affiliated with any PRO? If so, which one? Leave it in the comment section


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