How to Register with a Performing Rights Organization (PRO) – A Guide to BMI, ASCAP & SESAC
If you’re a musician, songwriter, or producer, joining a Performing Rights Organization (PRO) is one of the smartest moves you can make. PROs make sure you get paid every time your music is performed publicly — whether it’s on stage, radio, or even in a coffee shop. In this guide, we’ll walk you through what PROs do, who the top three are, and how to register the right way.
What Is a PRO and Why Do You Need One?
A Performing Rights Organization collects and distributes performance royalties to songwriters, composers, and publishers when their music is played in public. This includes:
- Live performances
- Radio airplay
- Streaming services
- TV/Film syncs
- Restaurants, clubs, and more
Without a PRO, you could be missing out on royalty payments that you’re legally owed.
The Big 3: ASCAP, BMI, and SESAC
These are the three major PROs in the United States:
| PRO | OPEN TO | COST | NOTES |
|---|---|---|---|
| BMI | Anyone | Free | Large catalog. Strong radio presence |
| ASCAP | Anyone | 50$ fee | Non-exclusive. Great for indie artists |
| SESAC | Invite Only | Free | More selective. Often composers & film scores. |
Official Registration Links
- BMI Registration Page: https://www.bmi.com/join
- ASCAP Registration Page: https://ome.ascap.com/en
- SESAC Registration Page: https://sesac.org/join-now/
What Happens After You Register?
Once approved, you’ll receive a member ID and gain access to your PRO’s online portal. From there, you can:
- Register songs for tracking
- Report live performances (for royalty payouts)
- View royalty statements
You’re officially ready to get paid for your work!
Maximize Your Membership
- Always register your songs once released
- Submit live performance setlists to collect royalties from your gigs
- Pair your PRO with services like SoundExchange for non-interactive streaming
- Consider a publishing admin service like Songtrust if you’re releasing internationally
Final Thoughts
Joining a PRO isn’t just for chart-toppers — it’s for anyone making original music. Whether you play coffee shops or sell out clubs, you deserve to be compensated. Once you’re registered, RoadUNO is here to help you book those shows — so the world can hear (and pay for) your art.
More Resources
- BMI FAQ: https://www.bmi.com/faq
- ASCAP FAQ: https://enterprise.ascap.com/mylicense/Concerts/glsConcertFAQ.aspx
- Sesac FAQ: https://www.sesac.com/frequently-asked-questions/
- RoadUNO Tour Assistant: https://roaduno.com/tour-booking-assistant/