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BMI is committed to protecting copyright to ensure that its songwriters, composers and music publishers are fairly compensated for the use of their work. BMI also values its relationships with those businesses that use music, offering access to the world’s most popular music for hundreds of thousands of licensees throughout the United States.

Additionally, BMI is dedicated to fostering new talent. The organization’s layered approach to songwriter development comprises educational, creative and promotional opportunities:

Showcases
BMI stages showcases all over the country. Weekly, monthly, quarterly or annually, these series highlight both bold new voices and established hit-makers: 8 off 8th, Acoustic Lounge, Pick of the Month, Noche Mexicana, DRINKSHOP Live!, Unsigned Urban Showcase, East Side Sounds, BMI/Hit Sheet Showcase, BMI Buzz at the Basement and Verano Alternativo are just a few of the showcases organized by BMI’s regional offices.

To learn more, contact your regional BMI Writer/Publisher Relations office and stay up-to-date by viewing the BMI.com events calendar.

Festivals and Conferences
BMI books stages and performance slots at premier festivals and conferences throughout the year, including SXSW, MOBfest, Lollapalooza, Bonnaroo, CMJ, Austin City Limits Music Festival, Key West Songwriters Festival, Monitor Latino, ATHfest, Florida Music Festival, Music Matters Asia, Martha’s Vineyard Songwriters Festival, Sandestin Songwriters Festival, Americana Music Festival & Conference, Tin Pan South, International Bluegrass Music Association Festival & Conference, numerous Billboard-led conferences, and more.

Panels
From BMI-coined events like the How I Wrote That Song, Coffee Talk and Music 101 series, to in-depth conversations at top tier festivals including Sundance and SXSW, BMI panels offer insight from insiders throughout the year.

Workshops
Held in New York City, the Tony award-winning BMI Lehman Engel Musical Theatre Workshop is an elite creative hub that nurtures the brightest new talent within the musical theatre community. The BMI Jazz Composers Workshop, now in its second decade, was formed to foster composition for the jazz big band. The BMI Songwriters Workshop with Jason Blume offers a building-block style curriculum designed to supply songwriters with invaluable creative tips and business counsel. Staged monthly in Nashville, is open to all songwriters who are serious about and committed to successful commercial songwriting. BMI 101 is an hour-long introductory workshop for writers and publishers, which discusses the history of performing right, the origins of BMI and the current role BMI plays in the complex, ever-evolving music industry. The BMI Conductor’s Workshop is a four-week course taught by conductor Lucas Richman for BMI composers who are looking to refine their conducting skills.

BMI members can avoid any delay in receiving royalty payments by signing up for Direct Deposit to their bank account.

Direct Deposit offers instant access to your royalty payments without the worry of waiting for checks to arrive, cashing them or misplacing them. When signing up for these benefits, you can also help us in our efforts to “go green” by choosing to receive your royalty statement electronically. Applications for these programs are available within Online Services.

BMI’s partnering with Payoneer allows those without a U.S. bank account to take advantage of direct deposit benefits.

BMI offers a broad spectrum of discounts created specifically for its members, including savings on subscriptions, educational programs and professional gear.

Learn more about the menu of BMI benefits available in our Benefits section.