What does “classical” mean at BMI?

This page gives information on joining BMI as a classical composer. If you are a songwriter, film/TV/media composer, lyricist, or producer, please click here to join BMI.

At BMI, we only register a work as classical that was originally composed for live performance on a classical concert (this type of music is also described as concert music). Arrangements of classical works, instrumental tracks from albums, and film or TV scores, regardless of instrumentation or how the music sounds, are not registered as classical works at BMI.

Composers of classical works should send a full resume and list of works with information on performances and venues to the address below. There is no membership or application fee to affiliate. Thanks for your interest in BMI.

classical@bmi.com