Open Forum

Diane:

Absolutely! Museums pay staff, designers, suppliers, artists, writers, editors, fabricators, plumbers, ---why wouldn't one pay the composers of the music they are using? Gone are the days of justified shoplifting in a musicians'/composer's store. Musicians and composers work for a living as well, as do Publishers of music, those who record and bring us the sound, songs, bumper music, and ambient music. There use to be a time when ASCAP agents would scour a city checking up on lounges, bars, and venues using music that enhance their business/exhibits/stages/bars, etc. They would issue an ASCAP decal to stick to your front door, which meant that you were proud to present ASCAP/BMI composers in your establishment. So not to sound too harsh, we all have to do the right thing and pay our yearly licenses so composers can make a decent living as well. - Paul Novosel, ASCAP, NY 802 Union Musician. P.S.

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Paul Novosel
New York DC
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Great question Diane Ingram....yes, you should take out a licenses with BMI and ASCAP.  I won't take the time to explain all the reasons here but the direct links for the User information  and how to apply are here below.
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ASCAP  https://www.ascap.com/music-users  
BMI  https://www.bmi.com/licensing/entry/museums

BMI has the best explanations for understanding the process and cost.  You should have licenses with both...it is not that expensive, but you want to budget and pay for it.  

Thank you for all of your diligence


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Charmaine Jefferson
Consultant/Service Provider
The Museum Group
Los Angeles CA
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We currently pay for all four services. 
I'm interested in anyone's thoughts on Cloud Cover - I hadn't heard of them before.
Thanks!

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Amy Smith
Executive Director
Bakersfield Museum of Art
Bakersfield CA
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