Yes, it's true--if you are a songwriter/composer you can affiliate with BMI without paying any fees or dues.

BMI's a non-profit performing rights organization. Their purpose is to acquire performing rights of music from writers and publishers and, in turn, grant licenses to public users of that music. BMI collects license fees from each user of music BMI licenses, and distributes to its writers and publishers all the money collected, other than what is needed for operating expenses.

If you have written musical compositions, alone or in collaboration with other writers, which, at the time of affiliating with BMI, are being performed or likely to be performed by broadcasting stations or in other public performances, and, in the opinion of BMI, you meet these basic qualifications, you are eligible to join BMI and a contract will be offered.

How do you become a member? Well, you must complete an application and sign a contract. You are not officially affiliated with BMI until this has been done.

BMI is divided into four main administrative territories--New York, Los Angeles, Miami, & Nashville. Ohio songwriters are administered out of the New York office. For application information contact:

BMI Writer Relations
320 West 57th Street
New York, NY 10019
(212) 586-2000
Fax: (212) 245-8986
E-Mail: [email protected]

For more information, visit the BMI website.