We create music.

ASCAP is the only performing rights organization (PRO) in the US that operates as a not for profit, and the only one that puts creators first. We pay royalties to songwriters, composers and music publishers when their music is played publicly – and that’s just the beginning of the ASCAP advantage.

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Our members

ASCAP is home to more than 1.1 million music creator members across all genres - the greatest names in music, and thousands more in the early stages of their careers.

Pictured: ASCAP member Mariah Carey

The ASCAP payment system

We license over 20 million ASCAP songs and scores to the businesses that play them publicly, then send the money to our members as royalties. 90 cents of every dollar we take in goes right back to music creators and publishers – that’s one of the lowest operating expense ratios in the industry.

ASCAP leadership

ASCAP is the only PRO in the US founded and governed by songwriters, composers and publishers. Our Board is elected by, and from, the ASCAP membership every two years.

Meet the ASCAP Board

ASCAP advocacy

ASCAP is committed to protecting the rights of our members. We work to elevate the voice of the music creator, build relationships with our allies in Congress and foster thoughtful policy-making for the benefit of creators, business and consumers alike.

Pictured: ASCAP President & Chairman Paul Williams

The ASCAP story

ASCAP was the first PRO in the US, founded in 1914. As the music business has evolved, we’ve evolved right along with it. But we remain committed to protecting the livelihoods of songwriters, composers and publishers that call ASCAP home.

The ASCAP team

ASCAP employees are proud to be part of a community of music creators and supporters. Collectively, we are experts in the music and media businesses, technology, licensing and copyright. Individually, we are music fans, and passionate about helping those that create music.

Pictured: ASCAP CEO Beth Matthews

Get to know us

Whatever your style, we have your back.

Concert Music

Country

Film & TV

Jazz

Latin

Musical Theatre

Pop/Rock

Rhythm & Soul

Governing documents

The documents that govern ASCAP and our relationship with our membership and licensees

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ASCAP Annual Report

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ASCAP press room

Browse our press release archive, find ASCAP logos and more.

Have a question? Drop us a line.

(We're music people. We're good at listening.)