Music Requirements/Rights/Licensing

We have agreements to use music licensed through ASCAP (American Society of Composers, Authors, and Publishers) and BMI (Broadcast Music Inc). Together, they cover more than 42 million music works. 

Music works may be 100% covered by BMI, ASCAP, a combination of both, and/or another licensing organization.

The percentage covered may be split between the Writers/Composers and the Publisher.  The total of both is the actual total coverage. 

So, the total percentage of Writers/Composers and Publishers for BMI and ASCAP must be 97% or greater.

To find out if your music is covered, follow the detailed instructions below to search the ASCAP and BMI websites.  

Public Domain

If your song or music was composed and published before 1929 in the United States, it may be considered in the Public Domain and freely used without a license. This does not include revised versions published after 1929.  

The Public Domain rules vary by country, so if the composer was outside the United States, additional research will be needed to confirm that the work is in the Public Domain. In most countries, music is considered in the Public Domain 70 years after the composer's death.  

If you are using a melody or a mashup of songs or musical works, you are limited to TWO songs or musical works.  ASCAP, BMI, or Public Domain must cover BOTH songs.  Be sure to include information for both below.

 

Internet Search Instructions

How to Search BMI 

• Go to  www.bmi.com
• Click in the Search Box in the upper right corner.
• Click the red link "SEARCH SONGVIEW".
• Use the available options to search for your music.
• It's best to begin your search by title. Once the title comes up, then match the composers/writers for the specific version of the song or music.
• Make note of the BMI WORK ID and PERCENTAGE to enter below.  Do NOT use the IPI or ISWC.
• When you search on BMI, you may see SONGVIEW.  Songview will show the results for both BMI and ASCAP together. 

 

How to search ASCAP 

• Go to  www.ascap.com
• Click "REPERTORY" on the left.
• Use the available options to search for your music.
• It's best to begin your search by title.  Once the title comes up, then match the composers/writers for the specific version of the song or music.
• Make note of the ASCAP WORK ID and PERCENTAGE to enter below. Do NOT use the IPI or ISWC.
• When you search on ASCAP, you may see SONGVIEW. Songview will show the results for both BMI and ASCAP together.
  
  

How to search the PUBLIC DOMAIN 

No single source exists for all public domain works, but you can start with www.pdinfo.com. If the music is listed, print the screen to PDF and upload an attachment below. 

If the music is not listed at www.pdinfo.com, you must perform additional research and upload supporting documentation. 

Not Covered by BMI, ASCAP, or PUBLIC DOMAIN

If your music is not covered by ASCAP, BMI, or the Public Domain, it may be covered by SESAC (Society of European State Authors and Composers), which covers about 1.5 million works, GMR (Global Music Rights), which covers about 110,000 musical works, or smaller independent organizations. We do not have the rights to use musical works licensed through these organizations.

If the song/music is covered by a smaller organization, you may be able to obtain the rights by contacting the publisher directly.  

Talents Involving Commercial Copyrighted Literary Material

Talents involving the reading of copyrighted literary work, such as a dramatic reading, monologue, poetry, etc.,  must contact the author and/or publisher and obtain written permission for use.

Written permission must be granted to the Miss Ohio Scholarship Program to use the material for live theatre shows (June 18-21, 2025), limited Internet streaming (250 simultaneous streams), and sales of the shows on DVD up to 250 copies.

You will need to upload written/signed proof that permits your use of the copyrighted material for your talent performance.  

Talents Involving Self-Authored Work

For self-authored dialog for HerStory, Slam Poetry, etc. performances, you must attest that the material presented is "Self-Authored" and does not contain any copyrighted material.

TALENTS INVOLVING SONG/MUSIC

If your talent utilizes song or music as the performance (vocal or instrumental) or as a background track (vocal, instrumental, dance, gymnastics, etc.), complete this section.

If your song/music is NOT covered by BMI, ASCAP, or is considered PUBLIC DOMAIN, and you would like to pursue obtaining the License Rights, use this link to download the License Rights Form.  

You will need to have the Writer/Composer or the Publisher complete the top part of this form, granting a License to the Miss Ohio Scholarship Program. 

You only need to complete the top part of the form for NON-BMI, ASCAP, and Public Domain Licensing. The bottom section concerns creating your Talent Track, which may be submitted with your Talent Performance Information Form.

DOWNLOAD - Talent Music License & Permission Release Form

TALENTS INVOLVING COPYRIGHTED LITERARY MATERIAL

If you use copyrighted materials for a dramatic reading, monologue, comedy act, etc., you must obtain and upload written permission.  Complete this section.

TALENTS INVOLVING SELF-AUTHORED MATERIAL

Self-authored material, such as HerStory, Slam-Poetry, etc., must not contain any copyrighted literary material in your presentation.  

Please type "I AGREE" in the box below to acknowledge the following.

• My talent presentation consists of completely self-authored material.
• My talent presentation does not contain any copyrighted material.
• My choice to present my self-authored material automatically grants the Miss Ohio Scholarship program the rights to broadcast/distribute the presentation in any form in perpetuity.