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Setup Guide
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Add Songs to Your P.R.O. Account Setup Guide

Complete step-by-step guide to registering your songs with your P.R.O. and claiming tracks to ensure you collect all royalties. Perfect for artists who already have a P.R.O. account and need to add their music catalog.

Setup Guide by Artispreneur
15-20 minutes per song
5 setup steps
Free Guide
Before You Start

This guide assumes you already have a P.R.O. account. If you don't have one yet:

Set up your P.R.O. account first →
Quick Start Checklist
Step 1: Prepare Your Song Information

Create Your Song Database

📋 Information You'll Need for Each Song

  • Exact song title (as you want it registered)
  • Completion date (when you finished writing)
  • First performance date (if performed publicly)
  • Duration (length in minutes and seconds)
  • Genre/style classification
  • Instrumental or vocal designation

👥 Co-Writer Information

For each co-writer, you'll need:

  • Full legal name
  • P.R.O. affiliation (ASCAP, BMI, SESAC, or unaffiliated)
  • P.R.O. member number (if known)
  • Ownership percentage (must total 100%)
  • Publisher information (if applicable)

📊 Ownership Splits Example

Song: "My New Track"

• You (writer/composer): 50%

• Co-writer (lyrics): 30%

• Co-writer (melody): 20%

Total: 100% ✓

Pro Tip: Create a spreadsheet with all this information before you start registering. It will save you tons of time!

Step 2: Access Your P.R.O. Registration System

Log In and Navigate

ASCAP Members

  1. Go to ascap.com
  2. Click "Member Access"
  3. Log in with your credentials
  4. Navigate to "Works Registration"
ASCAP Login

BMI Members

  1. Go to bmi.com
  2. Click "Sign In"
  3. Enter your login details
  4. Go to "Register Works"
BMI Login

SESAC Members

  1. Go to sesac.com
  2. Access "Writer Portal"
  3. Sign in to your account
  4. Find "Work Registration"
SESAC Login

🔍 What You're Looking For

Once logged in, look for sections labeled:

  • "Register Works" or "Add Works"
  • "Work Registration" or "Song Registration"
  • "Catalog Management"
  • "Submit New Work"
Step 3: Register Your First Song

Complete the Registration Form

📝 Basic Work Information

Work Title: Enter exactly as you want it registered

Alternative Titles: Any other names for the song

Work Type: Usually "Musical Work"

Duration: Length in MM:SS format

Completion Date: When you finished writing

First Performance: Date of first public performance

👤 Writer Information

Primary Writer: Your name should auto-populate

Writer Role: Select "Composer," "Lyricist," or "Composer/Lyricist"

Ownership %: Enter your percentage of the song

Publisher: Leave blank if self-published, or enter publisher name

👥 Adding Co-Writers

  1. Click "Add Writer" or "Add Co-Writer"
  2. Search for them by name or P.R.O. member number
  3. If not found, enter their information manually
  4. Specify their role (composer, lyricist, etc.)
  5. Enter their ownership percentage
  6. Add their publisher information if applicable

🎵 Additional Details

  • Genre: Select the most appropriate category
  • Instrumental/Vocal: Specify if it has lyrics
  • Language: Primary language of lyrics
  • Territory: Usually "Worldwide"

⚠️ Critical Accuracy Check

Before submitting, double-check:

  • Song title spelling is exactly correct
  • All ownership percentages add up to 100%
  • Co-writer names and P.R.O.s are accurate
  • Dates are correct (completion and first performance)
Step 4: Handle Special Situations

Common Registration Scenarios

🔍 Song Already Exists in Database

If you find your song is already registered:

  1. Check if it's correctly registered with your information
  2. If missing your name, click "Claim Interest" or "Add Writer"
  3. Provide proof of your involvement (emails, contracts, etc.)
  4. Contact your P.R.O. if there are disputes

🎼 Multiple Versions of Same Song

Register separately if you have:

  • Different arrangements: Acoustic vs. full band
  • Different languages: English vs. Spanish version
  • Remixes: Significantly different from original
  • Instrumental versions: Separate from vocal version

🤝 Co-Writer from Different P.R.O.

When working with writers from other P.R.O.s:

  • Each writer registers with their own P.R.O.
  • Ensure splits are identical across all registrations
  • Communicate to avoid conflicting information
  • Both P.R.O.s will collect for their respective members

🏢 Working with Publishers

If you have a publishing deal:

  • Include publisher name and contact information
  • Specify publisher's share percentage
  • Confirm publisher is also P.R.O. affiliated
  • Let publisher handle registration if specified in contract
Step 5: Submit and Track Your Registrations

Finalize and Monitor

✅ Final Review and Submission

  1. Review all information one final time
  2. Check ownership percentages total exactly 100%
  3. Verify co-writer details are accurate
  4. Confirm dates and titles are correct
  5. Click "Submit" or "Register Work"
  6. Save confirmation number for your records

⏱️ Processing Timeline

  • Immediate: You'll receive a confirmation email
  • 1-2 weeks: Song appears in your P.R.O. catalog
  • 2-4 weeks: Song becomes active for royalty collection
  • Quarterly: First royalty statements (if performances occurred)

📊 Track Your Registrations

  • Keep a master list of all registered songs
  • Note confirmation numbers for each registration
  • Check registration status in your P.R.O. account
  • Update information if any changes are needed
  • Monitor quarterly statements for accuracy

🔄 Ongoing Maintenance

  • Register new songs as you create them
  • Update contact information when you move
  • Report live performances to maximize royalties
  • Review statements for missing or incorrect payments

🎯 Success Indicators

You'll know everything is working when:

  • Songs appear in your online P.R.O. catalog
  • You receive quarterly royalty statements
  • Performance royalties start appearing (when your music is played)
🎉 Your Songs Are Registered! What's Next?

Excellent work! Your songs are now registered and you'll start collecting royalties whenever they're performed publicly. Here's what to focus on next:

Distribute your music to streaming platformsCopyright your music for full legal protectionGet help with performance reporting and royalty optimization
Back to Setup GuidesNext Guide: Distribute Your Music