ATXM Master Class: Performance Royalties, Mechanical Royalties & Publishing

Too many artists leave money on the table simply because the royalty system is confusing.

This ATXM Master Class brings together experts from BMI and The Mechanical Licensing Collective to break down the fundamentals of performance royalties, mechanical royalties, and music publishing—so you can make sure you're collecting everything you’re owed.

This session is part of the ATXM 2026 Music Industry Education Series, designed to give working musicians practical tools to build sustainable careers.

The event is presented in collaboration with St. Edward's University, which is partnering with ATXM to support music industry education for Austin’s creative community, and is FREE to attendees.

📅 Date: Monday, March 30, 2026

⏰ Time: 3:00 PM – 5:00 PM
🚪 Doors Open: 2:45 PM
📍 Location: Maloney Room — Main Building
🎓 Host Venue: St. Edward's University
📌 Address: 3001 South Congress Avenue, Austin, TX

🎤 Featuring Experts From: BMI and The Mechanical Licensing Collective (traveling from Nashville)

⚠️Capacity is limited to 75, and RSVP is required.

Austin is filled with extraordinary musical talent—but many artists still struggle to navigate the business side of the industry.

This class will help musicians understand:

• How performance royalties actually work
• The difference between PRO royalties and mechanical royalties
• How streaming generates income for songwriters
• Why registering with The MLC is critical
• How to avoid common mistakes that cause musicians to miss income

If you write songs, perform live, or release music digitally, this class is essential knowledge.

Mitch Ballard — BMI
Performance Royalties & PRO Fundamentals

Representing BMI, Mitch Ballard will walk musicians through how performance royalties work and how artists can properly register songs and collect income from live performances, radio, and digital platforms.

Jamie Dominguez — The Mechanical Licensing Collective
Jamie Dominguez, National Director of Industry Relations at Mechanical Licensing Collective, is traveling from Nashville to help Austin musicians understand mechanical royalties and streaming income.

Jamie works directly with songwriters and publishers across the country to ensure creators receive their U.S. mechanical streaming royalties, making her one of the leading experts on the topic.

🎶 Songwriters
🎶 Performing artists
🎶 Bands
🎶 Producers
🎶 Music managers
🎶 Independent labels
🎶 Anyone releasing music or performing live

To create a meaningful learning environment and allow time for questions and discussion, this ATXM Master Class is intentionally limited to just 75 attendees. This smaller format gives musicians a rare opportunity to learn directly from industry experts, ask questions, and engage in real conversation about royalties and publishing. We encourage early registration to ensure your seat early!

Austin Texas Musicians (ATXM) is a nonprofit organization dedicated to advocacy, education, and economic development for working musicians. Representing a community of more than 8,000 musicians, ATXM works to strengthen Austin’s music ecosystem by supporting artists through policy advocacy, professional development programs, and community-building events.

Through initiatives such as Night Shift Music Industry Mixers, Master Classes, webinars, and career development workshops, ATXM is helping musicians better understand the business side of the industry while building stronger connections across Austin’s creative community. ATXM’s mission is simple: support the people and venues who make Austin the Live Music Capital of the World. Visit www.austintexasmusicians.org for more information.

Located in Austin, Texas, St. Edward’s University is a nationally recognized institution committed to academic excellence, community engagement, and creative collaboration. Through its partnership with Austin Texas Musicians, the university is helping expand access to real-world music industry education for Austin’s creative community.

By hosting ATXM Master Classes and educational programming on campus, St. Edward’s provides a collaborative environment where artists, students, and industry professionals can come together to share knowledge, build careers, and strengthen Austin’s music ecosystem. This partnership reflects a shared commitment to supporting the next generation of music industry professionals and working artists. Visit www.stedwards.edu for more information.

Info: Where Musicians Leave Money on the Table moderated by Pat Buchta, Executive Director, ATXM.

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