He made A’s in AP classes, won an ASCAP award at the age of 16 and was honored at the Lincoln Center in NYC and his Bassoon Octet composition was just picked up by a publisher last week. I read Outliers and The Element back to back last week. MORE

1914 Founding of ASCAP (American Society of Composers, Authors, and Publishers) … to make sure both songwriters and publishers received compensation for public performances of their music. From February 7 through February 13: 1881 First US patent for halftone printing process (which enabled the reproduction of photographs in newspapers and magazines). 1885 Birthday of American novelist Sinclair Lewis: “People will buy anything that’s one to a customer.&#. MORE

Additional Resources: ASCAP: NSA members get 30% discount on music licenses. MORE

If you want to use a popular song, make sure you have the proper license from one of the licensing organizations such as ASCAP or BMI in the U.S. When I was flying home Tuesday night from St. John’s, I was tired after speaking the two days and instead of pulling out my laptop, I plugged in my noise cancelling earphones and watched a light hearted movie. After the movie, I tuned in to the preview of the XM Satellite channel The Highway, which is a New Country channel. MORE

If you want to use music, make sure you have a license to do so (from organizations such as SOCAN, ASCAP or BMI) or you are using royalty free music that allows you to perform the song in public as part of your presentation. (Tip from today's newsletter) Last issue we talked about video in your presentation, this issue we will cover audio clips. First, when would you want to use an audio clip over a video clip? MORE

There have been many lawsuits between meeting planners and organizers and Broadcast Music Incorporated (BMI) and The American Society of Composers, Authors, and Publishers (ASCAP). Call BMI or ASCAP in New York City for details. Background music playing when participants enter a room is a great way to set the mood for a NO ZZZZZs meeting or event. It also makes you look like a more polished presenter. MORE

There have been many lawsuits between meeting planners and organizers and Broadcast Music Incorporated (BMI) and The American Society of Composers, Authors, and Publishers(ASCAP). Call BMI or ASCAP in New York City for details Background music playing when participants enter a room is a great way to set the mood for a NO ZZZZZs meeting or event.It also makes you look like a more polished presenter. MORE