Music Publishers Association of the United States

About the MPA

• MPA Officers and Board
• Committees
• Become a Member

Founded in 1895, the Music Publishers Association is the oldest music trade organization in the United States, fostering communication among publishers, dealers, music educators, and all ultimate users of music. This non-profit association addresses issues pertaining to every area of music publishing with an emphasis on issues relevant to the publishers of print music for concert and educational purposes.

The MPA serves the industry through engagement with other organizations such as NewMusicUSA, the International Confederation of Music Publishers, American Choral Directors Association, National Association of Music Merchants, the League of American Orchestras, the Church Music Publishers Association, the Music Library Association, the Major Orchestra Librarians’ Association, the National Association for Music Education, the Music Teachers National Association, and the Retail Print Music Dealers Association.

In addition, MPA members belong to and work cooperatively with the National Music Publisher’s Association, the Harry Fox Agency and, the performance rights organizations: ASCAP, BMI, and SESAC.

The Music Publishers Association:

• Serves as a forum for publishers to address the music industry’s vital issues.
• Is actively involved in supporting and advancing compliance with the copyright law and, combating copyright infringement.
• Advocates the protection of intellectual property rights in the legal and legislative arena.
• Keeps its members informed of new laws, decisions, and regulations affecting the industry.
• Keeps its members informed of the latest technology and systems being used for engraving, printing, distribution and licensing.
• Produces and distributes copyright education materials, music industry reference lists and, various other brochures and guidelines on topics relevant to music publishers for its members and the music community at large.
• Facilitates communication among publishers, dealers, music educators, and all ultimate users of music.
• Seeks to provide solutions to critical issues within the music community.

Meetings

Meetings of the board are held in New York City throughout the year, except July and August.

There is an annual meeting (usually held the first week in June) of the full membership at which the election of the board members takes place.

Committees

ANNUAL MEETING COMMITTEE
Organizes the annual meeting that brings together all MPA members for a full day of activity. A typical Annual Meeting would include: panel discussions on important issues, annual committee reports, presentation of awards, election of new board members, and a keynote address.

COPYRIGHT AND LICENSING
Provides and distributes information regarding legal and legislative developments in the area of copyright and licensing.

DIGITAL PIRACY/TECH
The Digital Piracy Committee overseas strategic action for reporting MPA publisher content that has been posted without proper licensing.

EDUCATIONAL CONTACTS & TRADE RELATIONS
Communicates with various national, regional, and state organizations and music selection committees; disseminates information to the membership; encourages the exchange of ideas and discussion of concerns to both music publishers and music educators. Interacts with music dealers and functions as a liaison to the Retail Print Music Dealers Association (RPMDA). Maintains the Music Publishers Directory, and produces an annual listing of music industry conventions and a bi-annual contact list for music industry magazines. Periodically surveys publishers and dealers on topics of interest to the MPA.

EQUITY & INCLUSION
This committee seeks to foster equity & inclusion within our industry through alignment with/funding of other organizations.

FINANCE/AUDIT
Oversees the finances of the association and audits the accounts.

INTERNATIONAL CONTACTS
Represents MPA at major international meetings, reporting on American positions and activities, and bringing back discussed subjects of concerns to the worldwide publishing community, such as copyright laws, directives, licensing, royalties, and performance practices.

JOINT COMMITTEE
This joint committee of the Music Library Association, the Major Orchestra Librarians’ Association and the MPA addresses issues relevant to both music librarians and music publishers including: cataloging, publishing information and copyright issues.

MISSION & VISION
An ad hoc committee created in the 2020-2021 season to establish long term goals of the organization.

PERFORMANCE
Concerns itself with the symphonic, operatic, dance and concert fields. Deals with all performance issues including rental libraries, and the performing rights societies, ASCAP, BMI and, SESAC. Coordinates with the American Symphony Orchestra League, the National Orchestra Association, the American Music Center and others the promotion of American music.

PRESS AND PUBLICITY
Distributes information via press releases about copyright issues, available services and MPA news to the music and education press. Promotes public awareness of the Copyright Law and the role of the music publisher through advertising campaigns and educational materials.

PRODUCTION & DIGITAL DISTRIBUTION
This committee meets occasionally to discuss new means of production and distribution, sharing applicable information with the Board as well as membership.

REVERE AWARDS & ENGRAVING
Organizes the call for entries, judging and presentation of the Paul Revere Awards for Graphic Excellence. Created in 1964, the Paul Revere Awards recognize excellence and all areas of print music publishing including, music engraving, artwork, design and printing. Also serves to educate member publishers on new technologies in engraving.