ASCAP OnStage FAQ

What is ASCAP OnStage and how does it work?

OnStage allows writer members receiving royalties via direct deposit to notify ASCAP of their live performances via Member Access. This data is processed and a royalty is distributed to the writers and publishers of the songs based upon the license fee paid by the respective venue.

Do all members of a band need to submit a performance claim?

No. Only one writer needs to submit a performance claim via OnStage to ensure all writers and publishers on the title registration receive a royalty. All writers can view submitted performance claims in their Member Access account.

When will I receive royalties for performances submitted via OnStage?

Each performance claim will be paid during the corresponding domestic performance distribution. If you are unsure when we make our domestic distributions, please view our Distribution Schedule.

How do I add works to my setlist that are not currently listed in My Catalog?

You should submit title registrations for your missing works via Web Registration. Allow seven (7) days for each registration to be processed and revisit Member Access.

When should I submit a performance via OnStage? Is there a deadline?

You can submit a claim via OnStage right after you have performed live, but you must do so within three (3) months of the live performance. Make it a regular part of your post-show routine.

Are all performances eligible for processing by OnStage?

ASCAP must be able to license the performance or the claim will be declined. Most performances are eligible for processing by OnStage, but some are not based upon US copyright law (as described within 17 USC § 110), generally including non-licensable performances such as:

musical theater
teaching activities
religious services
livestock and agricultural exhibits
government-sponsored events
private parties
non-permitted events

Can I submit a claim if I am only the publisher of a work?

All OnStage claims must be submitted by writers of the performed works.

How much will I make for my live performance?

The royalty generated by a live performance is based upon the license fee paid by the venue. As venues with larger capacities pay a larger license fee to ASCAP, the royalty generated by these venues will be larger than venues with smaller capacities.

Will my ASCAP statement include performances submitted via OnStage?

Yes, and specific details of the performance will remain available in Member Access for future reference.

Who will receive royalties from my OnStage claim?

All ASCAP writers and publishers who are properly listed on the title registration will receive a royalty.

I made a mistake on my claim. How can I edit it?

A claim can be withdrawn and edited in Member Access as long as it is still within the same Distribution period.

I am a foreign affiliate, but license works through ASCAP. How can I participate in OnStage?

A claim must be submitted to your respective society per their specific procedures. Each foreign society will then forward the information to ASCAP for processing as part of our International Awards program.

I "covered" a popular song at my performance. Should I include it in my OnStage claim?

Yes, as it ensures ASCAP receives a record of all music performed.

Which genres can submit to OnStage?

OnStage is not for any specific genre. Any writer members who perform their songs live can submit eligible performance claims through OnStage.

Is ASCAP Onstage the same as ASCAP Plus Awards?

ASCAP Plus Awards is not related to ASCAP OnStage. If you are a writer member who performs live, you should submit those performance claims through OnStage.