San Antonio - GRAMMY U: Music Publishing 101

On November 2, 2011, GRAMMY U and the University of Texas at San Antonio’s Music Department co-hosted the “UTSA Music Department Hosts: GRAMMY U Music Publishing 101” event. The event brought together three professionals who work within the realm of music publishing.  ASCAP Texas Representative Velia Gonzalez, entertainment attorney Andrew Borrego, and music publisher Carlos Alvarez joined forces to offer music industry hopefuls insight on what it takes to protect art.

Students entered the UTSA Music Department’s Recital Hall eager to listen to the guest panelists explain the basics of music publishing.  The panelists were also able to give students a greater understanding of how a song acquires royalties. Velia Gonzalez explained to students how important performing rights organizations, such as ASCAP, are to songwriters and to the music industry in general.  Andrew Borrego gave students insight into some of the legal actions and potential outcomes that take place when a songwriter enters a publishing deal.

After the panel, a brief question and answer period was opened up for the students to directly ask the panelists questions. After the question and answer period sessions, students waited on stage to meet the three panelists. After a few minutes, the panelists talked to each student individually about more specific questions. The students left inspired from the talks they had with each panelist.