ascap: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
LowFormal/Technical
Quick answer
What does “ascap” mean?
A proper noun referring to the American Society of Composers, Authors and Publishers, a performance rights organization.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A proper noun referring to the American Society of Composers, Authors and Publishers, a performance rights organization.
Used informally to refer to membership in or affiliation with this organization, or to the royalties/licensing system it administers.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
ASCAP is a US-based organization. In British contexts, the equivalent is often PRS (Performing Right Society). The term 'ASCAP' is understood in the UK music industry but is less frequent in general discourse.
Connotations
In the US, it connotes professional music composition and publishing. In the UK, it may carry a connotation of the American music industry.
Frequency
Significantly more frequent in American English, particularly in music, media, and legal contexts.
Grammar
How to Use “ascap” in a Sentence
[Artist/Composer] is a member of ASCAP.[Song] is licensed through ASCAP.Pay your ASCAP [fees/license].Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “ascap” in a Sentence
adjective
British English
- The venue needs an ASCAP licence to play the radio.
- She is an ASCAP-affiliated songwriter.
American English
- The venue needs an ASCAP license to play the radio.
- He received an ASCAP Foundation grant.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Refers to licensing requirements for playing music in commercial venues.
Academic
Discussed in musicology, copyright law, and media studies papers.
Everyday
Rare in everyday conversation outside of musicians or venue owners.
Technical
Central to discussions of music copyright, royalty distribution, and intellectual property law.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “ascap”
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “ascap”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “ascap”
- Using it as a verb (e.g., 'The song was ASCAPed').
- Writing it in lowercase ('ascap').
- Confusing it with BMI or other PROs without context.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No. A record label produces and sells recordings. ASCAP is a rights organization that licenses the public performance of musical compositions and pays royalties to its composer and publisher members.
If your business publicly plays music (e.g., radio, background music in a shop/restaurant, live cover bands), you likely need a license from ASCAP, BMI, or another PRO, depending on the songs played.
No. In the US, songwriters and publishers can only be affiliated with one performing rights organization (PRO) at a time for their entire catalog. However, co-writers can be members of different PROs.
American Society of Composers, Authors and Publishers.
A proper noun referring to the American Society of Composers, Authors and Publishers, a performance rights organization.
Ascap is usually formal/technical in register.
Ascap: in British English it is pronounced /ˈæskæp/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈæskæp/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “To be in good standing with ASCAP.”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
ASCAP: **A**ll **S**ongs **C**ollect **A**rtists' **P**ayments.
Conceptual Metaphor
ASCAP IS A GUARDIAN (protects creators' rights).
Practice
Quiz
What is the primary function of ASCAP?