The MLC continues to expand resources and programs that empower educators and the next generation of music industry professionals.
NASHVILLE, TN – In celebration of Teacher Appreciation Week (May 5–9), the Mechanical Licensing Collective (The MLC) is spotlighting its growing portfolio of educational initiatives aimed at empowering both educators and the next generation of music industry professionals through learning and engagement.
As part of its mission to ensure all music creators understand how digital audio mechanical royalties are earned and distributed, The MLC has developed robust educational resources and programs for educators, as well as for music business and music creator students across the country. These ongoing efforts continue to expand the organization’s reach and impact, equipping future music professionals with the knowledge and tools they need to succeed.
“Educators play a crucial role in preparing students for careers in the music industry,” said Serona Elton, Head of Educational Partnerships at The MLC. “This week and every week, we celebrate their tireless work and dedication and applaud their commitment to including critically important information about rights and royalties in their courses.”
Over the past year, The MLC’s Educator Ambassador Program continued to grow, with over 45 instructors now serving as official Educator Ambassadors of The MLC. To earn this designation, educators must pass an assessment and commit to delivering several presentations to their students each year about The MLC and its role in the music industry. These Ambassadors are key to helping students understand digital mechanical royalties and the resources available to them.
“Being an Educator Ambassador of The MLC has not only improved the specificity of my curriculum but has allowed me to mentor and advise our student creators and budding executives on the necessary actions and structures that need to be understood for creators to earn money in today's business,” said Susan L. Dodes, Faculty, Music Business at New York University.
Jessica Muñiz, Assistant Professor of Music Business at the University of North Texas, also reflects on the difference The MLC can make in the classroom. “The MLC has illuminated the often-unclear pathways of music rights and royalties for my music students. This partnership has empowered both my students and colleagues with a deeper understanding of how creators are compensated for their work.”
A key resource supporting both Ambassadors and other instructors is the Educator Toolkit—a free, comprehensive toolkit that includes a presentation about The MLC, videos, suggested readings, class discussion prompts, and exam questions. Since its launch, the Toolkit has been downloaded by more than 200 educators across the country, becoming a vital resource for those teaching music business overview courses and specialized courses in music publishing, copyright, and entertainment law.
In addition, The MLC recently launched The MLC 101: Introduction to The MLC, a free, self-paced online micro-course that provides a foundational understanding of mechanical licensing and The MLC’s role in the music industry. This course serves as a valuable entry point for students beginning their careers in the music industry.
"The MLC’s website and Educator Toolkit are filled with clear, practical, and valuable insights—covering everything from how digital royalties flow to publishers and rightsholders, to how streaming rates are calculated, why complete metadata is essential for receiving accurate payments, and much more," said Jeff Brabec, Adjunct Professor of Music Publishing & Licensing at the University of Southern California. "In an industry that’s only growing more complex, The MLC’s educational programs and resources are a gold mine for students, educators, and music creators alike.”
Warren G. Mize, Director of the Patterson Center for the Performing Arts at East Central Independent School District in San Antonio, TX, also highlighted the value of these resources saying, “The MLC’s resources have become essential tools for designing lessons on copyright and licensing. These materials help students develop a deeper awareness, understanding, and appreciation of the importance of compensating creators for their work.”
The MLC’s Student Ambassador Program saw significant growth over the past year, with 22 students participating in Fall 2024 and 15 in Spring 2025. These ambassadors help raise awareness of The MLC on their campuses through social media and peer-to-peer engagement, while also gaining firsthand insights into the music industry and valuable professional development experience.
Over the past year, The MLC has actively engaged with college and university students nationwide through a wide range of educational initiatives. These included virtual learning sessions with students from institutions such as:
- The University of Tennessee;
- Colorado State University;
- University of North Texas;
- Drexel University;
- Appalachian State University;
- Ferris State University;
- Flagler College, and others.
The MLC also hosted several Student Match-A-Thons— where students explored music metadata through interactive, hands-on activities—with students from Belmont University, New York University, California State University - Northridge, Middle Tennessee State University, Dark Horse Institute, and Tennessee State University.
In-person visits to The MLC’s Nashville headquarters provided learning experiences for student groups from schools like:
- Berklee College of Music;
- Middle Tennessee State University;
- Rider University;
- Appalachian State University; and
- Dark Horse Institute.
Additionally, leaders from The MLC were invited to speak directly in classrooms at universities including Vanderbilt University, University of Georgia, University of Colorado Denver, Roc Nation School of Music, and others—helping to educate and inspire the next generation of music industry professionals.
The MLC continues to collaborate with leading academic professional organizations—including MEIEA (Music and Entertainment Industry Educators Association), CMS (College Music Society), and AMPE (Association for Popular Music Education)—to amplify awareness of its educational resources and deepen its impact across the academic community.
Scott K. Durbin, Assistant Professor and Coordinator of the Music Business Program at the University of Louisiana at Lafayette, shared how his students are putting their knowledge into action. “Our music business students have not just learned about The MLC, they have taken the initiative to apply this knowledge. They have used their understanding of this important revenue stream to assist and inform songwriters in our community. Their proactive approach, from helping songwriters join The MLC to guiding them through the royalty collection process, is truly inspiring.”
As Teacher Appreciation Week shines a light on the value of education, The MLC reaffirms its dedication to supporting the educators and students shaping the future of the music industry. To learn more about The MLC’s educational initiatives or to get involved, visit https://www.themlc.com/educational-partnerships
