In recognition of Teacher Appreciation Week, The Mechanical Licensing Collective (The MLC) highlights its expanding educational programs that prepare students for the music industry of tomorrow.
While The MLC may be best known for making sure music creators get paid what they’re owed in the digital age, the organization’s mission goes well beyond royalty distribution. As of this Teacher Appreciation Week (May 5–9), The MLC is putting a spotlight on the educators and students who are benefiting from its expanding slate of educational initiatives.
Based in Nashville and designated by the U.S. Register of Copyrights under the Music Modernization Act, The MLC has distributed nearly $3 billion in digital audio mechanical royalties since launching in 2021. But that’s just part of the story. The organization is also investing deeply in the future of the music industry by equipping educators with tools to teach critical topics like copyright, licensing, and royalty systems.
A statement from the company discloses that, “Educators play a crucial role in preparing students for careers in the music industry... we celebrate their tireless work and dedication and applaud their commitment to including critically important information about rights and royalties in their courses.”
This isn’t just seasonal appreciation—it’s a long-term strategy. Through programs like its Educator Ambassador Program, The MLC has partnered with more than 45 instructors nationwide. These Ambassadors undergo an assessment and commit to incorporating MLC-related content into their teaching, helping students gain real-world insight into how the music business operates in a digital-first world.
Susan L. Dodes, who teaches Music Business at NYU, shared how the program has impacted her classroom: “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.”
Support for educators extends even further with The MLC’s Educator Toolkit, a free resource packed with presentations, videos, suggested readings, and even exam questions. Designed to integrate easily into existing courses, the toolkit has already been downloaded by more than 200 instructors across the country.
For students looking to understand the foundations of mechanical licensing, The MLC now offers The MLC 101, a free, self-paced online micro-course. Aimed at newcomers to the music business, the course lays out key concepts like how royalties are calculated and why complete metadata is essential for getting paid.
“The MLC’s website and Educator Toolkit are filled with clear, practical, and valuable insights,” 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.”
The MLC is also fostering peer leadership through its Student Ambassador Program, which saw 22 participants in Fall 2024 and another 15 in Spring 2025. These student leaders promote awareness of The MLC on their campuses and gain valuable professional development along the way.
From interactive “Student Match-A-Thons” focused on metadata to classroom visits and virtual learning sessions with schools like Berklee College of Music, Middle Tennessee State University, and Vanderbilt University, The MLC is taking an active role in shaping music education. They’ve also partnered with organizations like MEIEA, CMS, and AMPE to ensure that their resources reach a broader network of academic professionals.
Scott K. Durbin, Assistant Professor and Coordinator of the Music Business Program at the University of Louisiana at Lafayette, noted how students are already putting their knowledge to work: “Our music business students have not just learned about The MLC, they have taken the initiative to apply this knowledge... helping songwriters join The MLC and guiding them through the royalty collection process.”
By celebrating educators this week and continuing to support them all year, The MLC is making it clear: preparing the next generation of music professionals is just as important as paying the current one.
To learn more about The MLC’s educational programs or to get involved, visit https://www.themlc.com/educational-partnerships.
