ATXM Musicians Master Class: Sync Licensing for Musicians

Music sync licensing has become one of the fastest-growing revenue opportunities for independent artists, songwriters, and producers — but many musicians still don’t understand how the process works, who controls the rights, or how to position their music for placement opportunities.

In this ATXM Master Class, musicians will learn the fundamentals of synchronization (“sync”) licensing and how songs are placed in film, television, commercials, video games, YouTube content, trailers, and streaming platforms. The session will break down the business side of sync in clear, practical language designed for working musicians navigating today’s evolving music industry.

🎬 Your music could be earning money in film, TV, commercials, games, and streaming content — if you understand sync licensing.

Join ATXM’s 2026 Master Class to learn how music placement really works and how independent artists can build sustainable revenue streams through sync opportunities.

🎶Independent artists

🎶Songwriters

🎶Producers

🎶Composers

🎶Bands

🎶Managers

🎶Music entrepreneurs

🎶Students and emerging professionals interested in the music business

• Ted Lowe — Music publisher and indie label executive specializing in A&R and sync licensing for film, television, advertising, movie trailers, and video games.
• Bryan Kelley — Composer, producer, and songwriter creating dynamic music for film, television, and gaming projects.
• Roanna Gillespie — Music Supervisor at WOW Sounds and Professor of Audio Technology & Industry at Austin Community College, specializing in music business and sync education.
• Terrany Johnson (“Tee Double”) — 2x Grammy-nominated producer, Austin Hip Hop Honors recipient, artist development executive, and music entrepreneur recognized by the Austin Business Chamber A-List Awards.
• Jason Rudd — Award-winning Executive Producer and music publishing professional with 25+ years of experience securing placements in film, television, documentaries, advertising, and video games.
• Patrick Buchta — Executive Director of ATXM, experienced political advocate, cause marketing professional, and creative leader advancing Austin’s music, policy, and nonprofit sectors.

• What sync licensing actually is.
• What makes music “sync ready”
• How important is owning 100% of your master and publishing rights when trying to get placements in film, TV, or ads?
• How artists earn money from placements
• The difference between publishing rights and master rights
• Metadata, ownership splits, and rights organization. What role does metadata play in getting a song discovered and licensed, and what should songwriters be doing to prepare their files for sync?
• How AI and digital platforms are changing music licensing opportunities
• Building a catalog for TV, film, advertising, and gaming opportunities
• Real-world examples of successful independent artist placements
• How music supervisors, publishers, and sync agencies work
• What are some key elements that make a song attractive for sync from a music supervisor’s perspective?
• What common mistakes do songwriters make when trying to pitch their music for sync or publishing opportunities?
• How can emerging songwriters build relationships with music supervisors or sync reps without coming across as pushy or unprofessional?

The class will also explore how sync licensing can create long-term income streams beyond touring and streaming revenue, helping musicians build more sustainable careers.

The event is presented in collaboration with St. Edward's University, which is partnering with ATXM to support music industry education for Austin’s creative community, and is FREE to attend.

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📅 Date: Monday, June 15, 2026 🚪 Doors Open: 2:45 PM

⏰ Time: 3:00 PM – 5:00 PM

🎓 Host Venue: St. Edward's University, Maloney Room. Third Floor, Main Building.

📌 Address: 3001 South Congress Avenue, Austin, TX

📍 Location: Maloney Room — Main Building

🚗 Parking: Free Parking on Campus. See details below.

⚠️Capacity is limited to 80, and RSVP is required.

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To create a meaningful learning environment and allow time for questions and discussion, this ATXM Master Class is intentionally limited to just 80 attendees. This smaller format gives musicians a rare opportunity to learn directly from industry experts, ask questions, and engage in real conversation about royalties and publishing. We encourage early registration to ensure your seat early!

• Park in nearby Green or Yellow Lots ONLY near the Main Building or the Carriage House. See map below.
• Your target is the Main Building, Third Floor
• Use the following link, or QR Code, to enter your vehicle information
• Parking code is ATX

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Austin Texas Musicians (ATXM) is a nonprofit organization dedicated to advocacy, education, and economic development for working musicians. Representing a community of more than 8,000 musicians, ATXM works to strengthen Austin’s music ecosystem by supporting artists through policy advocacy, professional development programs, and community-building events.

Through initiatives such as Night Shift Music Industry Mixers, Master Classes, webinars, and career development workshops, ATXM is helping musicians better understand the business side of the industry while building stronger connections across Austin’s creative community. ATXM’s mission is simple: support the people and venues who make Austin the Live Music Capital of the World. Visit www.austintexasmusicians.org for more information.

Located in Austin, Texas, St. Edward’s University is a nationally recognized institution committed to academic excellence, community engagement, and creative collaboration. Through its partnership with Austin Texas Musicians, the university is helping expand access to real-world music industry education for Austin’s creative community.

By hosting ATXM Master Classes and educational programming on campus, St. Edward’s provides a collaborative environment where artists, students, and industry professionals can come together to share knowledge, build careers, and strengthen Austin’s music ecosystem. This partnership reflects a shared commitment to supporting the next generation of music industry professionals and working artists. Visit www.stedwards.edu for more information.

Event Venue & Nearby Stays

St. Edward's University, Maloney Room, Main Building - 3rd Floor, 3001 South Congress Avenue, Austin, United States

Concerts, fests, parties, meetups - all the happenings, one place.

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