For too long, it says, artists have been educated and skilled only in their arts discipline, without the business, financial and self-management skills that they require to become successful and financially secure in their careers.

“Too many composers have died as paupers due to bad business, legal and management decisions.”

CASA was formed in 2002 by a group of concerned music composers after realising that there was a lack of information flow amongst music composers and within the music industry in general.

Some of CASA’s objectives include offering information and general advice to music composers, promoting knowledge and understanding towards fair and effective management of composer’s music rights, promoting and protecting the rights of South African music composers and providing a forum for debating issues of interest to composers.

2012 sees CASA’s objectives being intensified by tackling ‘industry ignorance’ head on.

There are four main workshops scheduled for 2012 under the theme ‘Earning Income from Composing Music’.

The first workshop will take place on March 7 and will focus on ‘Understanding Music Publishing’, a topic least understood by many music composers. There will also be a session of advice from a legal perspective from a well-respected entertainment lawyer.

The rest of the workshop series will be announced after the 7th March workshop. CASA also intends to duplicate these workshops in other provinces.

This workshop is free to all music composers, however attendees would need to register and reserve space by e-mailing exco@composers.co.za or SMSing 082 444 9762.

Understanding Music Publishing
Date: Wednesday, March 7
Time: 10am – 1pm
Venue: SAMRO House, 20 De Korte Street, Braamfontein, Jhb.
Enquiries: Mhlanganisi Masoga, SENA: Stakeholder Hub Administrator, 011 712-8421 / 8419