The American Society of Composers, Authors, and Publishers (ASCAP) and the Musicians Institute (MI) are teaming up to produce a series of music and educational programs to benefit ASCAP members and students of the Musicians Institute. The program will feature Open Mic Nights and educational panels to be held at MI's extensive facilities in Hollywood, in addition to the production and distribution of CD compilation samplers geared towards Music Supervisors.

The series will kick off with an Open Mic Night on Monday, April 12 2004 from 7:00pm - 10:00pm, and will be held every Monday night. Participants will be asked to sign in upon arrival for 3-song slots (15 minutes maximum), and will play on a first come, first served basis. The Open Mic Nights will be held in "The Passage," MI's performance space on Hollywood Boulevard.

On Tuesday, April 27 th , Todd Brabec (ASCAP Executive Vice President of Membership) and Jeff Brabec (VP of Business Affairs at Chrysalis Music Group), authors of the award-winning book Music, Money and Success: The Insider's Guide to Making Money in the Music Industry , will present the first in a series of educational panel discussions on the topic of "Music & Money: How Songwriters and Music Publishers Make Money." The panel will be held in the Main Concert Hall (P-100) at the Musicians Institute starting at 7:30pm. Other educational panels in the series will include "Murphy's Law of Songwriting" featuring ASCAP Assistant Vice President Ralph Murphy, a veteran songwriter, publisher and producer whose songwriting credits include Ronnie Milsap's "He Got You," Crystal Gayle's "Half The Way" and Kathy Mattea's "Seeds."

"ASCAP is delighted to partner with the Musicians Institute," said Todd Brabec. "The partnership not only offers songwriters and artists the opportunity to learn about the music industry, it also provides them with an outlet to perform. And with the CD compilation samplers, we're pleased to be able to help further support the work of these talented singer/songwriters by bringing their music to an even wider audience across the country."

"Musicians Institute is devoted to educating and providing practical professional assistance to musicians by preparing artists with the technical, creative and vocational skills they need to get started in the industry," said Keith Wyatt, VP of Programs at the Musicians Institute. "By partnering with ASCAP, we can assist these deserving artists get to the next level in their careers."