The MLC has released the second version of its Educator Toolkit, a free resource we first unveiled in November. It is designed to help college educators teach students studying music and music business about the landscape of digital audio mechanical rights in the U.S. and The MLC’s role in it following passage of the Music Modernization Act of 2018.

Created by Serona Elton, The MLC’s Head of Educational Partnerships and a long-time university professor, the Educator Toolkit provides instructors with a range of materials they can easily incorporate into their existing syllabi or employ in the creation of new course modules, including an easy-to-understand introductory video, white-label customizable PowerPoint presentation, suggested classroom activities and exam questions and a list of informational videos and articles on copyright and the history of mechanical licensing

More than 110 educators from 80 colleges and universities across the country requested the original version of the Toolkit, and the updates The MLC has made to it are based in part on feedback we received from those very educators. Among the enhancements in the new version are:

• Activities involving hands-on practice using The MLC’s Public Search feature – which was not yet fully operational for the release of the Toolkit’s first version – and other assets on The MLC’s website;
• Revamped video content that incorporates answers to the common questions pertaining to mechanical licensing that have arisen during The MLC’s “Q&A” webinars over the past several months; and
• A section of “learning outcomes” that are tied directly to the Toolkit’s video and presentation materials.

The Educator Toolkit reflects The MLC's commitment to fulfilling a broader mandate to educate rightsholders about changes that came about with the passage of the Music Modernization Act and The MLC's role in those changes. Through this resource, The MLC will be able to continue building connections with future music business professionals and aspiring songwriters at the outset of their respective careers. Click here to access the Educator Toolkit.

Note: Non-academic professionals seeking more information about The MLC and mechanical licensing are encouraged to use the materials found in the Resources page and FAQ section of our website.