The Art and Science of Public Performance Music Licensing – October 1, 2025
On October 1, 2025, the Copyright Society of the South welcomed Alex Grout, David Schneider, and Reid Alan Waltz, who provided a comprehensive discussion on the complex and evolving world of public performance copyright licensing. Society board director Kent Draughon monitored the conversation. The CLE luncheon event was held for Society members and their guests at the Country Music Association event room in Nashville, Tennessee.
(L to R): Reid Alan Waltz, David Schneider, Alex Grout, and Kent Draughon discuss the current landscape of public performance licensing at their presentation to the Copyright Society of the South on October 1, 2025.
Kent Draughon is the SVP of Publishing Administration and Operations at Capitol CMG Publishing. The son of a church pianist and Bible publisher, Kent grew up surrounded by church music, gospel music and CCM. After 30 years at CCMG, Kent coordinates with Finance and Business Affairs teams to evaluate and secure new opportunities with songwriters and publishing partners. He’s blessed to lead an amazing team of licensing, royalty and copyright professionals and proudly supports NARAS, The National Music Publishers Association, The Copyright Society of the South, The Church Music Publishers Association, Administrators of Gospel Music and Providence Baptist Church.
Alex Grout is Senior Vice President, Membership and Business & Legal Affairs, at ASCAP, providing strategic and legal guidance supporting the organization’s membership and licensing objectives. Grout is ASCAP’s lead negotiator with members regarding affiliation and distribution issues, and market share initiatives, and also advises Executive Management on complex issues dealing with licensing, copyright, and other legal and business issues. Grout also counsels internal stakeholders on day-to-day strategic issues relating to performance rights and music publishing. He has lectured at numerous engagements with management companies, major law firms, publishing companies, universities, and Grammy events.
Alex Grout is a graduate of the State University of New York at Oneonta and of William & Mary Law School. Beyond his professional work, Alex is an experienced performing bassist and long distance athlete.
David Schneider serves as Vice President, Distribution & Administration Services Analytics, for Broadcast Music, Inc. Schneider leads data strategy and insights for BMI in regards to public performance rights administration. Schneider’s role involves analyzing large datasets to optimize royalty collection, track performance, and identify new revenue opportunities across various platforms globally. Schneider oversees the development and implementation of data-driven strategies to enhance the efficiency and accuracy of royalty distribution and administration at BMI and works closely with legal, finance, and licensing teams to support contract negotiations and ensure data integrity. Prior to joining BMI in 2018 Schneider was Partner Manager at Pandora, Director of royalties at BMG Rights Management, and Senior Client Advisor for the Harry Fox Agency. David Schneider holds an M.A. in Music Business Marketing/NEW Media from New York University.
Reid Alan Waltz has more than 31 years of experience in the entertainment and intellectual property fields and currently serves as SVP & Counsel in the Legal & Business Affairs department at SESAC Music Group. His role focuses on intellectual property matters including copyright and trademarks as well as music business-related transactional matters.
Waltz joined SESAC in 2003 during which time he has participated in major songwriter and publisher deals, Copyright Royalty Board proceedings, international matters, and was part of the team involved with the 2017 Blackstone acquisition of SESAC as well as multiple successful whole business securitizations since 2019. Prior to joining SESAC, Waltz served in a variety of capacities within the music business including publishing and record label operations. Waltz earned his Juris Doctor from the Nashville School of Law and is a recipient of the Founder’s Award, recognizing the highest academic achievement in his graduating class, as well as a member of the Cooper’s Inn Honor Society. Waltz graduated magna cum laude from Middle Tennessee State University with a Bachelor of Science degree in Recording Industry Management.
How to Apply for Membership in the Copyright Society of the South
Consideration for Society membership is open to attorneys, business people, academians, administrators and others interested in the field of copyright law. The Board of Directors has set the annual dues at $300.00 in order to provide top quality speakers, seminars, presentations and an information flow to the membership regarding the field of copyright. The annual dues also cover all normal luncheon and reception costs for members including meals, CLE credit, and online content/access. Members are accepted into the organization by board vote. If you are interested in joining the Copyright Society of the South please visit our website.
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