Brad Biwer Shares Real-World Insights with Full Sail Students
On November 13, Brad Biwer—an alumnus of Full Sail University with a degree in Music Business and a Senior Licensing Representative at Broadcast Music, Inc. (BMI)—visited to present a Music Industry Talk to students. He sat down for a Q&A with Israel Vasquetelle, the Program Director for Entertainment & Music Business, to share practical wisdom drawn from his career. Biwer touched on his earlier role as Market Research Coordinator for the Vans Warped Tour, where he gathered attendee feedback to enhance the festival experience. He then shifted to his current work at BMI, where he oversees music rights and acts as an advocate for songwriters based in Nashville.
The audience included students enrolled in programs such as Music Business, Entertainment Business, Music Production, and Recording Arts. They had the chance to hear from a professional who once stood in their shoes and is now shaping the industry from the inside.
Brad highlighted a foundational idea that many overlook: music is not just sound—it's the intellectual property of the songwriters who create it.
He explained BMI’s role in representing music publishers, composers, and writers to ensure they receive royalties when their music is performed publicly. His responsibilities involve engaging with venues where music is played—bars, restaurants, coffee shops, and similar establishments—to verify they have the proper permissions to use the music legally.
“We’re really good at educating venues,” Brad noted. “We explain why copyright permission matters.” He reiterated the core point:
“Most people don’t think of music as property, but it is the intellectual property of the songwriters.”
During the session, students seized the opportunity to ask questions. Brad spoke candidly about the challenges and rewards of his career path and offered practical guidance for those considering similar routes in the industry.
And this is where the conversation gets especially valuable: understanding the mechanics of licensing, why permissions matter, and how creators can safeguard their work while still sharing it with audiences. For aspiring music professionals, embracing these realities can make the difference between merely creating music and building a sustainable career around it.
Would you agree that understanding licensing and rights is essential for every musician and manager, or do you think creative work should prioritize exposure above legal formalities?Share your thoughts in the comments.
