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Home: Choirs and Choral Music: General discussion:
copyright issues



songbook
Novice

Oct 26, 2006, 7:29 PM


Views: 53739
copyright issues

I direct a mixed-voice choir (not a church choir) performing a wide range of music. We have never charged admission to our concerts, which are held in a church. We are also invited to perform in other locations and at other events.

We have bought music for some pieces and have some copied music for others; some pieces we have learned orally.

I would like to know the complete position as regards licenses, fees, permissions, etc, for our choir so as to stay on the right side of the question and avoid any legal hassle.

Can anyone address this accurately and comprehensively?


songbook
Novice

Oct 29, 2006, 5:45 PM


Views: 53723
Re: [songbook] copyright issues

Er... I notice there have been 14 views on this post and nary a reply. SOmeone must know something about it, surely?


roger_miller
Novice

Oct 30, 2006, 2:47 PM


Views: 53709
Re: [songbook] copyright issues


In Reply To
Er... I notice there have been 14 views on this post and nary a reply. SOmeone must know something about it, surely?



You could start at http://www.mcps-prs-alliance.co.uk/aboutcopyright/

If you are photocopying printed music then you are almost certainly in breach of copyright.


dcmbarton
Novice

Nov 7, 2006, 4:26 PM


Views: 53597
Re: [songbook] copyright issues

If you are photocopying pieces of music published after 1936 and they are not covered by the CCL licence, then I'm sure you would be in breach of copyright. Apart from the legal implications of this, it is morally wrong as composers will not be paid for their works. This means that although things like madrigals were written many years ago, if you are using them in a book such as Clifford Bartlett's Madrigals and Part Songs then the publication is still in copyright and will be for many years.

In terms of the performance, the church will definately need a PRS licence from CCL. If the concert is likely to be attended by those from outside the performing organisation and church, they I think that an Entertainments Licence from the local council will also be required. If the concert contains any kind of drama, dance or movement, then a theatre licence may also be required. Whether you charge admission or not is now irrelevant.

Of course, if the music is being presented as part of divine worship, then no licences are required.

I don't profess to be an expert but hope that helps a bit!

David


songbook
Novice

Nov 8, 2006, 8:22 AM


Views: 53587
Re: [dcmbarton] copyright issues

Thanks for those replies - I have been in touch with PRS and that was helpful.

We are not a church choir so a lot of David's post will not apply, but interesting, all the same.

The tricky bit at the moment is trying to find and get in touch with copyright holders, as there are two pieces where we have the permission of the arrangers to use their arrangements, but we must get in touch with the copyright holders for each - in one case, I know that the copyright holder is the writer of the piece, but in the other, I am not sure...


dcmbarton
Novice

Nov 8, 2006, 9:12 AM


Views: 53585
Re: [songbook] copyright issues


In Reply To
Thanks for those replies - I have been in touch with PRS and that was helpful.

We are not a church choir so a lot of David's post will not apply, but interesting, all the same.

The tricky bit at the moment is trying to find and get in touch with copyright holders, as there are two pieces where we have the permission of the arrangers to use their arrangements, but we must get in touch with the copyright holders for each - in one case, I know that the copyright holder is the writer of the piece, but in the other, I am not sure...



You might want to check this. If you are performing in churches, and the building has a PRS licence then you shouldn't be required to obtain any extra copyright or permissions. The licence covers any music performed and the church is not required to report what has been performed. Remember that these licences apply to the building and not the church community.

David


songbook
Novice

Nov 8, 2006, 9:39 AM


Views: 53583
Re: [dcmbarton] copyright issues

Wow - if it is true that we are ok as long as the venues have a PRS license, that would make things easier...


dcmbarton
Novice

Nov 8, 2006, 9:47 AM


Views: 53581
Re: [songbook] copyright issues

See http://www.ccli.com/Visitors/PerformingRightSociety.cfm

David


songbook
Novice

Nov 8, 2006, 2:49 PM


Views: 53576
Re: [dcmbarton] copyright issues

Thanks!