copyright

This guidance is aimed at providing all the information you need to act as your group's librarian - from sourcing music to dealing with copyright.

Part 1 of our two-part video series on Performing Rights Fees (PRS): what they are and whether you need to pay them.
 

Watch Part 2: Paying PRS fees

If you are putting on a public performance of music you may have to pay royalty fees. It is important that you understand what you obligations are and that you are paying any fees where necessary.

Part 2 of our two-part video series on Performing Rights Fees (PRS): how to pay

Watch Part 1: What are PRS fees

Read our detailed guidance on PRS fees

This list of composers’ dates is intended to assist groups in determining the copyright status of works they are performing or promoting. Note that this is by no means an exhaustive list but hopefully it provides a useful starting point. Composers still in copyright as of 2017 are printed in bold.

If you need further guidance on performing rights fees then please see our further guidance:

Putting on concerts is the highlight of being in a leisure-time music group. It’s the culmination of all your hard work in rehearsals and a chance to show the world what you can do, not to mention a source of income. A well organised and professionally run event can help make the experience for the group and the audience memorable – and ensure they come back.

In this edition of Highnotes, find out about the rules for digitising your music library, Streetwise Opera's latest project, getting men singing and much more.

This guidance will outline when you need to pay performing rights fees and how to pay them.

Licensing – whether that's about gaining permission to use a venue, or a piece of music – can seem like a minefield of confusing legislation and complicated procedures. This guidance provides a brief summary of the areas your music group might need to be informed about and what steps you should take.