Performing rights and copyright

When your group decides to perform a piece of music there will be copyright laws, permissions and licenses to be aware of. Part 5 of our guidance looks at how that applies to making and sharing a music recording in either a physical or digital format. 

Performing Rights are the right to give a live performance of a piece of music which is in copyright. For each performance a fee will be due to the owner of the copyright for that piece of music (known as royalties), which is usually collected by PRS for Music. 

Who are PRS for Music? 

PRS for Music is a collecting society representing the performing rights of its songwriter, composer and music publisher members in the UK. PRS for Music licenses the use of its members’ music, collects royalty payments on their behalf and then distributes them. 

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

If you're performing dramatico-musical works (e.g. an opera, musical, revue, pantomime or ballets) then Grand Rights apply and additional permissions must be sought be required.