Licensing | dgeoffreybell

Licensing Music for a Recording - "Mechanical" Licenses

Music publishers sell copies of music for live performances only. Licenses to make recordings or videos are sold separately.

"Mechanical licences" for recording published works should be purchased directly through the publisher.

Costs are usually based on the size of the intended market. If a choir is making a small-run promotional recording to sell locally to choir supporters, the license fee is generally quite low. However, if a major recording label plans to market the recording around the world, licensing fees are set to the industry standard. The best practice is to contact the publisher with details of your project, and ask about licensing fees.

(Publisher contact information is posted below.)

Licensing Music for a Video or Motion Picture - "Synchronization" Licences

"Synchronization licenses" for making videos of musical performances , or to use as a soundtrack for a video or motion picture, should also be purchased directly from the publisher. Costs are based on the size of the intended market. If a choir is making a promotional video that won't earn any money, the publisher may give permission or issue an inexpensive license. If a choir plans to market the recording around the world, intending to make a profit, licensing fees are set to the industry standard. The best practice is to contact the publisher with details of your project, and ask about licensing fees.