D. GEOFFREY BELL
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.
Licensing Music for a Video or Motion Picture - "Synchronization" Licences
Choral Music
If a choir is making a promotional video that won't earn any money, the composer or publisher may give permission for use, 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 composer or publisher with details of your project, and ask about licensing fees.
To purchase a "synchronization license" for a larger commercial venture, or to use music as a soundtrack for a video or motion picture, please contact SOCAN. The licence fee is based on the size of the intended market.
Stock Instrumental Music
Shop for available tracks at Pond5. Synchronization license included in purchase.
Publisher Contact Information
PO Box 131977
Houston, Texas 77219-1977
USA
Tel: 1-800-350-7750
Fax: 713-802-2988
1072 S. Roanoke Ave.
Springfield, MO 65807
USA
Tel: 1-800-322-1127
Leslie Music - Canadian Distribution by
Mayfair Music
26037 Woodbine Avenue
R.R.#2
Keswick, ON L4P 3E9
Canada
Tel: 1-800-387-9670