How to License a Christian Music Copyright
Christian music, like all other forms of music, is protected by copyright laws. If a group or individual would like to perform a song with a copyright outside a church setting, a license must be obtained. There is more than one way to obtain a license for performing Christian music.
- Decide which Christian copyright you would like to use. You also need to know how it will be used and how often. If you'd like to record the performance of the music, you must mention this when requesting a license. The frequency of use is also a thing you need to consider, whether you will use this music once a week or just one time.
- Contact the publisher of the music or the copyright owner. If you need to find a certain publisher, you can contact the Church Music Publishers Association, CMPA. This is an organization of many Christian music publishers. Word Publishing and EMI Christian Music Group are two of the largest music publishers for Christian music.
- Include the name of the song you wish to use, the artist who owns the copyright, your contact information and your church organization wanting to perform the music. You will also need to explain why and how you will be using this music. Publishers have the right to deny a license if they feel the integrity of the song or music will be compromised or used in such a way as to bring negative light to it.
- Enter into negotiations for the cost of a license. Some publishers will not negotiate but others will. How you will use the music and how many times it will be used will determine the amount of the license you obtain.