Q&A: Licensing for music used in sound designs?
Question by superfairygal: Licensing for music used in sound designs?
One of the sound designers in the theatre I work at has asked me to gather up information about licensing for music we use in our shows. (I don’t mean musicals, I mean underscoring etc.) Most of the places I’ve done work at haven’t worried about this, but we’re about to make a move into a much larger space and the powers that be have deemed that we need to make sure we’re doing everything legally.
So, what are the rules about licensing and use? We are a fairly large non-profit theatre, if that makes any difference. Any resources would be greatly appreciated.
Best answer:
Answer by Tim A
Contact the recording company you’re using music from and ask for permission to use such-n-such a piece for such-n-such a show… specify exactly what you are using the music for, and when it’ll be heard. Depending on the producer you may or may not be required to pay royalties and provide a note in the program… something along the lines of “Music used with special permission of…”
Of course, if you have a composer attached to your theater, you could always have him/her underscore your productions.
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