Copyright issues
[Updated 15 November 2023]
After a Search is performed, you will see a list of the pieces which meet your search criteria. The last line of each entry is a list of terms I have given that piece. If it includes the term “PREMIUM”, then the files are in-copyright; if it includes the term “FREE”, then the files are out-of-copyright.
The pages containing the files also has a statement at the top stating their copyrightness:
All files on this site are classed as concert performances, so usual performance rules apply. Those marked “FREE” are out-of-copyright; there is no need for any further action: they can be copied, distributed, put onto other websites without further ado.
Those marked “PREMIUM” are in-copyright, so there are legal restrictions which apply to their use, including reporting to the copyright holder the number of times they are streamed/downloaded; not allowing copying for distribution to others; not allowing their uploading to other sites.
In-copyright
If a work is in-copyright, then I only supply MP3 files.
I pay the performance fees to ICE Services, who then distribute the fees to composers and arrangers on an international basis. This applies for both when a link is clicked and the file is played through the browser; and also for when it is downloaded to your hard drive and played off-line.
When playing on-line I have a system which counts every time a file is played. This count is used to assess the level of fee I need to pay for the annual licence from ICE Services.
My system also counts when a file is downloaded, which is also taken into account by ICE. There are conditions that apply when using in-copyright files:
For in-copyright files, you may:
- play the files through your browser
- download files to your hard drive and then play them through your computer off-line
- transfer these downloaded files to other computers/mobile devices that you own, but only for your own use
- burn these downloaded files to CD, or record to tape, to play in a player that you own and for your own use
For in-copyright files, you may not:
- give or sell these downloaded files to other people
- upload these downloaded files to a website/intranet or cloud storage facility
- publish the link to these files on a website/intranet or cloud storage facility
If you are the Parent of an in-date Corporate Account, all the above apply. In addition, any member of your corporate membership plan can access the files as if they were a full member of the site. Also, you may share the files with anyone who has a Sub Account of your Corporate Account, and burn files to CD for them. However, neither you nor any member of the group, are allowed to share these files with anyone else, unless they are a member of that said subscription.
You may not upload files, nor a link to those files. to a website, intranet or to a cloud storage facility, for your members to play on-line or download; they should only be accessed through my site. However, you may put links on your website to the pages on my site. When your members click on the link on your site, they will be taken directly to the page on my site. They will, though, need to login before they can access in-copyright sound files.
To make things a little easier for Sub Account members of corporate accounts, I provide the facility for the Parent of that corporate account to create a dedicated choir page on the site. The title of pieces currently being rehearsed can be listed on this page, and each title can be linked to the relevent page to gain access to the rehearsal files.
Virtual rehearsals
For Group Account owners who are running virtual rehearsals through meeting sites, such as Zoom, Facebook or YouTube, I do give permission for my files to be streamed to those taking part in the group meeting, but my in-copyright files must not be used for “open to the public” performances.
Out-of-copyright
If a work is out-of-copyright, in addition to MP3 files, I supply MIDI, Music XML files and Sibelius files.
No restrictions apply to the use of files for music which are out-of-copyright. You may do anything you like with the files.
Copyright law is complicated, and I do not claim to understand all the ramifications, but if you have any further questions do contact me.