Performing rights and copyright

Whether you are performing, writing, rehearsing or recording music, you’ll probably need to be covered by a licence. But knowing where to start, what you should consider and what you need to do can be confusing. This resource will introduce the permissions and licenses you may need and how to get them.

Even if your group has never needed a licence it’s worth taking some time to understand music licensing because: 

If you're searching for music that you can use freely - without licences or fees - you're probably looking for something in the public domain. But when does music enter the public domain in the UK, and what should you watch out for? Here's a quick guide. . 

What does 'public domain' mean? 

When music enters the public domain, it’s no longer protected by copyright law. That means you can usually use, perform, and share it without needing permission or paying royalties. 

If you're planning to use music in a live performance, or online, it's important to check whether the song is copyrighted — and what that means for you. Here's a quick overview of how to find out. 

Is the piece still in copyright? 

In the UK, most music remains under copyright for 70 years after the death of the composer or lyricist. Some printed sheet music is also protected separately for 25 years from publication. 

Searching online for a 'music copyright checker' might seem like the easiest way to see if a song is copyrighted — but how reliable are these tools, really? Here's what you need to know before relying on them.

Can you check music copyright online? 

A quick search will bring up many 'copyright checker' websites. Some claim to tell you if a song is protected or safe to use. But in most cases: 

Thinking of uploading a recording of your music group to YouTube or another platform? It’s vital to understand your legal responsibilities when using copyrighted music online. While the internet makes it easy to share performances, the rules around music licensing still apply — and can catch you out if you’re not careful. 

Whether you're arranging a concert, uploading a performance online, or simply rehearsing with your group, music copyright is something you need to get right. This quick guide explains the basics - what it is, how long it lasts, and how it relates to licensing. 

If your music group performs in public, you may need to pay royalties to the composers whose works you use. This is where PRS for Music comes in. Understanding how PRS fees work ensures your group remains compliant while supporting the creators behind the music you perform. 

Who is PRS for Music? 

PRS for Music is the UK’s royalty collection society for songwriters, composers, and music publishers. It collects fees from those who publicly perform or play copyrighted music and distributes these royalties to the creators. 

In the summer edition of Highnotes, discover key learnings from the INCLUDE programme, with real-world examples from our member groups. Get inspired by Scunthorpe and North Lincolnshire Concert Society's Make Music Day experience and explore easy fundraising tips, including the Gift Aid scheme. Plus, don’t miss our spotlight on LGBTQ+ member groups and a look at the innovative AI choral exhibition at Serpentine Gallery.

As part of your membership with Making Music, depending on whether you have a licence and where you performed, you might be able to pay PRS fees through us. Even if you don’t need to pay through us, you still need to make a declaration. Use this page to help you decide what you need to do.

We are currently collecting PRS fees for performances that took place between 1 November 2023 and 31 October 2024. 

Making an arrangement of a piece of music is fairly common practice among leisure-time music groups, but there are a number of things to consider before you can make one.

Some data

From our Big Survey 2022, we know performing groups commission at least 1430 arrangements each year. 

But we think this might be the tip of the iceberg and there is much more work being done by very skilled professionals.