What is copyright law?
Copyright law protects an author’s rights over fixed, creative, original works. Copyright owners have the exclusive rights to reproduction, adaptation, distribution, public performance, and public display. This includes the rights to make sound recordings of musical works. Copyright law prohibits others from exercising any of the above rights without obtaining permission from the copyright owner.
Do I need permission to…
- Make copies of the music?
- Print the music in bulletins or other written materials?
- Make an audio recording of the music?
- Make a video recording of the musical performance?
Yes! All of these actions require permission from the copyright owner.
Can I perform copyrighted works in church services?
Yes. You do not need a license to perform copyrighted works in a religious service. However, permission is required for any performance outside of a worship service, such as a concert or other musical program.
Can I livestream worship services in which a copyrighted work is performed?
Yes, but with exceptions (see “Excluded Works” below). Typically, you cannot livestream or broadcast the performance of a copyrighted work. However, I (Christine Sullivan Robbins) allow you to livestream or broadcast performances of my works in religious services. This limited right is granted to you when you purchase my sheet music. But, you will need additional permissions to livestream or broadcast performances outside of religious services, such as for social, fundraising, entertainment, or other purposes.
Excluded Works
Due to copyright ownership, the livestreaming and broadcasting rights above do not apply to the piano arrangement He and to any of my arrangements published by Augsburg Fortress, both in print and downloaded.
Although I do not require it for livestreaming or broadcasting, a listing in the video description or credits is appreciated.
Must I buy a copy for each member participating in the performance, such as choir members or accompanist?
Yes. You must buy a copy for each person using the music. For example, if there is one pianist and two choir members, then you must buy three copies. However, for duet arrangements, the sheet music will already include both duet parts, so you will only need to purchase one duet piece for two musicians.
Can I prepare arrangements of the music?
No. You may not arrange the sheet music without permission from the copyright owner. Musical arrangements are a type of derivative work. Preparing derivative works is an exclusive right of the copyright owner.
Who do I contact if I have questions or would like to obtain additional license rights?
Please email Christine: timely scores [at] outlook . com.