If you're part of a choir, singing group or music band/orchestra, Printed Music Licensing Ltd could help simplify how you copy, share and use sheet music.

Managing Director, Viki Smith (pictured) tells us how . . .

What is the main remit of Printed Music Licensing Limited, and how can you help amateur choirs, singing and music groups?

"Printed Music Licensing Limited (PMLL) exists to simplify copyright licensing for printed music in the UK. We represent a wide range of music publishers and ensure that creators are fairly paid when their music is copied or arranged.

For amateur choirs, singing groups, and amateur theatre groups, we offer a straightforward licence that makes it easy to legally copy, and share sheet music within your group - helping you stay compliant with copyright law on a budget, while still supporting the composers, arrangers, and publishers who make your music possible."

Tell us about the 'Amateur Group Singing Licence' – who can apply for one, what does it cost, and what does it cover for groups?

"The Amateur Group Singing Licence is available to UK-based amateur choirs, singing groups, and amateur theatre/music drama groups - including adult community choirs, youth theatre companies, barbershop groups, musical societies, and similar ensembles singing for leisure or non-profit.

Cost is based on your singing group’s size and the number of songs you need to copy throughout the year, it ranges from £2.50 per member to copy 5 songs, to £15 per member to copy 50 songs. A handy calculator can be found on our licence page.

The licence covers the copying of sheet music and lyrics from our list of participating publishers. The licence means that you can make copies of works without having to obtain direct permission from publishers, which can be time consuming and difficult when there is more than one writer involved in the song.

It’s designed to be flexible, affordable, and easy to manage, one licence will cover all the copies you need for your repertoire throughout the year."

Why should singing/music groups go down this route, rather than just printing out what they need and sharing it with their singers - from both a legal and moral perspective?

"Copying music without the right permission is a breach of copyright law, even if it’s done with good intentions. Publishers and composers rely on income from licensed copying to make a living, and unlicensed use undermines that entire system.

Taking out a licence shows respect for the creators behind the music you love. It’s also a way to set a strong example for your group, particularly if you work with young musicians, showing them that being part of a musical community means supporting each other, including the people who write and publish the music.

Morally, it’s about fairness. Legally, it protects your group from the risk of infringement. Either way, it’s the right thing to do. And with our simple annual licence, it’s been made easy."

How can people find out more information about your services?

"To find out more about the Amateur Group Singing Licence and whether it's right for your group, visit our website at https://pmll.org.uk/licence-information/amateur-group-singing-licence/

You’ll find full details of what’s covered, how much it costs, how to apply, and a full list of participating publishers and exclusions. We’re also happy to answer questions - just email us at [email protected] and we’ll be glad to help."