APRA Licence

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I recently received a (second) letter from APRA implying I had to purchase a copyright licence for playing music in my massage clinic.

My understanding was that if the therapist is playing music in a single room only and not broadcasting the music over the phone or in a waiting room, a licence wasn't required. The letter is unspecific re this.

Does anyone know more re the official policy or should I phone APRA and ask them?

Thanks, Karen.

-- Karen Zobory (karen_zobory@hotmail.com), June 28, 2001

Answers

Hi Karen,it is always better to get it from the horses mouth so I think you should phone. My understanding is that if you play it only for yourself than you do not need a licence but if you are playing it for the entertainment of your client than you have to pay. I know a few people who have received several such letters and there has been no follow up.

Diana

-- Diana Glazer (dglazer@zip.com.au), June 28, 2001.


Hi Karen.

I am actually a member of APRA, having been a musician in a previous lifetime. I know their licensing policy may seem a little on the draconian side but, having starved for my art, I can honestly say that the job APRA does in policing public performances of copyright music is astounding. I have received royalty cheques from a song that was played on Swedish television! (God forbid, I hope it wasn't anything too blue!!!).

I am assuming (hoping!) that the annuity you are being asked to pay is not too high or unreasonable? Anyway, you can double check their policy and the reasoning behind it on this web page:

http://www.apra.com.au/Licence/BusIntro.htm

Hope this is helpful.

Becky

-- Rebecca Barnett (rebeccabarnett@bigpond.com), June 28, 2001.


As a former senior executive in the broadcast industry, who's had significant dealings with APRA, I'm afraid to say that as your clients are considered memers of the public. The playing of any music (even a Radio!)for their benefit, or in their presence is considerd as public entertainment and APRA fees are payable....however for a therapy clinic it is only a once a year fee, broadcasters , theatres etc have to list each item of music played and pay fees on a sliding scale.

-- Dave Moore (Hiroko_Dave@msn.com.au), October 30, 2001.

Here is a summary of what was printed in the AMT Newsletter a couple of years ago: The Australian Performing Rights Association has wavered licence rights to allow therapists who play music "in the course of therapy" (i.e. 1:1 client treatment only). If approached by APRA you need to ask for and complete the therapist exemption form. However the Phonographic Performance Company of Australia (PPCA) who exist to protect the copyright of compositions by the writer does not exclude therapists and continue to collect music licence fees on their behalf. The good news for us is that not all artists or smaller labels in the ambient/instrumental filed of music are affiliated with the PPCA - so check!

-- Diana Glazer (dglazer@zip.com.au), October 31, 2001.

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