Licensing 101 for Schools & Churches

This is friendly guidance, not legal advice. If you’re unsure, ask us—happy to help.

What your digital score purchase usually includes

• Permission to print the number of copies you buy
• The right to perform the piece live
• Access to download the files for your ensemble

Not automatically included: extra photocopies, public YouTube uploads (that’s a synchronisation use), or sharing rehearsal audio publicly.

Five common scenarios (and what to do)

1) “We need five more copies for Sunday!”
Buy the extra PDFs if possible. If time is tight, email us for a temporary allowance with your order number—we’re friendly!

2) Livestreaming a service/concert
Ask for streaming permission. We generally approve when the score is purchased for the correct number of singers and attribution appears in the video description.

3) Posting a video later (YouTube/Facebook/School site)
That’s synchronisation. Request permission with basic details (see template below). Non-monetised educational uses are usually fine with credit.

4) Learning tracks for singers
You may share private rehearsal tracks (link or password). Avoid posting them publicly.

5) Adapting voicing or key
Reasonable transpositions or SSA↔SATB adaptations for your group are usually approved—just ask first so we can note it on your licence.

What attribution should look like

In the program or video description:
Title — Composer/Arr. Marianna • © Marianna Music. Used by permission.

Simple permission request (copy/paste)

Subject: Permission request – [Title] (School/Church)

Hello Marianna Music,
We purchased [Title] and request permission to [stream/upload/print additional X copies / transpose to Y] for [event/date].
Ensemble: [SSA/SATB/Unison, approx. numbers]
Platform: [YouTube/Facebook/Website] (non-monetised)
Credit to display: Title — Composer/Arr. Marianna • © Marianna Music. Used by permission.
Order name/email: [your order details]

Thank you!
[Name, organisation]

Record-keeping that protects you

Keep a one-page log (sheet or doc): Date, Piece, Copies purchased, Uses (print/stream/upload), Permission email link. When staff change, your choir stays covered.

YouTube tips for choirs

• Set Unlisted while you confirm permissions; switch to Public later
• Put attribution in the first two lines of the description
• Disable monetisation if you’re not sure

FAQ

Can we photocopy for a one-off rehearsal?
Please use the PDFs you purchased or contact us for a short-term allowance.

Can parents film and post?
We love proud parents! Please ask them to use short clips and include the attribution.

Do church licences (e.g., streaming services) cover everything?
They often cover congregational hymns, not always choral arrangements sold elsewhere. When in doubt, ask us—most requests are approved quickly.

Final word

Licensing is about respect and clarity. When you buy the music and drop us a quick message for extras, you support the writing that keeps your choir singing.

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