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Many trainers love to play music during training events — to create a welcoming environment, relieve stress, energize participants and more.
The big question always seems to be “What’s the best music to use?”
However, the more important question, which is not being asked, is this: Can I LEGALLY play my favorite songs in the classroom?
I made a few calls to get to the bottom of it and find out the answer.
So, what does it take to do it right?
Corporate Training Events: If you’re conducting training at a large company, most likely they will have gotten blanket permission to play music in their lunch rooms, break rooms, fitness center, telephone hold lines, at events, etc.. Ask if they have a music license, and if so, you’re all set to play the music you want for that company.
Training at a hotel, restaurant, or conference center: Venues such as these are generally responsible for getting permission to play music, too. Ask if they have a music license, and if so, you’re set to play music at that location.
Public schools: All public schools are exempt from licensing requirements (according to my contact at BMI).
Universities and Colleges: Like companies and venues, most universities have obtained blanket licenses based on their student and faculty populations.
Smaller businesses without a music license: If the company you’re training does not have a music license, you are responsible for obtaining permission to play music publicly. See “Permission and Pricing” below.
To obtain permission to play music for smaller companies that don’t already have a blanket license, the 3 performing rights organizations mentioned above, ASCAP, BMI and SESAC, can help. They represent songwriters and publishers and their right to be compensated for having their music performed in public. The licensing options you can discuss with them include:
I spoke to Jane Wingo, who was very nice, had lots of answers, and gave me permission to share her contact information online. You can contact Jane by phone:888 -720-1137 or by email: jwingo@ASCAP.com
Anyone in the licensing department should be able to help you. You can contact them by email or phone . . .
email: research@bmi.com
phone: 888-689-5264
Don’t be deceived by the name. SESAC represents many US musicians, as well as European artists whose music is played in the United States. Click here to Get a License.
Phone: 800-826-9996