Copyright-Checklist for Churches - Information on Question No. 7

Does your church organise concerts?

If your church organises concerts or other events that involve live music you need to make sure to comply with copyright law.

The public performance of copyright-protected music works requires you to get permission of the copyright owner. In most cases GEMA represents the artists. If the songs you will be using are not part of the GEMA repetoire you will not need to pay the GEMA. In this case you would need to contact the copyright owner directly and get permission from him or her. You can use the repertoire database on the GEMA website to find out whether a certain artist has joined the GEMA and whether a song is represented by them. 

The rates for events that contain live music are dependant on different aspects like the entrance fee and the size of the meeting hall. On the GEMA website you can see a price list, download an application form and get further information.

Please note:
If you project lyrics during your events you might need a Church Copyright Licence for events. (This is a CCL which allows the graphical reproduction of songs but is valid for 14 days only.)

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