Do I Need a License for That? A Copyright and Licensing Refresher

As a performer or ensemble, did you know that simply purchasing the sheet music to a composition does not actually grant you permission to perform it in public? In certain cases, you may need to obtain a performance license to perform a work. Many times, the venue in which you are performing will already have a license that will cover your performance, but it is a good idea to check.  This and a few other relevant issues for performers are covered in Lyn Liston’s excellent short article, “Copyright, Performance Licenses, and You” which you can download from the Chamber Music America website here.