[Harp-L] Copyright in Europe

[David Michelsen <dmharpman@xxxxxxxxx>]

 Hi Harp-L
                 Hi,  I used to be a member when my erstwhile student 
Hugh Messenger ran the list & Hugh if you read this please get in touch.
Some days ago one of you asked about the usage of copyrighted songs, 
here's how it works for those countries that signed the Burn agreement 
on copyright, the USA didn't but their system works in very much the 
same way. Any public place where you hear music, supermarkets, venues, 
elevators et all, all buy a music license. Those fees go to a central 
body which is then, via organizations like the MCPS, PRS & ASCAP,  
distribute in quarterly payments to the copyright holders.

So if you play a set in a venue you should have a separate set list 
sheet stating the name and address of the venue and the song titles you 
played and the date that you played the set on, this you get signed by 
the manager, giving him a copy so he can file it as a 'return' and you 
return your copy to ASCAP or who ever it is for you, if you are a member 
songwriter. This is most important is you are a writer and you want to 
get paid for your songs being performed. Most managers tend not to do 
their returns unless you spoon feed them. It costs no more for the 
license payer but does insure that the composer gets a pittance for you 
performing the work. It don't ever cost you the performer and it makes 
no difference as to weather you are paid for the performance or not. 
Only radio and TV tend to be hot about their returns and all their 
broadcast returns are covered by the fee that they pay. This also covers 
'Harmonica' Instrumentals like 'Stone fox chase' By Charley MaCoy.
Dr Midnight

--
Phone: 0207 373 0295
E-mail: dmharpman@xxxxxxxxx
http://www.cognitionarts.com/