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How to Get Permission to Use Songs for Musicals

When any body of work -- be it photography, visual art or music -- is created, it is copyrighted at the point of completion. This means that if you ever want to use another's music in any public performance, including a musical, you need to gain permission from the artist or the company representing the artist. You may need to pay royalties to the artist to use the music.

Things You'll Need

  • Licensing agreement
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Instructions

    • 1

      Contact the artist or company representing the artist by phone or email, indicating you desire to use the music. Complete a search for their contact information on the Internet, or look for this information on the CD booklet.

    • 2

      Inform the artist or management company as to where, when and how you would like to use the music. In some cases, artists and music companies may allow the music to be used at no charge, in exchange for a notice printed in the event program. This is often the case when music is used for a school-sponsored production.

    • 3

      Negotiate the permissions required and the amount of royalties to be paid, if needed. You may want to consult a lawyer or other professional who can guide you in making the right decision.

    • 4

      Sign the license agreement.

    • 5

      Pay any royalties to the management company or artist. Use the music as stipulated in the licensing agreement.

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