Are royalties paid to ASCAP for performance of music in a religious service?
In the USA, live performance of music in the context of a religious service is exempt from performance royalties. However, broadcasts (radio/TV/internet) of copyright-protected music in the context of religious services are not exempt from royalties. • What about licenses and royalties for dramatic uses of music? Licenses for dramatic uses (theater, opera, ballet, modern dance, etc.) are obtained directly from the publisher, and the royalties for these “grand rights” are paid directly to the publisher. However, a publisher may contract with a designatied agent to handle these and other kinds of licenses on their behalf. • What about “mechanical licenses” for making and distributing audio recordings of music? Many publishers contract with the Harry Fox Agency as designated agent for handling “mechanical rights” for audio recordings. However, neither Lux Nova Press nor Savory Press have contracted with Harry Fox Agency for these services, but we are currently considering doing so. Until
