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Why get a music license?
Who needs the music license?
Aren't small funeral homes or those with low call volume exempt?
Isn't it the family's responsibility if they bring the music in with them?
Why did the International Cemetery and Funeral Association initiate this project?
My company is already paying dues in another ICFA membership category: Regular (voting) Cemetery, Funeral Home, Memorial Designer or other Allied; or Supplier, Professional or Mortuary Student/Faculty (non-voting). How does ICFA Music License membership fit in with the others?
What are the licensing agencies?
What about the new NFDA music license announcement?
Why get a music license?
It is the right thing to do, as this is the means by which the creators of music are compensated for their work; but just as importantly, the law gives copyright owners the right to license "public performances" (subject to certain exemptions), and performance of music in funeral homes are public performances that often require licenses.
Who needs the music license?
If your funeral home or cemetery, regardless of size, hosts performances of copyrighted music other than in "religious services," regardless of whether the music is performed live or played from recordings - and this includes much of the music used in funeral homes - music copyright owners say you are legally required to pay an annual licensing fee.
Aren't small funeral homes or those with low call volume exempt?
The Fairness in Music Licensing Act of 1998 does make exceptions for small businesses of 2,000 square feet or less. However, this exemption applies only to radio and television broadcasts. Funeral homes that use live or recorded music are not covered by this exemption.
Isn't it the family's responsibility if they bring the music in with them?
According to the Better Business Bureau, the proprietor of the business in which the music is performed is responsible for obtaining licensing and is liable for any copyright infringements.
Why did the International Cemetery and Funeral Association initiate this project?
Because many in the industry have asked: With over 18,000 funeral homes in the U.S., why isn't there an alternative to paying high prices for a music license? ICFA began working on this project more than two years ago and since then has been able to generate sufficient interest throughout the profession and negotiate volume price breaks with the three music licensing agencies. The ICFA created the Music License Membership category to allow any funeral home or cemetery in the U.S. to become licensed.
Our goal with this membership category is to attract more ICFA Music License members, increase compliance within the profession, and thereby qualify for better volume discounts in future years. By setting the dues fee very close to our actual cost for the combined ASCAP-BMI-SESAC license, we make it easier for any small business in the industry to join, and thereby bring down the cost of this necessary business expense.
My company is already paying dues in another ICFA membership category: Regular (voting) Cemetery, Funeral Home, Memorial Designer or other Allied; or Supplier, Professional or Mortuary Student/Faculty (non-voting). How does ICFA Music License membership fit in with the others?
Different ICFA membership categories provide different benefits. The Music License Membership is an additional non-voting membership category. It provides benefits including annual music licensing for industry businesses. A company must hold a Music License Membership to receive this benefit. In order to hold ICFA Membership in more than one category, a company must pay the dues for each additional category.
It only takes a few minutes to complete the online membership process, so join today!
What are the licensing agencies?
BMI
ASCAP
SESAC
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