Guide To Playing Music During A Yoga Class

Playing music in a yoga class is a personal choice. It can add to the ambience of a class, aid student relaxation or block unwelcome outside noise. Whatever your views on playing music, if you decide to do this you will need to pay for the privilege, unless you are fortunate enough to have your own compositions or can access royalty free music!

Whether you play background music in your classes, in a studio reception area, or at a yoga festival then be aware you will most likely require a music licence. Playing live or recorded music without one could be a copyright infringement and may result in you being sued for damages should you be caught. The money raised from licence fees goes to ensure that the original musical creators are fairly rewarded for their work. Each country has its own licensing system and fees to be paid. This article focuses on the UK music licensing system.

The licence you need to purchase is called the ‘TheMusicLicence’.

How much does a licence cost?

The cost depends on factors, such as the type of venue where you play the music, how the music is used in your day to day operation, whether it is for back ground purposes and in some cases how many people will hear the music.

If you are renting a room in a studio or other venue, it would be worth checking with the owners to see if the premises already have a licence. Your class should be covered if they do. If not, then you should contact TheMusicLicence for a price.

Who are TheMusicLicence?

Until recently there were two separate licences to be paid, one to PPL and the other to the PRS for Music. They have been merged to form one licence. TheMusicLicence collects fees from UK businesses and organisations on behalf of PPL and PRS for Music.

PPL distributes licence fees for the use of recorded music on behalf of record companies and performers, while PRS for Music distributes licence fees for the use of musical compositions and lyrics on behalf of songwriters, composers and publishers.

Licences Out-with the UK

If you are teaching outwith the UK and are playing music, you will find that there are similar licences required across the globe. For further information you can find more information below.

Ireland - PPI Music

USA - Ascap

India - IPRS

Canada - SOCAN