Copyright & Licensing
The use of a song in print, audio or video recording can require different kinds of licenses:
Recorded Uses
If you are creating a recording that includes musical material including, but not limited to recording your choir, making copies of an existing recording, making recordings of a dramatic presentation, you must request licenses for any songs that are on the recording.
The following are licenses that may be required for your church to make a recording:
Song Licenses
The owner of the song is indicated in the copyright notice which appears
* in print music, at the bottom of the first page of music (at the bottom of each page of music for multiple songs in a medley)
* on recorded music, with the song title on the cassette, CD, or video packaging
Songs can be owned by multiple owners. In order to gain permission for duplication, you must request permission from each song owner.
- for Audio Projects (CDs, Cassettes, etc.)
- A mechanical license gives you permission to use a song (lyrics and music). You must obtain a license for each song in the project from the song's owner. You may be required to pay a royalty for each song use.
- for Video Projects (DVDs, Videotapes, etc.)
- A synchronization license gives you permission to use a song (lyrics and music) on a video project. Just like a mechanical license, you must obtain one for each song in the project from the song's owner. Also like a mechanical license, you may be required to pay a royalty for each song use.
Master Use Licenses
A master use license gives you permission to use an existing recording such as an accompaniment track in an audio or video project. You must obtain a license for each track in the project from the owner of the recording. For the majority of the music featured on this site, Word Music is the owner of the recording. For more information on limitations to master use licenses, read the box below on this page.
If you are replicating a compact disc, DVD or videotape, the manufacturer will probably require proof of licenses before they create your disc.
Recorded Uses and CCLI
Most recordings are not covered by your CCLI license - visit their site or consult your license for more details.
Printed Uses
If you are creating song sheets, a music book, a book using song lyrics, or using a material from a Word Music product in any printed form, you must request licenses for each song that you use.
Print License
A print license gives you permission to print or copy lyrics and/or music for a musical composition in your printed project. You must obtain a license for each song in the project from the song's owner.
Print/Photocopy Request for Non-Musical Material
A print/photocopy request gives you permission to print or copy copyrighted non-musical material such as scripts from a musical in your printed project. You must obtain a license for each source of non-musical material used in the project from the owner of the material. For the majority of the non-musical material featured in products Word Music is the owner.
Printed Uses and CCLI
The CCLI license is very specific about what uses are covered by their license, and they are not only media-specific, but location specific - visit their site or consult your license for more details.
Mechanical Licenses, Synchronization Licenses, Print Licenses
Permission requests for the use of Lillenas copyrighted songs are handled by Music Services, located in Brentwood, Tennessee.
You may use their online forms to request permission to reproduce, record or publish Lillenas songs and use Lillenas sound recordings. Your request will be submitted directly to Music Services. (Please check to make sure the song you are requesting is owned by Lillenas. We do not own all the songs in our publications.) For information regarding the use of Lillenas drama, scripts, sketches, etc., please contact us at 800-363-2122.
The Music Services website will walk you through the process of requesting mechanical, synchronization and print licenses. Music Services also represents several other publishers in the Christian music industry, making them a "one-stop shop" for much of your licensing needs.
If your request is outside of the scope of the website, you can also email Music Services with your request, or fax them at 615-371-1351.
To locate contact information for other song owners, see ccli.com, ascap.com, bmi.com, or sesac.com.
Master Use Licenses, Print/Photocopy Request for Non-Musical Material
If you desire to use or make copies of a Lillenas Music recorded accompaniment trax or accompaniment video, you will need permission from our Master Use Licensing Department in addition to the permission you obtain from the owner of the song.
To request permission for use of an accompaniment trax from The Right Trax, ChoralTrax series, or instrumental book, or to request use of non-musical copyrighted material, please submit your request at:
musicservices.org
Important Exceptions:
For most applications, artwork associated with our musicals and collections is available for use royalty-free when used to promote a performance of the musical or collection.
To expedite your licensing requests, please providvsie complete information about your project.
Providing complete information about your project and the copyrighted material you intend to use greatly speeds up the licensing process. If the information you submit is incomplete, the process of issuing licenses can take several weeks.
Please note that copyright owners reserve the right to sometimes deny licensing requests for a variety of reasons. Be sure to start your licensing process well in advance of your deadline for manufacturing of your final project.
What to include
Each time you submit a request for a license, be sure to include the following information:
The exact name of the song and copyright information
The UPC (barcode) number of the CD, cassette or printed music that you wish to duplicate or use as a master
Your name, phone fax (if available) and physical address
Church/Organization name (if applicable)
A brief description of your intended use of the song
Number of copies that you will be printing/replicating/duplicating
Total time of your project (if the material is part of an audio or video production)
