United Kingdom : FAQs

Frequently Asked Questions

Thank you for visiting the UK FAQ section of musicsales.com. Before you send a question to us, please make sure that the answer can’t be found elsewhere on the web site. The local office section FAQs may provide more information if you are enquiring about licensing/hire/composers/etc. in countries where we have offices. To navigate to these sections please use the country selector in the top right hand corner.

General

• Who is Music Sales Ltd?
• Which other publishing companies are connected to Music Sales?
• How do I buy sheet music?
• How do I hire a piece of music?
• What is a 'special order' item?
• I want to commission a composer. How do I do it?
• I need permission to photocopy music. How do I get it?
• I need music that is out of print. How do I get it?
• I need a programme note and composer biography. How do I get them?
• I need to license a recording. How do I do it?
• I need to license a school/youth theatre performance. Who do I contact?
• I am looking for a recording. How can I order it?
• I need information about a composer, or particular work by a composer, that is not on your website.
• How can I find out more about music publishing in general?
• I have a different question. Who do I contact?

Editorial

• Do you have opportunities for internships in the editorial department?
• I’m a freelance arranger. How do I get involved in working for Music Sales?
• I’m a freelance engraver. How do I get involved in working for Music Sales?
• I’m a backing tracks arranger. How do I get involved in working for Music Sales?
• I have a manuscript that I would like to be considered for publication. How do I go about getting it published?
• I have composed a piece of music and I would like to have it published in one of your books. How do I go about doing this?
• I have a finished product which I would like Music Sales to distribute. How do I go about getting it distributed?
• I want to get a recording contract for my band. How do I go about doing this?
• I have a query/complaint about one of your books. Who do I speak to about this?

Third Party Licencing

• I wish to print some song lyrics/music/a new arrangement. Do I need copyright permission?
• How can I tell if a piece of music is in copyright?
• I need to obtain copyright permission to reproduce a piece of music. How do I go about doing this?
• How long will it take to get copyright approval?
• Will there be a fee for my request?
• I wish to make a choral arrangement of a piece of copyrighted music for my choir. How do I go about getting permission?
• My church has a CCL licence. Does this mean that we are covered to reproduce any music without having to approach publishers for approval?
• I wish to perform a copyrighted song with my choir. Can I do this?
• I wish to make some photocopies/an OHP laminate of a couple of songs. Do I need permission for this?
• I’ve been told that I can get a copy of this song from you. Can you send me the sheet music?
• I wish to make a recording of a song to sell on tape/CD/DVD/CD Rom/Video. Do I need copyright clearance for this?
• I wish to put some copyrighted music/lyrics onto a website. How can I get permission?

Who is Music Sales Ltd?

Music Sales Ltd is the UK subsidiary of the Music Sales Group. It is also the parent company of Chester Music and Novello and Co.

Sister companies within the Music Sales Group include Edition Wilhelm Hansen in Denmark, G Schirmer in the US and Union Musical Ediciones in Spain. Music Sales Film & TV is also a subsidiary of Music Sales Ltd.

Which other publishing companies are connected to Music Sales?

As well as Chester Music and Novello & Co, the following companies are based at Music Sales UK:

· Bosworth & Co Ltd
· Alain Boublil Music Ltd
· Alfred Lengnick & Co Ltd
· Paterson's Publications
· Omnibus Press
· Golden Apple
· J Curwen & Sons Ltd
· Edwin Ashdown

Music from the above list of companies can be hired or purchased in exactly the same way as for Chester or Novello works.

In addition to these, Music Sales also distributes for many other major publishers including Hal Leonard, IMP, Dover Music and Shawnee Press.

How do I buy sheet music?

First, to check on the availability of a piece, please visit the catalogue section of our website at www.musicroom.com. If you can't find the piece you are looking for, it may not be published by Music Sales or it may be out of print. If you're not certain who publishes the piece you want, the ASCAP and BMI websites are good references for publisher information

Once you are sure that the piece or book you require is published by Music Sales and is currently in print, please follow the instructions below:

Public

Members of the public can purchase sheet music from either their local music shop or online at www.musicroom.com and www.sheetmusicdirect.com.

Trade

New trade customers must first open an account with Music Sales Ltd. before they can purchase sheet music at trade discounts. To find out how to open an account visit www.msdealers.com.

Current trade account holders can purchase music either via www.msdealers.com, their local Music Sales rep, from the Trade Sales Hotline: 01284 705050 or by fax: 01284 702592

How do I hire a piece of music?

UK hire orders can be placed with our Hire library - . If you wish to hire material outside the UK, please use the contact information provided under the relevant country (use the drop down list in the top right hand corner to navigate to the country).

What is a 'special order' item?

Items that are made up to order are called Special Order items. These could be items that are low on stock or currently out of print. To contact special orders email .

Special order items may also be purchased via www.musicroom.com.

I want to commission a composer. How do I do it?

For classical composers, contact the relevant composer manager through the promotions department at .

Remember to budget for production costs, which are a contribution towards the printing and editorial costs incurred preparing the performing materials. Information on commissioning fees may be obtained from the British Academy of Songwriters and Composers at www.britishacademy.com.

For film & TV work, contact .

I need permission to photocopy music. How do I get it?

Permission requests must be submitted in writing via mail or fax. You also need permission to copy music as part of an article, book or dissertation. Send your request to .

I need music that is out of print. How do I get it?

If you are trying to obtain archival photocopies of music you believe is published by Chester, Novello, Edition Wilhelm Hansen, Union Musicale Ediciones, Bosworth & Co., and associated Music Sales companies but is now out of print, please make your request in writing to:

Special Orders Dept.
Music Sales
Newmarket Road
Bury St Edmunds
Suffolk
IP33 3YB

or by fax on 01284 702592,

or via e-mail at .

Please include as much identifying detail as possible: composer, title, publisher(s), instrumentation, date, catalogue numbers, etc. together with your name, address and the number of copies required. If a copy can be located we will inform you of the price of the piece and carriage charges. Payment may be made by credit card or cheque. We do not despatch until payment has been received.

We would hope to get the copies despatched to you within 7-10 working days. This, of course, is dependent upon whether or not we have a copy in our archives. If we do not have a copy, but you do, we offer a service where you send us a copy/original, we will master it for our archives and send you the first 10 copies of your order free of charge. You would only be charged for the remaining copies and carriage.

The copies come to you printed double-sided, either folded and stapled or spiral-bound depending on the piece of music. If you prefer not to have it bound we can also do that for you. The size of the paper varies according to the piece.

Please note: if you already have access to a copy of the music, it will be simpler and faster (and less expensive) to obtain permission to make your own photocopies, rather than asking us for archival photocopies. For this permission, please contact .

I need a programme note and composer biography. How do I get them?

We have biographies for many of the composers we publish, but not all. Take a look at the composer page on our site for a list of current biographies. Programme notes are listed where available as well as works. If you don't find the information you are looking for, please send a written request via mail, fax, or email. We will provide the information if we have it. Translations of composer biographies and programme notes are often available. Please contact your local agent for details. Some programme notes are protected by copyright; you will need permission from the copyright holder before using them.

I need to license a recording. How do I do it?

UK licence requests can be placed with our Hire library.

Mechanical licences are licences issued to manufacturers of audio products, such as records, audio tapes and compact discs. Permission to obtain a mechanical licence for first time recordings (e.g. Premiere Recordings) is required and may be obtained by contacting Paul Narey at the Hire Library ( ). All material hire agreements should be completed prior to the recording date. Copies of the Premiere Recording will be required by the Composer and the Publisher for copyright and promotional purposes, the exact amount to be determined by the Publisher.

Licences for Musical Compositions that have been recorded previously are referred to as COMPULSORY MECHANICAL LICENCES. This means that permission is not required to record these Musical Compositions and that the royalty rate is set by the MCPS (Mechanical Copyright Protection Society). If you have any further questions contact www.mcps.co.uk.

I need to license a school/youth theatre performance. Who do I contact?

Please request an application form from carolyn.fuller@musicsales.co.uk

I am looking for a recording. How can I order it?

We do not handle the sale or distribution of composers' recordings. For information as to the availability of a particular piece of music, you should ask your local record shop. Refer to the composer's discography for further information.

I need information about a composer, or particular work by a composer, that is not on your website.

We may not be the primary publisher of your composer. You may wish to consult service organisations such as PRS (Performing Right Society) or BMIC (British Music Information Centre) for such information. Publications such as the Grove Dictionary series are also good sources for publisher information.

How can I find out more about music publishing in general?

Try the following organisations:

Music Publishers Association (MPA)
3rd Floor Strandgate
18-20 York Buildings
London
WC2N 8JU
Tel: 020 7839-7779

Performing Right Society (PRS): www.prs.co.uk

I have a different question. Who do I contact?

If we have not yet answered your question, please send a message to the marketing department at .

Editorial

Do you have opportunities for internships in the editorial department?

We occasionally have 8 week summer placement opportunities for interns. CVs should be sent to:

Intern Placements
Editorial Department
Music Sales Ltd
14-15 Berners Street
London
W1T 3LJ

I’m a freelance arranger. How do I get involved in working for Music Sales?

We have no opportunities for freelance arrangers at this time.

I’m a freelance engraver. How do I get involved in working for Music Sales?

We have no opportunities for freelance engravers at this time.

I’m a backing tracks arranger. How do I get involved in working for Music Sales?

We have a number of people working for us in this area. However, opportunities occasionally arise. If you feel that your work compares favourably with the audio we use on our books such as the ‘Sing With…’ or ‘Backing Tracks For…’ then send a demo CD to:

Arranger Placements
Editorial Department
Music Sales Ltd
14-15 Berners Street
London
W1T 3LJ

I have a manuscript that I would like to be considered for publication. How do I go about getting it published?

We very rarely consider unsolicited manuscripts for publication. Our publishing schedule is very full and we have a number of people working with us to generate ideas for future publications. If you are convinced you have spotted an unexploited niche in the market then you should write to us with the following details:

1: Comprehensive outline of proposal
2: Sample pages
3: Assessment of market interest (who is going to buy this product?)
4: Assessment of market placement (what products does it compete with?)

Send mail to:

Manuscript Reviewer
Editorial Department
Music Sales Ltd
14-15 Berners Street
London
W1T 3LJ

You should enclose a stamped self-addressed envelope if you wish to have your materials returned to you, should we decline the opportunity to publish.

I have composed a piece of music and I would like to have it published in one of your books. How do I go about doing this?

As a general rule we do not publish works by unknown composers. Before you consider having your piece published you should attempt to get your piece well known by having it performed as much as possible by well known performers.

I have a finished product which I would like Music Sales to distribute. How do I go about getting it distributed?

Send your product to us along with the following details:

1: Comprehensive written summary of the product.
2: Assessment of market interest (who is going to buy this product?).
3: Assessment of market placement (what products does it compete with?).
4: Estimated retail price.
5: Estimated quantity of first run.

Send mail to:

Product Distribution
Editorial Department
Music Sales Ltd
14-15 Berners Street
London
W1T 3LJ

I want to get a recording contract for my band. How do I go about doing this?

We are not a record company. We publish sheet music. Therefore you should not send us demos.

I have a query/complaint about one of your books. Who do I speak to about this?

Address your query/complaint to:

Queries / Complaints
Editorial Department
Music Sales Ltd
14-15 Berners Street
London
W1T 3LJ

Please make sure that you include the following information:
1: Title of book
2: Product code of book (this can be found on the back cover and is likely to start with the letters ‘AM’ or ‘CH’
3: Details of your query/complaint including page numbers.
4: Please also ensure that you include contact information so we can get in touch with you.

Third Party Licencing

I wish to print some song lyrics/music/a new arrangement. Do I need copyright permission?

If the piece of music is still in copyright then you are legally obliged to approach the publisher in question for permission to reproduce the music and/or lyrics in any form.

How can I tell if a piece of music is in copyright?

All printed music should display a copyright notice detailing the writers, year of publication and publisher. This can be found in small print usually at the bottom of the page as follows:

Your local copyright protection society should be able to confirm whether a piece of music is still in copyright, and who you should contact to get copyright permission. In the UK you should contact the Mechanical Copyright Protection Society (MCPS) for such queries (tel. 020 8664 4400)

Please note that in the UK, if the composer/author of a piece of music died within the last 70 years the title will still be in copyright, and permission must be sought from the publisher before it can be reproduced in any form. However this rule differs overseas. You should contact your local society for confirmation of the copyright law in your territory.

If the piece is no longer in copyright and has fallen into Public Domain it can be reproduced without permission. This tends to be the case with some traditional folk songs, nursery rhymes, hymns and carols and early Classical music. However, it is essential that you check with your local copyright protection society before printing. Never assume that a piece is Public Domain.

I need to obtain copyright permission to reproduce a piece of music. How do I go about doing this?

Once you are certain that a title is still in copyright you should contact your local copyright protection society to confirm writer and publisher details. Your local society should be able to give you a contact detail for the publisher in question. Most publishing houses have a licensing department which you should approach with all the details of your request.

Music Sales Limited licenses print requests on behalf of various publishing houses. If you wish to submit a request to us, please supply as many details as possible, and send it to:

Licence Requests
Editorial Department
Music Sales Ltd
14-15 Berners Street
London
W1T 3LJ

Fax: 01284768301

E-mail:

It is crucial that you supply accurate song title/writer/publisher details for each piece of music you wish to use in order for us to process your enquiry.

How long will it take to get copyright approval?

As soon as we have received your request form we will confirm which of the titles we will be able to clear for you. We will then begin the copyright clearance procedure. Some titles will require approval from various sources. These can take longer to clear. We suggest that you allow a minimum of ten working days before receiving an update from us on the progress of your request.

Please note that occasionally clearances can take months to be processed. In this situation we will endeavour to chase the parties involved for information, but we can not ensure a quick response.

Please also note that we can not guarantee that all requests will be approved. If your request is denied permission, under no circumstances should you proceed with printing. This would be a breach of copyright and could result in legal action.

When copyright permission has been granted you will receive a confirmation of the terms and conditions of your approval, along with details of any fees involved.

Will there be a fee for my request?

In most cases we have a standard fee for the reproduction of copyrighted material. We can provide details of the fee that most suits your request.

I wish to make a choral arrangement of a piece of copyrighted music for my choir. How do I go about getting permission?

New arrangements are treated in exactly the same way as a straight copyright reproduction, although in most cases the arrangement itself will have to be approved before a copyright licence can be obtained. We ask all our clients to send a copy of the arrangement to us for approval.

If the arrangement is cleared, you are free to make as many copies as stipulated in your copyright licence. However, all copyright is reserved by the original publisher, and under no circumstances can you claim any rights to the arrangement, or participate in any of the royalties generated by the exploitation of the arrangement.

My church has a CCL licence. Does this mean that we are covered to reproduce any music without having to approach publishers for approval?

Although the CCL licence covers a lot of titles you must check all titles with your local copyright protection society before reproducing, as various publishers have no connection with the CCL, and you would have to approach them individually for copyright permission.

I wish to perform a copyrighted song with my choir. Can I do this?

In the UK, the Performing Rights Society (PRS) (tel. 020 7580 5544) licences musicians wishing to perform copyrighted material. You should contact them for information about the copyright situation for your particular performance.

If you are performing to the general public it is likely that you will have to receive prior permission. Your venue may already be covered by a PRS licence – you should confirm this before proceeding with the performance.

I wish to make some photocopies/an OHP laminate of a couple of songs. Do I need permission for this?

Photocopies and overhead transparencies are regarded as the reproduction of copyright material, no matter how small the number of copies made, and approval must be sought from the publisher in question.

I’ve been told that I can get a copy of this song from you. Can you send me the sheet music?

If you are searching for a particular piece of sheet music we suggest you visit our website www.musicroom.com to see whether it has been published in one of our publications. You can also try www.sheetmusicdirect.com where you can download sheet music from the web. Alternatively, please call our Customer Services department on 01284 725 725.

I wish to make a recording of a song to sell on tape/CD/DVD/CD Rom/Video. Do I need copyright clearance for this?

If the music is in copyright then you will need to get permission. Music Sales’ licensing department only handles print requests at present. Anything involving recording requires a mechanical licence. You should therefore approach the MCPS licensing department for details on mechanical clearances (contact details above).

I wish to put some copyrighted music/lyrics onto a website. How can I get permission?

At present Music Sales is reviewing its policy on internet licensing. Until our policy has been confirmed we cannot license web usage. You should contact the MCPS to get the original publisher details and approach them for copyright permission.