We chat to the team from PRS for Music to answer your music licensing questions, so you can be sure you’re legal when it comes to playing music in your classes.
FitPro member: If a studio or venue has a licence from PPL PRS Ltd, are all instructors teaching there automatically covered?
PRS: Yes, for Public Performance rights. TheMusicLicence (administered by PPL PRS Ltd) covers music played aloud in the venue’s physical space, and it’s the venue owner’s responsibility to hold this licence. Depending on how else you use music, like playlists or hosting online classes, you may need other licences. Our webinar (recording only available for Professional members) and blog have more detail on what might apply to your situation.
FP member: If I am a self-employed instructor, do I ever need my own licence from PPL PRS Ltd when teaching in someone else’s space?
PRS: Generally, no. TheMusicLicence sits with the venue owner (see previous question). PPL PRS Ltd does issue ‘mobile licences’, so if you think this might apply to you, get in touch with them directly.
FP member: How do I buy my licence?
PRS: It depends on which licence you need.
Directly from PPL PRS Ltd:
- TheMusicLicence – for venues playing music aloud in physical spaces.
Directly from PRS for Music:
- Digital Music Licence for Fitness and Dance – for online sessions (livestreamed or on demand).
- Commercial Playlisting Licence – for creating and downloading playlists to play in your space.
- Professional Dubbing (ProDub) Licence – for creating mixes or ‘copying’ music onto CDs/downloadable formats for in-person classes.
- Performing Right Online Licence (PROL) – for playing music through licensed music providers (like FitPro’s MyGroupFit) on your own platform.
If you’re not sure which licence applies to you, take a look at the table in our blog for a quick overview or fill out this form and a member of the PRS team will help you find the right fit.
FP member: What if I’m using streaming platforms or my own playlist?
PRS: Streaming platforms are typically for personal, non-commercial use – it’s worth checking your platform’s terms and conditions to be sure. If you’re creating your own playlists by downloading or adding tracks from various sources, you’ll need the Commercial Playlisting Licence. Every time you add or download a track to your personal playlists, you’re creating what’s called a ‘copy’ in copyright terms. The name relates back to when copies of CDs and Vinyls were made. You can find further information here.
FP member: What about private sessions or one-to-one lessons? Is this still classed as ‘public performance’ and do I need a licence?
PRS: If you’re playing music during private or one-to-one sessions as part of your business, this still requires a licence. Get in touch with us at [email protected] if you’d like to talk through your specific situation.
FP member: Do I need a licence for online or livestreamed classes?
PRS: Yes. The Digital Music Licence for Fitness and Dance covers both livestreamed and on-demand classes. This is separate from venue-based licences and doesn’t cover physical spaces.
FP member: What about if I teach outdoors?
PRS: Outdoor classes that are part of your business still require licensing. TheMusicLicence covers public performance in outdoor spaces, so the venue or space provider should hold this. If you’re a mobile instructor regularly teaching in outdoor public spaces, contact PPL PRS Ltd to talk through your options.
FP member: How is the cost calculated?
PRS: Each licence has its own pricing structure, which is built around how that type of music is used in your business. For example, the Digital Music Licence for Fitness and Dance takes into account class sizes and frequency, while TheMusicLicence pricing considers venue size and how you use music. You can view full terms and conditions and pricing on the PRS for Music or PPL PRS Ltd websites or contact us if you’d like to talk through what it means for you.
FP member: Does the licence cover live music, DJs or performances if I’m hosting an event?
PRS: Yes – these fall under the ‘TheMusicLicence’, administered by PPL PRS Ltd. Get in touch with them here for guidance on events.
FP member: What is the simplest way to check that my business is fully covered?
PRS: The table in our blog is a great place to start – it gives you a quick visual breakdown of which licences apply to venues and which apply to individual instructors. If you want to make sure you’ve got everything covered for your specific set up, fill out this form and we’ll get back to you.
FP member: I’m worried about buying the wrong licence for my business. How can PRS help guide me through the licensing process?
You don’t need to be a copyright expert to get licensed by PRS – that’s our job. Get in touch with us to let us know how you use music in your business and we’ll guide you through the process of buying/getting the right licence.
When you buy a music licence, you’re supporting music creators directly so they can keep making the music your clients love to hear during your sessions.
Want to chat about your specific needs? We’re here to help – reach out to the PRS team at [email protected]
