[Bobblehead]

Originally Posted by You Need a Thneed

I don't think that is correct. If it is correct, there is nuances at the very least.

My experience with this matter come in the framework of church worship singing.

I KNOW that churches (a public place) do not have to play royalties on songs performed live. They do, however, have to pay royalties to display/print the lyrics for the congregation to sing along, and to make copies of music sheets for performers. Almost every church does this through CCLI as the administration to do it all manually would be a nightmare.

Another example issue for churches regarding this whole discussion - it is illegal for someone to bring a Veggie Tales video or something of the like to the church and show it in the nursery or a sunday school class. So, many churches pay another umbrella royalty fee for the right to show videos and video clips.

Public performances of copyrighted work are subject to fees. There is a specific exemption for churches.

Most recorded or live music you hear in public places is subject to a fee charged to the site owner/ administrator. The United Church strongly supports efforts to ensure creative artists receive all due compensation and recognition. But...It is important to note that music played in the furtherance of religion is EXEMPT from SOCAN fees and therefore most church activities involving music are exempt from SOCAN fees.

However if you have a fundraising concert, or if you rent your hall for a wedding reception where music is played, a SOCAN fee is likely payable. Note: Music played at the wedding ceremony is of course an
exempt church activity. Music played for an exercise class is probably subject to fee, music played for a CHURCH spiritual development program (yoga/meditation etc) is not. If a renter runs yoga classes with music, a fee is payable. Pretty confusing. Generally music played by renters (except schools) is subject to fee.

http://domino-11.prominic.com/A55971...1?openDocument

Edit: Also from the SOCAN link in my earlier post:

Q: We're a religious, educational, charitable or fraternal organization or institution. Do we need a SOCAN licence for the music we perform in public?
A: Under the Copyright Act, there are certain exemptions, but specific conditions must be met in order to qualify for the exemption. The exemptions are:
Religious - Music as part of worship or service
Educational - Forms part of the curriculum
Charitable -
o The organization is a charitable organization
o The performance at the event is done by the charitable organization itself (as opposed to independent contractor performers)
o The performance of music directly furthers a charitable object.