Performance Licensing for Your Easter Programs

March 29, 2023

We are only two weeks from what is often considered the most important Christian holy day. Typically known for events, programs, and activities, Easter can be one of the most challenging and exhausting times for music ministers and creative art directors. 

From Palm Sunday activities and Easter egg hunts to special evenings of worship and reflection, all events focus on celebrating the transformational message of the season. 

While celebrations may vary, the one thing most have in common is music! Still, it may be easy to forget to address copyright clearances.

The U.S. Copyright Law does provide the Religious Service Exemption (RSE) in Section 110(3). So the music played in the course of your religious services is exempt from copyright responsibilities. However, a church has the same licensing requirements as any business for music played or performed outside religious services.

The beauty of a blanket license is that once it is done, you and your teams can be as creative as you want. So yes, maintaining performance licenses gives your team creative freedom and the copyright coverage to play and perform millions of songs in church facilities and on the church-owned website. 

Performance Licensing Made Simple 

The CCS PERFORMmusic Onsite Facilities Music License, allows churches and non-profit ministries to legally play or perform more than 28 million songs throughout the church facilities and satellite campuses. Music from ASCAP, BMI, and SESAC for non-exempt activities such as Easter special programs, concerts, and other spring social events. 

If you want to stream your programming on your church-owned website, the WORSHIPcast Online Streaming Music License, allows you to stream worship services, special events, and guest performances of these same 28 million songs, including secular holiday music, on your website. This license does NOT cover the streaming of commercial pre-recorded music. 

If you have questions about what type of licensing your church needs, call 855-576-5837 or e-mail support@copyrightsolutions. 

About Christian Copyright Solutions: CCS’s quest is to help churches and Christian ministries “do music right.”  CCS is an expert on church music copyrights and our primary focus is providing licensing and clear educational resources to churches. Follow us on Facebook, Instagram, and Youtube. The information contained herein is for informational purposes only and is not legal advice or a substitute for legal counsel. 

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