The most important points in 30 seconds
- 1 license = 1 person who sings or plays from the sheet music.
- You may print, copy and share the music with all licensed members.
- Rehearsals and performances are covered. Public performance rights remain separate.
- The license is valid indefinitely.
- With every license you directly support the people who wrote and prepared this music.
Why do you need a license for sheet music at all?
In most countries, sheet music may only be copied with the permission of the rights holder. This also applies to choirs, clubs and situations where no one is making money from it.
Your license is exactly this permission. You’re not only buying the notes – you’re also getting the assurance that you’re doing it right.
What about old music like Bach or Mozart?
The melody may be hundreds of years old. The arrangement in our shop, however, was written by a person living today, and this work is protected. That’s why you need a license here as well.
One license = one person
The price on the product page applies per person.
- Choir with 20 singers → 20 licenses
- Orchestra with 15 musicians → 15 licenses
Rule of thumb: Count everyone who sings or plays from the music, even if two people share a music stand.
The choir director or conductor needs their own license.
Why is there sometimes a minimum quantity?
Some editions, especially for choir and ensemble, are written for a group from the start. A lot of work goes into every part. The minimum quantity ensures that this work is worthwhile for the creators. The exact minimum number of licenses is always stated on the product page.
What you may do with the music
- Download the file and save it on up to two devices (e.g. laptop and tablet)
- Make one printout per license
- Rehearse, practise and teach
- Perform in concerts, church services, competitions or other events
- Share the music with all members for whom a license has been purchased
What we ask of you
- Do not pass the music on to people without a license. Every unlicensed copy is unpaid work.
- Do not put the music on the internet – not on a website, in open cloud folders or on social media.
- Do not resell it and do not publish it as your own edition.
The full rules can be found in our license terms.
Concerts and public performances
Two different things are involved here:
- Sheet music license (with us): the permission to use and reproduce the music.
- Public performance rights: the remuneration for the work being performed publicly. These are usually handled by collecting societies in your country.
Recordings, videos, YouTube or streaming are not covered by the sheet music license. Separate rights are required for these. Write to us – we’re happy to help.
Members come and go?
This is completely normal in an ensemble. If someone leaves the group and returns their music, the license can be transferred to a new member.
If the ensemble grows, you simply purchase the additional licenses.
Your proof of license
Your invoice is your proof of license. It shows which work you licensed, when and for how many people. Keep it carefully – for your organisation, for competitions or for any questions. You can always find it again in your customer account.
Where your money goes
With every license the people without whom these notes would not exist are paid: composers, arrangers, engravers and publishers.
For many of them this is an important part of their income. Your license helps ensure they can continue to write music for ensembles like yours. Thank you for that.
For composers, arrangers and publishers
Are you considering offering your works with Soundnotation? Your work is in good hands with us:
- Fair remuneration per person, not per ensemble. Every singer and every musician counts.
- Clear rules that we actively explain. Our customers know why licenses are important.
- Transparent accounting.
- Personal contacts who understand music and copyright.
Still have questions?
If you’re unsure which license you need or have a specific question about using the music, just get in touch.
– we usually reply within 2 working days.