Posted by Here's the skinny... on August 11, 2003 at 07:44:25:
In Reply to: Re: Re: Re: Re: Tuba Compilation posted by Just wondering.... on August 10, 2003 at 22:16:19:
If you play copyrighted music at a gig or recital, it's ok. You've purchased the music for that purpose. However, if you went to a studio and recorded it, then you've got fees to pay to ASCAP or BMI. Arranging is a whole other story. It can be a real pain in the (AT)ss. You first have to get permission from the publisher to arrange the piece. There is a form to fill out, and, if the publisher allows you to arrange it, you will have to pay a fee. Rarely do you ever not pay some sort of fee. Once the arrangement is done, you have to send the copy to the publisher for their approval. If you get approval, then you're good to go. If not, then they keep all copies of your arrangement. Most will have an agreement that if you publish/sell the arrangement, they have exclusive rights to it. Each publisher does things slightly different, but these are the general guidelines. The whole process sucks, but it's for the protection of the authors. If you are a great arranger, then it shouldn't hold you back. You can still make some money if that's your goal. I imagine that's why there aren't more arrangers out there being published. It's not always a lot easier just following the rules, but it's best. If you were to write an original composition, you wouldn't want every Tom Dick and Harry ripping you off. CopyRIGHT not WRONG. Of course if the piece you want to arrange is public domain, you can arrange to your heart's content. Control doesn't extend much past these scenarios. When you're walking down the street whistle Beethoven and Bartok, it's ok. Sing Led Zepplin and George Strait, it's ok. Fart the Hindemith and the Hartley unaccompanied if you want, it's ok, although you might want to try the latter when you're not around other people. Duck into an alley or something...
Doc