A Simple Copyright and Licensing Guide for Performing Arts Organizations

At Good Sound LLC, we specialize in professionally streaming and recording your live performances. While we handle all the technical details, it’s important for your organization to ensure that you have the proper rights to stream the music or show you’re presenting.

Thankfully, if you’re already getting the rights to perform a work publicly, you’re halfway there—adding a livestream is often just one or two extra steps.

Here’s what you need to know:

What You’re Probably Already Doing:

~If you’re performing music or a musical, chances are you already have a performance license. Most schools, universities, and nonprofitensembles are covered by blanket licenses through organizations like:

• ASCAP • BMI • SESAC

~These allow you to perform copyrighted music live, in-person, for an audience.

What’s Needed for Streaming:

~Live streaming your event—whether on YouTube, a private link, or any online platform—may require additional rights depending on what you’re performing.

~For Concerts & Instrumental Performances:

• You may need to request streaming rights from the publisher or rights holder (such as Hal Leonard, Alfred, or the composer directly).

• Many publishers now offer simple, affordable streaming add-ons—especially for schools
or nonprofits.

~For Musicals and Stage Works:

• If you’re licensing a musical through an agency like:

• MTI • Concord Theatricals

• You can usually add a streaming license to your existing agreement when you apply.

• If you’re unsure, just contact them—most are happy to help.

What You’ll Need to Do:

1. Check your current performance license. If you don’t already have one, your licensing agency or school’s
music office can help.

2. Ask about streaming add-ons. Many agencies make it as simple as checking a box or paying a small extra fee.

3. Keep a copy of any permissions or correspondence. We don’t need them, but it protects you in case of questions down the road.

How We Can Help

At Good Sound, we do not secure licenses for you—but we’re happy to guide you through the process or help you contact the right publisher. If you’d like us to assist more directly, we also offer consultation and license support for an additional fee.

Let’s make your performance shine: legally, clearly, and beautifully. Bring the Stage Anywhere.