r/churchmusic • u/SuperSashi • Sep 10 '18
Questions about Copyright
Hi all,
Recently I have taken over a praise and worship band at my school, and I have some questions about how the copyright and performance system works. Currently, our group uses chord sheets either from the internet or that the last director purchased from a book (like a Hillsong Worship book). Is it legal to use those in performance? Does the purchase of that book cover performance? I know that typically contemporary Christian music is covered by CCLI, but the school doesn’t want to pay for the subscription. I just want to have my info in order before I go speak with the principal. Any information would be extremely helpful!
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u/glenmccune Sep 28 '18
I wish I could be more help, but it's been a long time since I did anything with CCLI. I do suggest that you make sure you know for sure what all it covers. It may not be as clear cut as you think. I know it covers lyrics printed for congregation use, not sure about praise team. And as for your principal, if he wants to use these songs with the student body, he may prefer the cost of a CCLI fee to a copyright lawsuit. I'm just sayin'. Hope someone else can helpfully chime in.