Posted by Alex C on March 11, 2000 at 23:39:10:
In Reply to: Performance Royalties posted by doubler on March 10, 2000 at 13:05:55:
I've had quite a bit of experience with copyrights.
Generally:
If you intend to make a recording, you must get the copyright holder's permission to record the music before you make copies. You will have to pay a fee (standard) before you make any copies.
It is completely your responsibility to get their permission and pay the fee. Sometimes the copyright holder will not respond, this is not to be interpeted as tacit permission.
There are some exceptions for "educational" uses, and it is a very gray area. A church (as a non-profit institution) does not get any special breaks.
I agree that the creator of the music should be paid for commercial (private or business) uses of his work. If you are going to make a lot of recordings you probably need a copyright attorney.
Think of the bright side of screwing up, if you don't have a lot of money, they can't sue you for very much.