A music licence is permission to use someone else’s music legally. It makes sure that the artist, songwriter, and producers get paid for their work.
If you play, record, perform, or use someone else's music in a project, you might need a licence.
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APRA AMCOS – Issues licences for the composition (the song itself – music and lyrics). Get a licence here if you perform or play songs in public.
PPCA – Issues licences for the recording.
OneMusic Australia – A joint service from APRA AMCOS and PPCA that makes it easier to get the right licence for public music use.
Permission means getting the OK from a music creator (like a songwriter, artist, or producer) to use their music. It’s like asking, “Hey, can I use your song?”
But just asking isn’t always enough—you might still need a licence to make it legal!
Most Australian schools already have a licence through APRA AMCOS, PPCA, and OneMusic Australia.
This usually covers:
- Playing music in school concerts and events
- Performing cover songs at school
- Sharing recordings of school events online
BUT this licence does not always cover you posting performances online (like YouTube or social media). If you want to share music outside of school, check with your teacher or APRA AMCOS first!
No, you don’t need to ask permission for each song—but the venue does need a licence!
Most pubs, bars, and live music venues in Australia have a licence from OneMusic Australia that covers live performances, including cover songs. This means you can perform without getting individual permission from each songwriter.
However:
If you record or film your cover and post it online, you may need a separate licence.
Not all music licences cost money or come from APRA AMCOS or PPCA.
Some creators use Creative Commons (CC) licences to share their music for free – but with rules.
A CC licence might say:
- Credit me – you must name the creator.
- No changes – you can’t remix or edit it.
- Non-commercial only – you can’t make money from it.
It’s still under copyright, but you don’t need to ask for permission if you follow the licence rules.
You need a licence if you:
- Play music in public (like at a gig, café, or school event)
- Perform a cover of a song
- Use music in a video, film, or online project
- Record and release a cover song
- Play recorded music (like Spotify, CDs, or radio) in a business
