Sheet Music and Lyrics

In a lesson:

The Schools Printed Music Licence (SPML) permits the copying of entire works from UK printed music publications or 10% of anthology. The original copied from can be owned by the school, or any teacher or music hub/service engaged in school activities. Printed Music Licensing Limited (PMLL) offers the SPML to all schools within the UK. Schools in England, Scotland and Northern Ireland are covered through central deals with the respective governments. Independent schools and schools in Wales are licensed on a school by school or Local Authority basis. If you are unsure if your schools has a licence or need more information, please contact CEFM (Centre for Education and Finance Management).

It covers:

• The photocopying of printed music publications. Copies can also be made using score-writing software programs and notation by hand
• Arrangement of musical works
• The placing of copies on a VLE
• Individual or group tuition where that supports a student’s curricular studies

It DOES NOT cover:

• Copying of more than 10% of the items (pieces of music or songs) included in anthology or large vocal score (e.g. one out of 10 songs, rather than 10 pages from a 100 page anthology)
• Any works specifically excluded by the publisher – a list of any exclusions is available on the PMLL website page
• Private music lessons extra to a student’s curricular studies

For extra-curricular use e.g. performing at a school activity:
The Schools printed Music Licence permits the reproduction of printed music for school activities such as concerts, recitals and other performances.

• Copying of music for collective worship. Licences for this purpose can be obtained from the Christian Copyright Licensing International

Please remember that the licence requires you to include a small credit on all copies.

Schools Printed Music Licence