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PRS consultation The live classical tariff

The Performing Rights Society (PRS) collects royalties for live performances of music in copyright. There are currently two rates, for popular (LP) and classical (LC) music. This separation was reluctantly accepted in 2003 by a classical music industry financially unable to further contest PRS’ proposals in the Copyright Tribunal. At the time, LP was set at 3% and LC was at 4.8%.

Even then, this must have seemed nonsensical, with popular music flourishing and classical music struggling for audiences. Since 2003, classical music does not appear to have gained in popularity, and continues to survive, rather than thrive. Yet PRS has now put forward proposals which seek to increase the live classical tariff by 50% over 3 years - or more, in fact, as they seek to widen the income base for the fee calculation.

The same rate is proposed for large commercially run organisations as for unfunded amateur groups and small charity promoters (e.g. Making Music members) who rarely break even on concerts which are essentially subsidised by their members.

Furthermore, the nature of music and Making Music members have changed since 2003. Genres are increasingly hard to define, and almost all groups perform a mixed repertoire regularly or occasionally. Two different tariffs create bewilderment and add complexity.

The consultation on PRS’ proposals, to which many Making Music members have responded, has just closed after being extended twice. Making Music made a submission on behalf of members and is also part of the collective voice of the sector in dialogue with PRS. Register for updates: makingmusic.org.uk/signup

YOUNG AND OLD Engaging with the next generation of singers, musicians and promoters is important to Making Music members, passionate as they are about the joys and benefits of leisure-time music in the community, and encouraging young people to continue with music after they leave school and home.

Partnering with music education hubs (England) and music services (Wales and Scotland) is something many groups are interested in. At the 2019 conference held by Music Mark (membership body for hubs/ services), Xenia Davis, Making Music Youth Engagement Manager, hosted a panel including Making Music members Djanogly Community Orchestra, Music in the Round, Classical Sheffield and Bradfield Festival of Music, showcasing successful partnerships.

It is hoped these will have inspired the audience of music educators to contact their local music groups. View case studies of some of these intiatives at makingmusic.org.uk/

resource/music-education-hubs

Did you know?

Taking up a hobby such as joining a music group makes adults three times more likely to recover from depression

TALKING MUSIC EDUCATION Music education doesn’t stop at 18, and those of us in leisure-time groups are likely to be continuously adding to our knowledge and proficiency as we play, sing or present music.

Hosting a half day on adult music learning, with input from Making Music members Cobweb Orchestra and Hertfordshire Chorus among others, created a lot of positive energy around wanting to remove barriers for adults to engage in music. The report on the day is now available and will be followed up by a focus group with key figures from the industry to produce recommendations, which Making Music will then work on disseminating and implementing. Find the report at: makingmusic.org.

uk/adultlearning