About PPL - Phonographic Performance Limited

Over the years there has been much confusion about the licensing expectations of an aerobics/group exercise instructor. Here Solid Sound explains all...

The fact of the matter is if you teach group exercise to music then it is a legal requirement that you have a PPL licence. Irrespective of what discipline you teach or how many classes per week you teach it is your responsibility to make sure you are covered. If you aren’t covered then the courts can issue an order to stop you playing music altogether as well as making you pay damages of up to thousands of pounds. And be aware PPL do check and are prepared to enforce this on any instructor found to be in breach of this law.

PPL is a music industry organisation which collects and distributes airplay and performance royalties in the UK on behalf of record companies and performers. It exists to protect the rights of musicians and ensure they get paid for the music they have created. All licence fees are distributed to the owner of the sound recording copyright as well as the performers. Don’t get caught out!

If you are teaching in a venue that has a license this does not mean you are covered. The venue may have bought a corporate membership from a music provider and listed you as a named instructor but this means they will have bought a ppl for you on your behalf. If you are unsure, ask your fitness manager!

If you have a PPL as part of a music subscription (ie. Solid Sound) it does not entitle you to use music from another music service.

If you buy a PPL licence directly from PPL it only legally allows you to play music in it’s
original format.

You are not permitted to change the format of music. For example, it is illegal to download music onto an ipod or MP3 and use it to teach to.

There are only 3 companies that legally hold a dubbing licence in the UK, they are Pure Energy, Solid Sound and FP music (FitPro).

Briefly . . . What is PPL?
Phonographic Performance Limited (PPL) is a non-profit-making organisation which was set up by the record industry to grant licences for the broadcasting or playing of sound recordings such as CDs, tapes and records in public. A PPL licence is required by anyone who plays a sound recording in public.

A little history of PPL
In 1934, Phonographic Performance Limited (PPL) was set up by the record industry as a non-profit-making organisation to grant licences for the broadcasting or playing of sound recordings such as CDs, tapes and records in public. PPL controls the copyright in the public performance and broadcast of sound recordings on behalf of record companies and artists. Its membership includes most of the well-known recording companies including most British, American, European and foreign recordings. The fees generated are then distributed to the record companies, artists and musicians who were responsible for recording the music. There are also collectable fees used to pay authors and composers of music, which are collected by the Performing Rights Society (PRS). Venues are normally responsible for those fees and most instructors will not come into contact with PRS fees.

Who needs a PPL licence?
A PPL licence is required by anyone who plays a sound recording in public. This represents any situation other than that of a family or domestic gathering.

What if I have a PPL licence already?
Your existing licence will only allow you to play shop bought music (if your licence was purchased directly from PPL) or music produced by your PPL approved supplier.

Are there any restrictions?
You are only permitted to play music under the specified terms and conditions of your PPL licence supplier.

Dubbing (copying) music from its original format on to cassette, CD, mp3 or mini disc for public performance is strictly prohibited.

What are the consequences of not having a PPL licence?
PPL agents are known to 'mystery shop' centres and classes checking up on unlicensed instructors. If caught without a licence you stand to be fined heavily and worse case scenario is that you could even face imprisonment.

What is the difference between a standard PPL licence and an Solid Sound UK Music licence?
A standard PPL licence covers shop bought music whereas an Solid Sound Music licence covers specially compiled fitness compilations mixed by our team of music professionals.

What are the benefits of getting a PPL licence with Solid Sound?
Unlike 'shop bought' music, the music produced by Solid Sound is mixed into 32 count cycles. All the CDs produced are readymade at relevant speeds and jeanre . The music is continuous, it eliminates the instructor from having to find music, and having to change Cd after every track making your class a stress free and enjoyable experience

What is the difference between a standard PPL licence and a Solid Sound UK Music Licence?
A standard PPL licence covers shop bought music and the Solid Sound Licence covers the specially prepared compilations from Solid Sound.

How much does a PPL licence cost?
Prices vary as there are a multitude of PPL licence tariffs which reflect the many ways in which music can be used, from background music in a leisure centre or pub to telephone on-hold music. For information on obtaining a Solid Sound Music PPL licence please call 01268 548899.