Laurie -

Seek out a copy of the book, "The Professional Amateur", by Toby Travis (the illusionist). In this book, he discusses copyrights, obtaining permission from ASCAP & BMI, etc.

- Donald

Thanks, Donald. I'll look for it. Even though I like to consider myself a professional professional.

Hi Laurie,

We're also based out of Ontario. Many of the venues that you might perform in will already have the right to play music through a SOCAN licence.

If they do not, you can obtain one through SOCAN at http://www.socan.ca/ Because you are not using music as your primary form of entertainment, you qualify for a much less expensive licence (about $40.00, as opposed to 3 or 4 hundred dollars plus a percentage of the door) which you purchase in advance of the show.

This can all be avoided if you switch to royalty free music. There are many CD's out there specifically recorded for the magician in mind. Some have full songs on them and others strictly sound effects of short play-ons etc... If you invest $100.00 in some of these CD's it can save you a lot in the long run. And, you'll be doing the right thing.

All the best and just ask if you have any more questions.

Rob

Interesting post, Rob. I wonder if BMI and ASCAP offer the same moderate use license? It appears tha more research is called for! Tally Ho!
Skip

You also can contact the artist directly and somtime they will give you permission to play their music. I did that for a piece of music I use in my snowstorm routine.

Thanks, Rob. I appreciate that. Great advice from everyone. Very helpful thread.