Here in New Zealand, permission need not be sought to sing others’ songs in a religious service, or to perform your own music.
Public performance of others' music either requires permission or is accounted for by the venue in which it is performed.
If you wish to hand out photocopies of copyrighted material to the public, you need permission from the copyright holders.
Should you be broadcasting recordings, fees are also due.
When collating a songbook, copyright must be considered. It is proper to include basic information about the source of the music: the writer, or ‘traditional’ or ‘source unknown'. Do make thorough efforts to find out first!
Last Updated: August 08, 2007