PopUK offers songs for free because the Department of Education pays the cost of the CCLI licence (for songs used in assemblies) and the PMLL licence (printing, photocopying and digitally displaying music scores) for all state schools in England.
This free access relies on schools regularly reporting their use of the songs. Reporting is straight forward, and the link to the guide is in the header menu after signing up.
For performance of any music in concerts, i.e. to parents or your school community, teachers report using the school’s PRS and PPL licences (these are not covered by the Department of Education and must be purchased by each school). All other schools in the UK and abroad need to ensure these licenses are covered by your school.
These licenses enable songwriters to receive remuneration for songs used within assemblies, collective worship, and performances.
Read more at:
- How does CCLI work with schools? (for all music used in assemblies)
- How does PMLL work with schools? (for all sheet music used in lessons or rehearsals)
- How does Education Music Licence work with schools? (this provides PRS and PPL licences for all music played outside lessons and assemblies, for concerts and for extra curricular groups)
If you have any questions, do not hesitate to get in touch.
