How to obtain a music licence

To play recorded music in your yoga classes legally within the UK, you must obtain TheMusicLicence from PPL PRS Ltd. This single licence covers the royalties for both the performers and record companies (PPL) as well as the songwriters and composers (PRS for Music), ensuring you are fully compliant with the Copyright, Designs and Patents Act 1988.

Why do you need a licence?

Even if you are only teaching a small group in a community hall or a boutique studio, playing music is legally considered a "public performance." Your personal Spotify, Apple Music, or CD collection only covers private, domestic use. To use that music to enhance a commercial class, you need permission from the copyright holders, which is what TheMusicLicence provides.

Steps to obtain your licence

1. Identify your setup: Determine whether you will be playing music in a dedicated studio you own, or if you are a mobile instructor teaching in various venues. If you rent a space, check with the venue owner first; some community centres and gyms already hold a licence that covers all instructors, but many require you to have your own.
2. Visit the PPL PRS website: Go to the official PPL PRS website. They have simplified the process so you only have to deal with one organisation rather than two separate ones.
3. Select the correct category: Look for the "Fitness and Dance" or "Yoga and Pilates" section. The cost of the licence is usually calculated based on the type of activity and the size of your classes.
4. Get a quote: You will likely need to provide details such as the square footage of your teaching space or the number of classes you run per year. For yoga teachers, there are often specific tariffs designed for small-scale fitness instructors.
5. Complete the application and pay: Once you have your quote, you can pay online. You will then receive your certificate, which you should keep on file (and potentially display in your studio).

Cost considerations

The cost of TheMusicLicence varies depending on your specific business model. Factors that influence the price include:

• The number of classes held per week.
• The maximum capacity of your classes.
• Whether you play music in communal areas (like a reception or changing room) as well as during the class.

Top Tip: If you are just starting out and want to keep costs low, you could consider using "royalty-free" or "PPL PRS exempt" music. This is music created by artists who are not members of these collection societies, meaning you don't need a licence to play it. However, this will limit your choice of tracks significantly.

What about online classes?

If you are streaming your classes online (via Zoom or YouTube), TheMusicLicence for physical premises may not cover you. You may need additional digital rights or specific "Limited Online Exploitation Licences" (LOEL). Always double-check with PPL PRS if your business model includes a hybrid of in-person and digital sessions to ensure you are fully protected.