PPL and PRS have said they won't be looking for schools involved in the previously reported National Music Week programme to pay for public performance licenses.
Because parts of the BPI organised education programme technically falls outside the music curriculum (where schools are exempt from paying performing rights royalties) those schools which do not currently hold PPL or PRS licences would technically have needed to get one in order to participate in all aspects of the NMW event. But PPL and PRS have confirmed they won't be requiring participating schools to do so, which is very nice of them, even though, given that a key part of NMW is about educating kids as to why they shouldn't violate music copyrights, what the collection body's are basically saying to the country's schools is "we won't charge you for helping us protect our own interests", which is sensible though hardly all that generous.
Anyway, welcoming that decision, BPI top bloke Peter Jamieson told reporters: "National Music Week is a major initiative that aims to create another landmark event alongside the BRITs and the Mercury Prize. Not only will it provide an ongoing platform for innovative and exciting music education, but it's a huge opportunity for the industry to profile the best in breaking British talent. We are delighted that both PPL and the PRS have rallied behind the cause."
PPL Chairman Fran Nevrkla added: "PPL are very pleased to support National Music Week and believe that it is a great opportunity to teach young people about the importance of music as part of the creative economy."
While PRS Chairman, Ellis Rich, said: ''Almost all schools in the UK already hold a PRS licence and all extra-curricular use of music during National Music Week will be covered by that licence. However, those without a licence will not be asked to get one for National Music Week. We want the week to be really special and hope that it will teach young people about the value of copyright, encourage them to create and perform and hopefully, earn from their creations in the future."