Repertoire Use Policy

FAQs

In this section you will learn answers to some of the most frequently asked questions about the ethical and legal use of the songs of the Threshold Choir Repertoire.

To begin, the underlying principle is that art has value, and the artist should receive acknowledgement, and if applicable, compensation for their art. Our songwriters do not receive monetary compensation from the Threshold Choir for their gifts. Though Threshold Choir does not financially compensate its songwriters, it remains steadfast in its enduring commitment to value and protect its repertoire songwriters within the law. We do so through individual song licensing agreement and education of members and leaders throughout the organization. The Song Licensing Agreement articulates that any songwriter, when submitting a song to the TC Repertoire, understands that their song will be used by Threshold Choir with certain restrictions and expectations.

A Threshold Choir Repertoire song is art created and inspired by who we are, and what we do in service to our mission. The following questions reflect on the agreed upon use of this music, to which Threshold Choir has an enduring commitment to honor and protect.

What is a “Song Licensing Agreement” and why do we use it?

The “Song Licensing Agreement” (SLA) is a document that articulates the agreement between Threshold Choir and each songwriter. This document outlines the granting of permission by the songwriter for the Threshold Choir to hold a song in its official repertoire, and to grant use of the song to its membership in the act of being in service to the Mission of Threshold Choir: Singing for those at the thresholds of life. For example: in a rehearsal, in the hospice environment, at the bedside, for memorials, or for specific thresholds of life (major milestones or events like births, graduations, retirements, etc.)

1. When do I need to get permission from the songwriter to use a song in the TC Repertoire?

The Songwriters agree to allow Threshold Choir the use of their songs in service of its mission:  Singing for those at the thresholds of life. The typical services of a Threshold Choir chapter would be singing at the bedside, memorials, and community sings. If you intend to use the songs outside of these events, then one is expected to seek the permission of the songwriter. Songwriter contact information can be found on each TC repertoire song page in the upper right hand corner.

2. Under what conditions can I print, copy, and distribute music in the Threshold Choir Repertoire? 

Printing, copying and distribution of songs in the repertoire is authorized by the songwriter to active members of the Threshold Choir during rehearsals. If copies are provided to guests, they must be retrieved. Outside of rehearsals, or using as support while in service (i.e., at bedsides), the songwriter(s) must grant permission.

3. Under  what conditions should I NOT print, copy, or distribute TC Repertoire songs?

According to the Song Licensing Agreement, printing, copying and distribution should not be provided at events outside of rehearsals. Option:  Contact songwriter for permission.

4. Under what conditions can I audio or video record Threshold Choir Repertoire songs? 

Audio and video recordings can be created by individuals in learning of a song or part by TCI members for their personal use. Note: many vocal learning files can now be accessed by members in the TC repertoire on the Threshold Choir website.

5. Under what conditions can I NOT audio or video record Threshold Choir repertoire songs?

Audio or video recordings cannot be created for dissemination without the prior consent of the songwriter.

6. Can videos be  posted to personal social media accounts like YouTube, Facebook, “X” (formerly known as Twitter), and Threads?

Our agreement and commitment is to use music gifted to the Threshold Choir in service of its mission. The expression of this offering is often in intimate and the most sensitive of life situations, likely filled with deep emotion and loss. With compassion and care, we can ask, and should ask, that any recording of Threshold singing not be shared in the public domain such as Facebook or YouTube.

7. Are there recommendations for responding when we find ourselves being recorded at bedside?

Yes, and this is an area which may require some forethought. To the extent any of us can control others making recordings, it may be helpful to remember, again, that our commitment is to use music gifted to the Threshold Choir in service of its mission, which  also includes our commitment to the songwriters. In addition, our service often occurs in private, intimate and tender situations, which require our greatest sensitivity to everyone present.  

In this era of easy video and audio recording, it is not uncommon to see listeners recording us–even at bedsides—without asking our permission. Though it can be uncomfortable for us to ask, we can make a simple request that people not share any recording of Threshold Choir on social media. 

Thinking through what your response might be, should you find yourself in this situation, will help prevent you from being caught off guard. Odds are good that this situation will occur. 

Some options could include:

“We promise all of our songwriters that recordings of their songs will only be made and shared with their permission. Please help us keep that promise by not publicly sharing that recording.”

“Our songwriters grant us permission to sing their songs, but making and sharing recordings requires additional permission and approval. Please help us keep our promise to our songwriters by not publicly sharing a recording.”

8. What if someone at a bedside asks if they can make a recording to share with a family member who is unable to attend in person?

Though most of us, as singers, would be inclined to grant that request, it is with the caveat that we ask that it be kept to the private share. We must uphold the Song Licensing Agreement (SLA) by also stating that audio or video recordings cannot be created for dissemination without the prior consent of the songwriter. Should family members persist in their quest to share the recording with an absent loved one, we can also direct them to [email protected] and have them request and secure permission from the songwriter. In the end, we must do what we can to uphold our end of the agreement, whenever possible, and understand that some cases challenge us to hold the clear line. 

Recommendation:

With heartfelt consideration, we strongly suggest the following statement be read at rehearsals on an ongoing basis:

The songs sung at this rehearsal and at the bedside are protected by the Song Licensing Agreement between Threshold Choir and songwriters. It is restricted to the use of fulfilling our mission by our members. We encourage all members to be mindful and to honor this agreement when situations arise involving recording and distribution of songs.

9. What preferences might songwriters have relative to their songs being recorded and shared?

Having granted us the use of their songs via the Song Licensing Agreement, our songwriters know that we agree not to make or share recordings of their songs without their permission. Because songs are their artistic creations, they have the final say as to whether a particular rendition is suitable to put out into the world or not. Many of our songwriters request their songs be sung as closely as possible to the notation, while others allow some latitude. Either way, our commitment is to ask for permission from songwriters for any additional use of their songs.

10. What can be done to protect the art of songwriters and keep singers in compliance with the agreement?

The best way, for all of us, is to be aware of our responsibilities in the agreement with songwriters, and utilize songs accordingly. Beyond that, if we do what we can to limit ‘on the spot’ recordings, we reduce the risk of songs being ‘shared’ when sung in ways that do not reflect the way they were originally intended. Though it’s possible that a songwriter would agree to having a recording posted on some sort of social media, or shared publicly in some way, permission must be obtained prior to posting or sharing. It is not permissible to post first and ask later.

11. What can we do with our songs that is permitted, in general?

• SING! You can sing any song you know to anyone.
• You can make a recording for your personal use (for example, on your iPhone at rehearsal).
• You can teach a song orally (for example, from memory or from your copy of the notation).
• You can change the words of a song as you’re singing it (for example, at a bedside, changing “I” to “we”).
• You can perform a song anywhere with songwriter permission.