Because I’ve recently entered one of my pieces into a competition (whether or not it wins anything) I think it’s probably a good idea to clarify my thoughts on licensing.  Nothing I say here is intended to, or does, change the terms of the licenses I offer for my compositions, but hopefully this will make clear what my thought process is.  Because I’m much more interested in the spirit than the letter of my licenses, you can use this as an indicator of my mindset.  Of course, if you have any questions, contact me.

I have mixed, bittersweet, or occasionally fond memories of my time in a “high school-ish” band when I was a teenager, and also of my time as a music major in college.  These memories were recently somewhat rekindled by watching an anime called “Sound! Euphonium”, which follows a high school student in Japan, Oomae Kumiko, as she discovers her love for high school band in general, and specifically, Euphonium.  I mention this because this directly led to my taking up composition, and I never (and I mean this literally, I never) would have taken up composition without it.  So I owe a huge debt to high school band for even getting me started on this road.

So because of that, my heart is very much towards the education side of things, and I would never take money for any use that would aid in the education of children or teenagers (even, in some cases, college students).  By which I mean, school performances (even if there were a nominal cover charge), local, regional, or national compositions (even if there were a cover charge), church, or any such use.  I really do feel strongly about that.  In that context, I really feel it’s much more useful to have my music played, used, and enjoyed, than for me to make any kind of profit off of it.  Even in these contexts, if it’s solely being used to make money, that is a violation of the license under which I offer these pieces, but I think that kind of use would be rare.  I do ask for credit, but I think that’s fair.

Where I would start to get a little tetchy is, in concerts by established, professional orchestras (such as symphony orchestras), particularly ones with a budget sufficient to afford licensing my pieces.  In that situation, there is no excuse for violation, and I will take action.  For smaller orchestras, such as community orchestras, etc., that still holds, but as I truly am not in it for the money, my license fees are affordable in those contexts.  I am, as I’ve said, far more interested in having my pieces performed than getting rich off them (which will not happen).

My position, TL;DR, is:  If you are using my pieces for the love of music or education, I’m good with it.  If you’re making money, I want a cut.  In all cases, provide credit, but that’s a given.

I think that’s only fair.

You can absolutely feel free to contact me for clarification, I am more than willing to discuss your individual case.