How to Obtain Photocopy Permission

Generally, when a piece of music goes out of print, permission can be obtained from the applicable publishers to make legal photocopies. Some publishers require an application in writing: some accept verbal requests. This process works only if you have access to an original. Sometimes a royalty fee is required; each piece of music will be different. The end result is that when you are done, you will have an official letter from the publisher authorizing your ownership of the photocopies (which we hope you keep on file where you store the music in question).

Facts you need before you start

All publishers will want the following information:

Your name

Your phone number / fax number

Your address

Your organization’s name (school, church, non-profit, community chorus)

Your organization’s phone number / fax number

Your organization’s address

The title of the music

The composer and arranger

The arrangement (what voicing or instrumentation)

The catalog number if known

How many copies you need, how many you already have

Why you need the copies (competition, concert, your chorus grew)

Some publishers will want:

A photocopy of the title page containing the copyright information at the bottom (make sure the copyright info is included – it’s what the publisher needs to track the rights)

Your deadline, if there is one

Who to Contact

Alfred Publishing / Boosey & Hawkes: Permissions Dept.; PO Box 10003, Van Nuys, CA 91410-0003; Must be in writing, must know how many you already own of title needed.

Concordia Publishing House: 800-325-0191; 314-268-1329; Can apply by phone

Walt Disney Publications: 818-567-5128

Carl Fischer: 212-777-0900 ext. 222 or ext. 225; www.carlfischer.com then find link to copyright or permissions information; Call and they will direct you according to the nature of the request.

Hope Publishing: 800-323-1049 ext. 15; Call and they will direct you according to the nature of the request.

Hal Leonard Publishing Corp Copyright Dept.: Fax 414-774-3259 or mail: PO Box 13819 Milwaukee, WI 53213; Must be in writing, must have title page information, include complete description of request. Processing time is 3 weeks unless deadline is specified.

Lorenz Corp.: 800-444-1144 ask for Copyright Dept.

Theodore Presser Co. Permissions Dept.: Email: permissions@presser.com; Fax 610-527-7841; or mail to: 588 N Gulph Rd. King of Prussia, PA 19406; Must be in writing.

Oxford University Press: Email: hillb@oup-usa.org; or mail to: Brian Hill Music Dept. – 4th Floor, 198 Madison Ave New York, New York 10016; Must be in writing.

G. Schirmer: 212-254-2100

Shawnee Press Permissions Dept.: Fax 570-476-5247; or mail to 49 Waring Dr. Delaware Water Gap, PA 18327; Must be in writing.

Warner Brothers Publications Copyright & Licensing: Attn. Juliette; Fax 305-625-3480; or mail to 15800 NW 48th Ave. Miami, FL 33014; Must be in writing.