Permissions and Licensing

Quick Links: Online video/audio license | Rental part set request | Mechanical license request

License to Record and Share Performances Online

Before posting video recordings of ACA music on the internet, please be sure you have cleared the rights to post recordings online from any and all possible rights holders, including ACA, the composer, and any text or poetry authors or their publishers.

Use this web form to request licensing permission from ACA for online video or audio.

Opera, Dramatic, and/or Theatrical Performances

Please purchase or rent the necessary sheet music needed for performance. 

The producing organization should request a public performance licensing fee for the use of dramatic (operatic, dance, theatrical) works for concerts, audio or video recordings, webcasts or broadcasts, and for any synchronization of ACA music with film and other media for artistic or commercial purposes.

These performance fees can be determined at the time the rental/sale application is received, and is subject to be revised upon subsequent developments occurring with the use of the music after the initial rental/sale agreement has been completed.

Performing Artists - Be sure to credit the composer, librettist or poet if any, the correct title of the work, and also credit the publisher American Composers Alliance, Inc. in your programs and listings.

Anthology works - Each individual work contained within an anthology or compilation carries its own copyright. The compiler is responsible for obtaining permission to use copyrighted material in a compilation.

Orchestral and Large Ensemble Works, Choral Works, and Opera

ACA may offer a rental set or a permanent loan set of parts on request.

Use this web form to request a rental set or permanent loan from ACA.

A rental and/or sales price quote will be sent to you.

Payment is expected within 30 days from the request. For new customers, payment may be requested in advance of shipping material.

Presenting organizations should be licensed by BMI and ASCAP to perform living composers' works. This does not apply to dramatic opera performances, ballet or dance concerts, liturgical services, or high schools. Most colleges and universities have a blanket license covering performances by students and faculty.

Mechanical Rights (CD or digitally-distributed recordings)

For imprints of American Composers Alliance; American Composers Edition; Composers Facsimile Edition, or American Concert Editions: To check the current legal status of a work you want to record, please start the process by searching the catalog databases  BMI.com/search, OR ascap.com/repertory

Information found on older score copies or found through internet searches may not be the current data you need to locate the proper rights holders for permissions. Rights can change hands over time.

To record an ACA work, please obtain a mechanical license from the Harry Fox Agency, or the MLC.

If you would like ACA to license your recording directly, send us the information requested below and ACA will respond with a mechanical license agreement. Rates are set by law.

Use this web form to request mechanical licensing permission from ACA.

• Production company, or person responsible for the project -  complete contact information
• Name of the record label that will be recording and/or distributing the work
• Composer of work
• Title of work
• Duration, complete timing of your recording, or approximate, if the recording has not yet been completed/edited
• Artists performing
• Album title
• Planned release date
• Number of units in first pressing, if any
• Will this be made available for digital download online or streaming audio?  On which websites or apps?
• Who (all) will be collecting and receiving payments from customers who purchase downloads and/or physical CDs?
• Who will own the copyright to this sound recording, select: 
  Composer retains      Performer      Recording Label

Note:  Companies that distribute recordings for you need to be notified that the ACA tracks they release for you are already published.  "Pro" level services by companies like CD Baby cannot be used to release ACA music.

Films and other visual media

Contact ACA for the relevant sync license to include ACA music in your project. You may also need permission from the record label and the artists who perform on a recording.

Reprints and Resales

Aca-published musc in anthologies or collections, in original or new editions: Permission must be granted in writing by ACA for these uses.

Resellers and wholesalers may purchase scores from ACA at a discount rate for re-sale or library service distribution. Contact ACA for dealer discount information. PDF sales are available direct to educational institutions.