At Your Service: Performance rights question and updates
Question: I perform music at area nursing homes and churches as a volunteer. I was recently asked if I had performance rights for the songs I do. Do I need to have performance rights to sing as a volunteer?
Answer: Technically, the answer is yes, but it’s not your responsibility. Facilities hosting events, such as concerts are required to obtain performance rights that covers anyone performing in their venue. This would apply to the nursing homes where you perform, but most likely not to the churches. Churches are exempt from the performance rights requirements, although, again, technically the exemption is limited to music performed as part of a worship service. In practical terms I wouldn’t be too concerned about obtaining performance rights for songs you sing in area nursing homes. There’s just not enough money involved to make it worthwhile for record companies and other copyright holders to go after a nursing home volunteer performer. In addition, I think you could make the case that a nursing home program isn’t a public performance since the general public isn’t invited to attend the program.
An AYS reader responded to my last column regarding outdoor furnaces. They pointed out that burning wood in an outdoor furnace is a massive amount of work that must be done in all weather conditions. An outdoor furnace has to be tended to 1-3 times per day. Heating an entire house also requires a massive amount of wood that must be cut, split, stacked and dried in some type of shelter. They also pointed out that you may have no trouble doing this in your 30’s, but things may look very different as you get older.
I also want to let my readers know that a handyman responded to my request for folks who would be willing to do small jobs for older individuals and others who may need help around the house. The gentleman’s name is Cole Butler and his phone number is 814-521-6255. I haven’t personally met Cole, but I plan to try him out for some odd jobs at my house. Please be aware that at the moment I’m providing information, not a recommendation. If you give Cole a try, please write and let me know how it went. Hopefully, he’ll earn an “AYS” seal of approval!
Our thanks to the reader who asked this question. Here’s where to send your comments or inquiries: At Your Service, Rob Stemple, Daily American newsroom, P.O. Box 638, Somerset, PA 15501 or email robstemple@comcast.net
Rob Stemple resides in Shanksville with his wife, Wendy. Although things are starting to open up, Rob can no longer provide music at the many area nursing homes and other facilities where he formerly performed. He’s turned to CD’s and the internet to get his music out into the world. Check out his music videos on the “Robin Stemple” channel on YouTube. Rob also has 7 CD's of instrumental hymns available, with Hymns 8 in production. CD’s are all available at no cost. Call 814-233-8826 or send an email to robstemple@comcast.net for additional information.
This article originally appeared on The Daily American: Rob Stemple column about performance rights
